Touching Heaven

"Every human is guaranteed a forever; it's just a matter of where "forever" will be spent."

Scripture says, "People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27-28). The ungodly, the rebellious "will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life" (Matthew 25:46 NASB).

"There are no ordinary people," C.S. Lewis reminded us; everyone we see, meet or know is an immortal being, destined to live our eternity in Satan's realm or God's." I've heard Reinhard Bonnke say, "The border to eternity runs parallel to this life and is just one step away. It may be crossed over any time by anybody." The question is" What are we going to do with that? We have a choice to make.

"Depending on which side of eternity's question you take, death is either dreadful or desirable; the greatest loss or the consummate gain. Charles Spurgeon preached, "Death to the wicked is the King of terrors. Death to the saint is the end of terrors, the commencement of glory." No one can anticipate advantage, benefit, profit in death - except for the Christian. If we don't live for Christ, dying means hell."(pg 110).

In his latest book, Touching Heaven: A Cardiologist's Encounters with Death and Living Proof of an Afterlife, Dr. Chauncey Crandall shares his many years of witnessing healing, loss of life including his own teenage son, and resurrections of many of his patients that he now prays for all of his patients as part of his practice and God has come through and shown him so much, he can no longer deny that God is real, and heaven is an eternal realm that goes beyond our senses. He has observed that when people are dying, they either register frightful reactions, including shock, torment or despair...or they reveal peaceful reactions such as calm and restfulness. There is almost never a middle ground - it is one extreme or the other, regardless of their symptoms or medication. He shares some of these first hand accounts that help him confirm that heaven does exist for those who believe in Jesus and hell awaits those who don't.

I received Touching Heaven by Dr. Chauncey Crandall compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the book, in exchange for my fair and unbiased personal opinion. What I love are the stories of what he experienced as well as those of his patients, all coupled around what the Bible says about heaven, God and what believers can experience in their faith through Christ. There are scriptures referenced throughout to back up the claims of what he or his patients observed as well as Bible verses to conclude each chapter. I have no doubt that what he has seen and witness is true and look forward to the day when I too, step into my eternal life in heaven one day. This is a true testimony of the power of faith and what a life with Jesus awaits those who breathe our life. It also gives hope to those dealing with their own grief and loss until we are reunited one day in our eternal home. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Touching Heaven, Dr. Chauncey Crandall or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Touching Heaven: A Cardiologist's Encounters with Death and Living Proof of an Afterlife by Dr. Chauncey Crandall

You can find Dr. Chauncey Crandall on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest books.

To read more reviews on Touching Heaven, please visit Hachette Book Group's website.

I Punched Myself in the Eye

I guess when we look back at certain times of our lives, we can find humor in almost everything. Most people would laugh at things once we have walked through them and show us that joy is prevalent, we just missed it. I believe God shows us things that we often miss because we are so caught up in our own problems, but Pamela Capone has captured some of these in her book, I Punched Myself In the Eye. It is filled with random things that have happened in her life, some laced with humor, things to make you smile and some to make you realize that it doesn't always have to be right in the world to appreciate the small miracles that a smile can bring.

Pam has classified these random stories as messays, a combination of messes and essays designed to get you to see self-sabotage, imperfections and amazing grace sprinkled throughout our messy lives. There are so many different stories, 67 in fact, that one is guaranteed to make you smile if not laugh out loud or LOL as my teens would say.  Take a look at these titles, The Sale Starts at NO, Gummy Worms, Pam on the Lam, Garage Key, Lab Work, Little Miss Understood, the Dash, Take the Cannoli, The Mermaid Tale or REI. You can read them in any order but you can always find some common ground in them.

As Pam quotes about this book, "This is a collection of non-linear essays, which means you are free to move about the cabin. Some friends and family were mentioned by name. I love an awful lot of people who were not mentioned, but that's no barometer of my love for them or their value in my life. The story lands where the story lands. I'm just the catcher."

I received I Punched Myself in the Eye by Pamela Capone compliments of Pamela Capone for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my fair and unbiased opinions. For me this is a great book to read when you are feeling low, because it reminds us that we take this life to serious at times. None of us are getting out of it alive! So we should attempt to find the joy and laughter in it whenever we can. It may not be our own situation but there is a saying that laughter is the best medicine. I would advise that you take one a day. For me my favorite is The Nerve, a time when Pam had to deal with a pinched nerve and had to deal with some of the neighborhood boys when she could barely move. For me this one rated a 4 out of 5 stars!

For more information about I Punched Myself in the Eye, Pamela Capone, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

I Punched Myself in the Eye by Pamela Capone

You can find Pamela Capone on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest stories.

Where Two Hearts Meet

You know when a novel is going to be exceptional when you don't notice the time, or have many pages you have already read. That is the case with Liz Johnson and her Prince Edward Island Dreams series. After thoroughly enjoying the first, The Red Door Inn, she introduces us to Caden Holt, a young woman struggling with self worth issues as a chef at the Bed and Breakfast now in Where Two Hearts Meet. Caden overhears a conversation with the Inn's owners. the Sloans, that unless they can fill the Inn during the next couple of months, they will be forced to sell it. That means that Caden will be out of a job no matter how much guests love her sumptuous breakfast treats.

Marie Sloan, learns that her Inn is about to be one of a handful to be featured in a magazine and if her Inn is selected, it will be just what they need to keep it open. All she knows from her sources is that the mystery guest will be staying for 2 months and they will not disclose their intention for the visit. When Adam Jacobs shows up a day earlier for his two month stay at the Inn, Caden learns that he is a reporter on a sabbatical leave. Or is he? Could he be the mystery guest they Marie is hoping has come to review her Inn?

All she knows is that she must convince Caden to spend some time with him and ensure that every single night of the remainder of his stay is beyond his wildest expectations. They only hope he might be willing to overlook his first night at the Inn where they were completely sold out and the only other place they could offer him to sleep was the "Taco Bed" over sleeping on the beach. Adam knows if he doesn't find the story his editor is asking for, he will be out of a job. He made a promise to fulfill his contract and now he has been struggling to find the headline they are hoping for to fill the front page. The funny thing is with the way Caden and Marie are acting, Adam believes they are trying to hide a secret that just might be the lead he is looking for. The tables are about to be turned in more ways than one.

I received Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson compliments of Revell Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a copy of the novel in exchange for my unbiased and personal opinion. There is something I absolutely LOVE about Liz Johnson's novels. They are so filled with interest, you don't realize how far you have gotten in the novel in such a short amount of time and you don't want to put it down. I love the chemistry that begins with Adam and Caden. They are both working through self worth issues of their own, while trying to answer to someone they work for. Neither one realizes that for quite some time which makes the tension between them interesting. I love that both suspect one another of being someone they aren't but that is where the story really engages the reader, because you want to know how it will all turn out. This one rates a 4.5 out of 5 in my opinion and I can't wait for more from Liz in the near future. For now, she remains on my "must read" list.

For more information about Where Two Hearts Meet, Liz Johnson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson

You can find Liz Johnson on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Where Two Hearts Meet, please visit Revell Publisher's website. 

A Very Blessed Christmas Coloring Book

Coloring books are just about everywhere and there is almost a book out there for everyone. From jungles, birds, butterflied and everything in between. However now we are getting into the Christmas season and I found the perfect Christmas coloring book that incorporates the real reason for the season and that is the birth of Christ. A Very Blessed Christmas Coloring Book by Robin Mead, gives you everything you could imagine for the Christmas season along with some inspirational Bible scriptures that define the purpose of the Christmas holiday.

From a page highlighting all the names of Christ, to Christmas trees, candy canes, the nativity, angels family gatherings, doves, fireplaces, candles, decorated doors, snowy landscapes, hot cocoa, carolers, snowflakes, choirs, and the cross, this is a must have for everyone who loves to color. Christmas is such a wonderful season, a time for families to gather to celebrate the birth of Christ, surrounded by a festive tree and this would make for a great gift or project for the entire family to enjoy.

There is even a section for Christmas craft cutouts for you to color and turn into ornaments, book marks, or perhaps a unique gift tag for that special gift all hand colored by you or your family. I absolutely love that there is something for everyone. You think of something at Christmas and this coloring book has been designed to address your favorite things. From reindeer to Christmas bells, from stockings to Christmas presents, animals and people, snowmen and snowflakes, there is something for everyone to color. You can even share your unique creations and artwork at #AVeryBlessedChristmas and find some inspiration and the joy of sharing your artwork with the world. I thought I would share my creation with you.

I received A Very Blessed Christmas Coloring Book by Robin Mead compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside for a free copy of the book, in exchange for my unbiased and personal opinion. I can't wait to incorporate this as a new family tradition this Christmas. Who said coloring books and coloring is for kids only! I absolutely enjoy doing this while waiting to pick up the kids from school or while waiting for laundry to dry. There are over 85 different illustrations to color and relax while creating something beautiful and one of a kind. The paper is really thick but when I used the Bic markers, it did bleed through. So you might want to limit this to coloring pencils, crayons or even gel pens instead. For me, this one rated a 5 out of 5 stars. I am still waiting for more intense poster sized creations like the old "Doodle Arts!"

For more information about A Very Blessed Christmas Coloring Book, Robin Mead or where you can pick up a copy of this coloring book today, please click on the links below:

A Very Blessed Christmas Coloring Book by Robin Mead

You can find Robin Mead at Robin Mead Designs on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest creations.

For more reviews on A Very Blessed Christmas Coloring Book, please visit Faith Word's website. 

Finding Father Christmas/Engaging Father Christmas

I am so delighted when an exceptional novel gets to be made into a movie, and that is just what is happening to Robin Jones Gunn's novels Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas. In fact since the movie is due out in December on the Hallmark Channel, the novels have been combined to allow the reader to discover how it all turns out in one spectacular seamless story line just as the movie will do. So if you are looking for a wonderful contemporary Christmas romance, trust me and pick this one up.

In Finding Father Christmas, Miranda Carson's been searching for her biological father based only on a handful of clues her mother left behind as an actress. She apparently had a brief love affair with a man who she refused to divulged to Miranda and only upon her death did she uncover a faded old black and white photo of a child in the lap of Father Christmas and an old playbill of her mother's with an apparent reference to who might be her father in it. Since Father Christmas is only recognized in London, England as well as the photography studio's name on the back of the photo, she believes that is the first place she should begin her search. After she learns that the photo studio has long been sold, she struggles for help with those in a small town of Carlton Heath, who may just know where her legacy lies. She only wishes to know who her father is, not try to upset those who may not be happy with what she uncovers and what that may mean to the family who has never heard of Miranda.

In the sequel to Finding Father Christmas, Engaging Father Christmas has led Miranda to the discovery of who her father was and the family she now has the chance to meet. However, happily ever afters seem to be only in the fairy tales, as rumors swirl of Miranda's birth and how that affects the family name of one of London's most influential families. It could spell disaster or it could bring about the only thing Miranda has ever dreamed of and that is knowing that she isn't alone in the world anymore and that she has a family who could love her if only given the chance. Is there more than the love of her family waiting or does Father Christmas have more than she could have ever wished for?

I received Finding Father Christmas/Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased and personal opinion. I absolutely LOVED this book and it reminds me of what I always envisioned for a small town of Carlton Heath set in London, England. Some quirky but lovable characters, heart-warming small town charm, and lots of romance to be found that isn't over the top obvious, even though you know how it might all play out. You want a bit of tension that it might not work out so easily and that you fall in love not only with the main characters but all the secondary supporting ones as well. My favorite was Ellie. You just never know what she will be dressed up as, and she truly loves what she does. It does make me want to watch A Christmas Carol all over again, but more than that, to appreciate the present more than ever before! I'd easily give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Don't forget to pick up the 3rd novel, Kissing Father Christmas due out in October!

For more information about Finding Father Christmas/Engaging Father Christmas, Robin Jones Gunn, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Finding Father Christmas/Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn

You can find Robin Jones Gunn on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Finding Father Christmas/Engaging Father Christmas, please visit Faith Word's website.

Kissing Father Christmas

Christmas in London. Snow falling. Carolers in the air. A warm cup of tea. Something sweet. Just the idyllic setting for a wonderful Christmas romance from author, Robin Jones Gunn. This is the third novel in the Finding Father Christmas series around Carlton Heath in England and Anna is back for more. She arrived the first time and fell in love not only with the sights and sounds of Christmas in England but the family and friends she acquired there. However one thing has been lingering in her mind and that is a secret kiss shared between her and the groomsman from her cousin Miranda's wedding.

Anna believes that there is more there and it was only due to her leaving so soon that the romantic sparks she felt with Peter had to be put on hold. She dreams that they can rekindle those feelings once again, or at least she can hope it will be the one thing she wants this Christmas. However when she runs into Peter, he is quick to explain away their kiss as something all people in England do and he hopes she didn't read anything into it that would imply a romantic notion. Anna quickly passes off her feelings as those she didn't have those same desires and instead offers Peter an out, that they could begin again as friends. But those heartstrings simply won't let go and Peter begins making plans to show Anna around London at Christmas. She only hopes she can put her heart on hold until Peter reveals he wants more than simply being friends. Can that all happen in the short time she is visiting or will she return home to America with more than a broken heart?

I received Kissing Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion. This reminds me of my favorite movie The Holiday, without some of the comedy. Here two people are trying very hard to deny their feelings for one another and it seems it takes the threat of leaving again to cause them to confess to one another that love between them exists and always has. Now the question that will need to be answered is who will have to give up their home in order to make it more permanent. Grab a cup of something warm, snuggle up by the fire and enjoy this heartwarming romance. I give this one a 4 out of 5 and at just under 200 pages it is simple to finish in a day.

For more information about Kissing Father Christmas, Robin Jones Gunn or where you can preorder a copy of this book today due out in October, please click on the links below:

Kissing Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn

You can find Robin Jones Gunn on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Kissing Father Christmas, please visit Faith Word's website. 

Scorched Earth

We have all seen what a fire can do when it burns through a forest. The devastation, the charred and blacken remains, and we reflect on just how bad things were for it to burn through the area unstopped. That is the very thing that has been happening under the current leadership of Obama. The America that once was is slowly being burned through from our constitutional rights, the blatant lies of those in leadership when confronted with the truth and facts and how the America that was once great is being slowly changed from within our own borders.

In his latest book, Michael Savage, takes a hard look at what has been happening in our government, our country and behind the man seated in the White House and wonders if the nation can recover from Obama's scorched earth policies? Progressive policies and open borders have poisoned America. Our constitution has been trampled by a divisive president and America is a third world nation of terror, riots, mobs and chaos. Are we simply one bad election away from losing the America we once grew up in?

"We are fighting for our very lives and freedoms. Where there's a one man rule, there's a chance for great corruption. It's very much like organized crime. That's why we in America enjoyed a great government for a very long period of time until it became what it is now: a Ponzi scheme in a criminal empire that runs off one-man rule where there are few checks and balances. Witness what Obama did with the Iran deal. The American people opposed it by a large majority. Only 20 percent supported giving Iran a path to nuclear weapons. Think about that. Where's our representation? Congress opposed it, yet he used quasi-legal maneuvering to support Iran. If that is not a one-man rule, I'd like to know what is."

"Here's a short list of his crimes and misdemeanors: providing arms to people who would kill Americans, whether they are Arabs in Gaza or the Mexican drug cartels; using the Internal Revenue Service as a political weapon against legitimate nonprofit organizations that dared to oppose him; changing laws by executive action, rather than the way laws are supposed to be made or amended: through congressional action - Congress, not the president, is the lawmaking body in this country. We are not a banana republic - yet. Look at the way he implemented the so-called DREAM immigration law: when Congress didn't go far enough to carry out his agenda, he just executive-ordered it into existence." (pg. 41-42)

We have an openly mad president who is doing everything he can as quickly as he can to decimate everything this country stood for, stands for and would stand for. This is the one election that all Americans have to vote for. If there is one man who stands in opposition of everything Obama has done and continues to do it is Trump. The fact that the man is self supported financially means he can not be controlled by special interest groups and Obama has his opponent ready to replace him with Clinton. She will continue to do all he has done and more to help cover his tracks that we all know Trump will bring to light. This is an eye opening look at just what stands to be lost if we fail to take action this November.

I received Scorched Earth by Michael Savage compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups in exchange for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased and personal opinion. I really love how Michael brings to light what motivations Obama has been using over the last 8 years in office and what Clinton's plans are. It is hard to fathom in this day how she is even eligible to run for office. I think we all owe Nixon an apology for his impeachment. Even more important is what we can do as Americans, while Obama is doing all he can to get Muslim support in this election to ensure Trump does not get elected, because he will make American great again in restoring the constitutional laws and rights of our country, our military and our borders and go after terrorism in a bold way. We can't leave this up to chance. Read this book for yourself, and if you're like me, it a great reminder of what has been pushed under the carpet in order to keep those secrets in the dark just prior to election year. Well worth every 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Scorched Earth, Michael Savage or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Scorched Earth by Michael Savage

You can find Michael Savage on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest books and programs.

To read more reviews on Scorched Earth, please visit Center Street Publisher's website.

Killfile

"I know what you're thinking. Most of the time, it's not impressive. Trust me."

Dozen of people move around me on the sidewalks in L.A.'s financial district, all of them on autopilot. Plugged into their phones, eyes locked on their screens, half-listening to the person on the other end, sleepwalking as they head for their jobs or their first hits of caffeine. The stuff inside their heads can barely even be called thoughts; slogans and buzzwords; half-remembered songs; the latest domestic cage match with whomever they left at home; dramas and gossip involving people they'll never meet in real life. And sex. Lots of sex."

That's what I live with constantly, all around me like audible smog. Most of the time, it's just annoying. But today, it makes it easy to find my targets. They're fully awake, jangling with adrenaline and anxiety. They stand out, hard and bright, a couple of rhinestones glittering in the usual muck."(pg 2).

John Smith can so more than simply read your thoughts. He can alter your actions and bring to mind anything he wants to you believe or imagine. It is why the CIA wanted him to work for him and also the reason why he left. Now as a private consultant, he decides whom he'll work for and also how much they can pay him. There isn't anything he doesn't know before they begin negotiations. When billionaire mogul Everett Sloan makes him an offer he has desired his entire life, silence to those ongoing, never-ending thoughts, it is simply too good of an offer to pass up. Sloan believes that a former employee of his, Eli Preston has stolen an algorithm that he has developed and now is employing to make himself untold amounts of wealth for his clients. Sloan wants his memory erased before he can become a serious threat to his company and John Smith is just the man to do it.

During a scheduled meeting with Preston, Smith's identify is compromised and now he becomes the hunted along with Preston's young associate Kelsey Foster and it will be a battle of intelligence, cyber terrorism and mind control that they have never faced before, and ultimately it may in fact cost John more than he ever imagined or thought possible.

I received Killfile by Christopher Farnsworth compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my fair and unbiased review. I absolutely LOVED this edge of your seat psychological thriller and it is truly non stop action. What I loved the most about this novel is that is vastly different from anything I have read and makes you wonder what would stand in the way of a man who could read your thoughts and could kill you without you even realizing what is happening. How would he be used by our own government and even worse his enemies if they found out what he could do? I only hope, that this novel is considered for the big screen because it is fresh, innovative and definitely worth the price of a movie ticket to see this played out in theaters. For me, this was a definitive 4 out of 5 stars and only wanes from the final star based on sexual content and language that some readers might find offensive according to my review standards. All in all, a definite addition to my must read by Christopher Farnsworth in the future.

For more information about Killfile, Christopher Farnsworth or where you can purchase a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Killfile by Christopher Farnsworth

You can find Christopher Farnsworth on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To see more reviews on Killfile, please visit William Morrow's website. 

In A Strange City

"What's the difference between a ritual and a routine? It's a question he asks himself almost every day. Are rituals better than routines, more elevated? Or do ritual invariable slide into routine, until we forget why we started and why we continue? Another good question, but he's afraid pondering the answer will only tempt him to sleep, and he is determined to see the sun rise today. Once upon a midnight dreary...ah, but such allusions are unworthy, the sort of obvious unthinking wordplay one expects from the newspaper hacks who write about him. Even in print, they cannot capture him.

He would not say it out loud - for one thing, he has no one to whom to say it - but he has begun to feel a kinship with Santa Claus. Who knows, Saint Nick was probably real once. A man decides to put on a red suit, visit a few houses in his village, and leave gifts behind. The first year, it was a lark. The next year, it was an obligation. And then the next and the next, until he could never stop.

But in that case, the tradition outgrew the man, so others had to step forward and preserve it. He cannot count on this happening here. He had been chosen, and soon he must choose." (pg 2).

So begins the latest novel from Laura Lippman, In A Strange City, the sixth book in the Tess Monaghan series. The premise behind this novel is that for the past fifty years on the birth date of Edgar Allen Poe, a person wearing a cloak has places three roses and a bottle of cognac on the writer's grave. His identity has remained a mystery. This time two men show up a the grave site and one of them is shot. Now the mystery grows as Private Investigator Tess Monaghan witnesses the apparent murder but just who shot whom and what is the connection? When roses and cognac appear on her doorstep, it seems as if the investigation takes on a whole new dimension as it begins to get personal.

I received In A Strange City by Laura Lippman compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my fair and unbiased opinion. Having read other novels from Laura Lippman, I found myself wanting this to be as good as her other books, but was disappointed by this being a reprint from 2001 when the novel was first published. I LOVE anything to do with Poe and love the occasional references to the literary writings of Poe along with the background of the toaster and more about who Poe was outside of his novels. All in all, I wasn't really a fan of this one considering I love a great mystery novel. For me this one came in at a 3 out of 5 stars in my opinion. Just didn't provide the twists and turns I was hoping for as they clues were almost spoon-fed to Tess Monaghan to figure out the who done it.

For more information about In A Strange City, Laura Lippman, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

In A Strange City by Laura Lippman

You can find https://www.facebook.com/lauralippman/?fref=tsLaura Lippman on Facebook to stay up to date on her latest novels.

To read more reviews on In A Strange City, please visit William Morrow's website.

God Bless Us Every One

What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than a wonderful Christmas romance! Combining some of the best quotes from the Charles Dicken's classic A Christmas Carol at the beginning of each chapter, we watch a contemporary version of this being played out in God Bless Us Every One from Eva Marie Everson.

Charlie Dixon believes that classics are a bit outdated and like the play, A Christmas Carol, it has been done over and over again that it has lost its charm and appeal. So when she attempts to put a new twist on a high school Christmas play, she finds herself laid off and without any future attempts at employment. So she hightails it to her grandmother's house in Testament, North Carolina,  where she hopes she can stay until she finds a new job and perhaps help around the house during the busy Christmas season. Her grandmother has been tasked to work with the local high school drama teacher in preparation for the Christmas play and hopes Charlie might just lend a hand.

What Charlie doesn't know is that the meeting is scheduled with her old flame from school, Dusty Kennedy. He is more than thrilled to get a chance to work with her. The only problem is that Dusty's idea for the play is Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol, which just seems to be a sign from above that there is a deeper message within it, if Charlie is only willing to look at the details surrounding why Charles Dickens wrote the play in the first place. She only hopes she might convince him that a new contemporary spin might just be the ticket to make this successful, but Dusty believes in keeping things traditional and classic. Now all Charlie has to do is find a way to deal with the fact that her father is back in town, a man she has vowed doesn't deserve anything less than a Bah Humbug this Christmas.

I received God Bless Us Every One by Eva Marie Everson compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Abingdon Press for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from an eBook copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased and personal opinion. I really love the blend of both the traditional and contemporary that is scattered throughout this novel and it takes readers into the heart of what Christmas really means, a time for second chances and a time for new beginnings and forgiveness. There is a wonderful happily ever after tucked away but it might not be who you think it is for in the end. I'd rate this a 4.5 out of 5 stars and is perfect to get you in the mood for Christmas.

For more information about God Bless Us Every One, Eva Marie Everson or where you can pick up  a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

God Bless Us Every One by Eva Marie Everson

You can find Eva Marie Everson on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on God Bless Us Every One, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.

CSX P315A 3D Pedometer

It seems like everyone these days is into staying fit whatever their fitness level and most can agree that walking is one that almost everyone can do. It limits the physical strain that running places on the joints and even malls are supporting groups to show up early for a trip around the mall indoors, making walking the easiest to do and with very minimal if any cost. Just grab your walking tennis shoes and head out to the location of your choice.

The one fitness tool you might want to invest in is a pedometer. It not only tracks the number of steps, distance walked, calories burned and even speed depending on the model. Of course some are even adding that app to their smart phones as well, but if you're like me, you might notice there are some flaws with some apps. They aren't accurate, lack some of the features I mentioned and require you to carry around your device and engage the app.

I am so glad I had the opportunity to review the CSX P315A 3D Pedometer. It is small, lightweight and can be worn around your neck to keep from losing it if you attack it to your shoes or the weather tends to be a bit wet. It counts down the number of your steps, and even includes the distance walked, calories burned and your speed all in one small, easy to use device. The best part is that it goes into sleep mode after 3 minutes of inactivity. The device can be set up to measure in both standard (miles) and metric (kilometers) depending on your preference. The one feature that I love is the fifteen steps error correction. To avoid counting accidental movement as steps and also to record 'active' steps that will improve your fitness, the counter will wait until you walk 15 continuous steps before it begins recording the steps at 15, 16, 17, etc.

Keep in mind that all 3D pedometers count 'movement' as a step. The pedometer may not count steps correctly in the following conditions: irregular motion such as swinging and vibrating, inconsistent walking pace, standing up, sitting down movements, and even vertical and horizontal vibration in a moving vehicle such as a bicycle, car, train or bus. This device even comes with a pause feature that prevents you from counting any activity you don't wish to be counted like riding in a car or other vehicle.

The pedometer can store up to seven days for the steps, distance, calories, average speed and exercise time and if you don't like the option of placing this around your neck, you can tuck it into your pocket, handbag or backpack or attach it using the strap that is provided. It is recommended to place it under your clothing if you choose the option of wearing it around your neck to prevent bouncing which may cause the pedometer to count extra steps. The best part is that when the batteries need replacing the device will let you know and it requires 1 CR-2032 battery which you can find at most stores. In addition, there is a comprehensive and easy to use instruction guide that will have you up and going in no time flat.

I received the CSX P315A 3D Pedometer compliments of CSX Competitive Sports Xtreme for my honest review of their product and did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review aside from the product in exchange for my fair and unbiased opinion of the product. For anyone who is serious about tracking their walking fitness levels, this is an exceptional product to pick up and begin using immediately. The product comes with a 18 month warranty, a neck lanyard and an easy to use instruction booklet. I would easily give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about the CSX P315A 3D Pedometer or where you can pick one up today, please click on the links below:

CSX P315A 3D Pedometer

Seize The Day - Study Guide

Yesterday, I share with you a review on Seize the Day, Joyce Meyer's latest novel to encourage and motivate readers on how to learn to live your life with purpose and in making every single day count. What is so wonderful today, is that I am sharing with you a Study Guide that goes hand in hand with the book Seize the Day. You can either read through the entire book, Seize the Day and then follow up with the Study Guide or like I chose to do, after each chapter, I picked up the Study Guide and completed the corresponding chapter to help drive the points made from the book home for me.

There are 22 chapters in the book and thus, there are 22 individual studies you can complete on your own or in a small group Bible study. These books are designed to help you make the most of the days you have left on earth, and to help you life on purpose. Have you ever felt like life was ordering you around instead of you ordering your life? If so, like me, you know something is wrong in how we are choosing to manage our lives and even doing the important things we know need to be done. Most people live their lives day in and day out without accomplishing much of what they truly intended to. They are busy, but not sure what they are busy with. Do you ever feel that way?

I'm busy has become the standard excuse for all the things we should have done but didn't do. I truly wonder how many people at the end of their life feel they lived the life they were meant to love? How many have only regrets about the things they did or did not do during their life? You only have one life, and if it is not going in the direction that you want it to, now is the time to make changes. This Study Guide includes several parts to help you stay on track towards making those changes and to digest all the material in Seize the Day.

Get Ready prepares you for the subject matter in the chapter and reviews what was learned in the previous chapter.

Get Set digs into the heart of the chapter and gives you questions and activities to help you think more deeply about the subjects presented.

Go! Is designed to help you implement the new ideas and strategies learned in the chapter.

Remember captures the main points of the chapter as well as a scripture to remember.

I received Seize the Day: Study Guide by Joyce Meyer compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Group for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this study guide in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of the product. This is such a great resource to help readers understand the way we are using our time, how to make the necessary changes to have a more productive and joy-filled life knowing you are using time wisely and how to ensure we are living our lives up to the potential God gave each one of us. I love that I am able to look back and analyze my own life at 52 and decide to take charge now on how I choose to live each day, and ensuring myself that I am stepping out in God's will and not my own for what I choose to do each day. I hope that when I get to the end of my life, I have a life of few regrets and know I lived my life up to the potential God created me to live. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Seize the Day's Study Guide, Joyce Meyer or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Seize the Day Study Guide by Joyce Meyer

You can find Joyce Meyer on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books and resources.

To read more reviews on Seize the Day Study Guide, please visit Faith Word's website.

Seize the Day

"I'm sorry I would have called or visited sooner, but I've been so busy!"

Face it, we have either heard this statement or used it ourselves. Yet when you really think about it can you honestly remember what you were doing that occupied so much of your time and kept you busy? We all start off each day with that proverbial "To Do List" and then deviate off of it at some point because we get to busy. But busy doing what? Tackling things that really don't add much to our day? Perhaps its sitting down for a moment to watch TV while you grab a quick bite to eat, and then sit back and before you know it a few hours have passed. Or you were going to clean and organize your house today, and then something popped up and we never get to it. Then that phrase about being busy once again passes our lips.

We know that our time is a priceless and precious commodity and one we are only given so much of, so where are we wasting it? For believers, our life here is to be used in large part to prepare for our heavenly eternal home. We can use our time wisely by putting it into the will of God. We should never behave as if time is a commodity that continues to multiply in our lives. It is, in fact, just the opposite. Every moment we use is one that we never get back again, so using it wisely is important. Many people put off being in right relationship with God until another time. Usually it is because they want to do thing they know God wouldn't approve of. so they think they will choose their own time. But what if they run out of time? How much of our time are we wasting living selfishly instead of loving and serving others and trusting God to take care of us?

"In his book, Making Today Count for Eternity, author Kent Crockett asks the reader to imagine a World War II soldier, wounded while selflessly rescuing his fellow servicemen. When he returned to the States, he was given the Medal of honor for his patriotic service. What was it that motivated him to put his life in jeopardy? When his life was at stake in battle, he wasn't thinking, I'm going to risk my life so I can receive a shiny medal. The reward was simply the nation's way of showing appreciation for his heroic actions. He risked his life to rescue his friends and defend his country. In much the same way, we don't serve God for a reward. We serve Him because we love Him and we love those around us." (pg 30).

When talking about seizing the day and living life ' on purpose,' it is important to live with an eternal mind-set. If our actions, our attitudes, and our ambitions are carried out with an eternal mind-set rather than a temporal one, we are certain to accomplish bigger and better things for God and the growth of His Kingdom. "Using the time you have left on this earth, then it begins with a decision to seize the day every day and be an individual who lives life "on purpose" for a purpose. Every moment of our lives does not have to be regimented and fit into a plan, but, on the hand, if a good portion of our time isn't put into something with purpose and meaning, it will be wasted." (pg 38).

I received Seize the Day by Joyce Meyer compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside for a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased and fair opinion. This latest book by Joyce Meyers helps readers understand how to prioritize their days in order to accomplish all they can not only for themselves but in giving God glory and honor. Too often it comes at the end of our lives where we look back with regrets on all the things we didn't accomplish in our life and wish we had more time, or that we had done it differently. Joyce encourages readers to "Seize the Day" and begin to make those changes today so when we get to the end, we don't have the regrets so many others do and we can enter into the heavenly gates hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I would easily give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Seize the Day, Joyce Meyer or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Seize the Day by Joyce Meyer

You can find Joyce Meyer on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books and projects.

To read more reviews on Seize the Day, please visit Faith Word's website. 

The Afters: Live On Forever Giveaway and Review

Is life taking its toll on your life? Feel like you can't just catch a break? Wonder if there is simply any hope in this world anymore? I would ask that you would pick up a copy of The Afters "Live on Forever" CD and be prepared to be blown away. From the very first track, "Shadow" to the title track "Live on Forever" you will be inspired, redeemed and uplifted in a way I can't explain. It will be something you will listen to each and every day.

"Live on Forever is about moving us to trust God, to stand up against fear. It's an 'amp you up' record, an anthem for people's lives: "God you are with me in all this. I'm not alone." ~ Josh Havens (lead singer).

Their latest single Battles is impacting the radio stations now and encourage anyone facing a battle, this is your anthem song. When Havens was asked to pick out a song that sums up the spirit of the album and he chooses "Battles." It was the last song we wrote and the fastest we wrote," he says. "We don't typically write songs fast; we'll change lyrics and melodies and craft our songs carefully. But "Battles" poured out, the music and lyrics, in one day."

It's about standing up against fear and knowing God is always with us. Don't give up to fear. This entire CD will impact you in ways I can't explain. There isn't one single song, that I don't really care for and every single one from the lyrics to the catchy music will have you undoubtedly playing this over and over again. 

There are 10 amazing, soul inspiring songs on this CD, and I can honestly tell you that Shadows is my ultimate favorite since discovering Live on Forever. From the very first moment the song started I was instantly hooked. It's about rising up from the shadows that would attempt to hold us back and keep us away from discovering the light. What else do you have to lose? "Awaken my soul, awaken my senses, this flesh and bones, rise up from the shadows!" It's definitely an anthem song for prodigals who need that inspiration to come back to the fold. The song list includes:

1. Shadows
2. Battles
3. Sunrise
4. Time of My Life
5. Wake Up My Heart
6. Live on Forever
7. Eyes of a Believer
8. Survivors
9. Legends
10 When You're With Me

Live on Forever, the title track was written when the bands longtime soundman, Anthony Martinez, saw his newborn daughter die in infancy. "I remember going to that funeral and seeing a casket that was way smaller than any casket should ever be." Haven recalls. "I will never understand why tragedies like that happen in this life. It was in that moment o floss and sadness that our thoughts turned to eternity. 'What is heaven going to be like? We began writing 'Live on Forever' and pulled from Revelation where it describes heaven as a place where there is no more pain, no more crying, no more suffering."

From Moses to Job to Jesus, the most intrepid heroes in scripture knew times of trouble that multiplied like a plague - but always led, in the end, to mighty celebration. It's easy to assume such stories of trial and triumph are for the Bible's books or the history books. But miracles happen, even when adversity hits hardest. Live on Forever began during a season of tragedy and the redemptive part of this CD comes from the lyrics that will speak to anyone who is searching for hope and a better way than what the world offers from our sufferings and battles we are facing. "God you are with me in all this. I am not alone."

I received The Afters: Live on Forever compliments of Fair Trade and Propeller LLC for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this CD in exchange for my unbiased and personal opinion. I absolutely LOVE this CD and will be using this whenever I find myself feeling down and out facing something in my life that seems hopeless. I know I am not alone and that God is with me. All I need to do is cry out to Him and He will battle it for me. I would rate The Afters: Live on Forever CD a 5 out of 5 stars and will probably wear this one out listening to it so much.

For more information about The Afters, The Afters: Live on Forever CD or where you can pick up a copy of this CD today, please click on the links below:

The Afters: Live on Forever

You can find The Afters on Facebook to stay up to date with all their latest music, tours and more.

Now the really amazing part! Thanks to the generosity of Fair Trade and Propeller LLC, they are offering a giveaway copy of the CD, The Afters: Live on Forever to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. Be a resident of the U.S. or Canada. Please No P.O. Boxes!

3. Leave me a comment telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this CD in the comment box below. Don't forget to include your email address as well so I have a way to notify you if you're the lucky winner of this giveaway. You can use the words (at) or (dot) instead of the symbols.

The winner will be notified by email when the giveaway ends on September 16th.

The Afters: Live On Forever is available on Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, and Google play or wherever Christian music is available at your favorite store.

Voiceless

Abortion.

I guess you can say the topic causes most people to avoid discussing it sometimes regardless of whose side of the fence you may be on. The movie Voiceless will released on the big screen soon and will address the issue of the churches involvement or lack of involvement regarding such pregnancy centers and how they address the abortion side of the issue.

This film takes us into the inner city where Jessie Dean (Rusty Joiner) who has returned from a tour in the military service and is working out some of his issues he encountered during deployment. He has been offered a position with the New Life church in reopening a Community Outreach center in the hopes of potentially helping the church grow in its membership which is sorely lacking. He finds himself at odds operating the center directly across the street from A Woman's Choice pregnancy center that deals with abortions. When a young girl named Tracy appeals to Jessie for help from the choice he doesn't quite know what to say to her when she asks if she will be forgiven by God if she goes through with her abortion. Since he is as confused as she is, she runs from him directly into the center.

He later learns that the young teen takes her own life and he begins to feel a responsibility for not being able to help him. His wife, Julia feels that Jessie should steer clear of the controversy since the church has not done anything in all the time the center has been operating. They want to avoid all the negative publicity that would come with being involved. Not to mention an elderly woman whose husband began the church no longer attends because it is lacking conviction to do anything to assist the problem in the neighborhood and challenges Jessie to take action instead of merely addressing opening an Community Outreach center that deals with teaching the young teens how to box. She feels Jessie could be doing so much more. Things get heated the more involved Jessie becomes with the center and soon his job and marriage may be on the line.

I received the opportunity to review the movie Voiceless compliments of ArtAffects Entertainment and Icon Media Group. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside for a free opportunity to view the movie in exchange for my fair and unbiased opinion of the movie. I absolutely LOVED it because it finally addresses the issue of abortion in regards to the churches responsibility with the community to address it and its apathetic attitude to avoiding all contact with the center in light of the publicity that would be shed on the churches involvement. It really deals with both sides of the issue from a pro-choice and pro-life stance and really gives one something to consider regardless of your position. I would easily give this movie a 4 out of 5 stars and hope it will appeal to the lack of involvement in most communities.

For more information about Voiceless, ArtAffects Entertainment, Icon Media Group or where you can catch this movie when it comes to theaters in October of 2016, please click on the links below:

Voiceless by ArtAffects and Icon Media Group

You can find Voiceless on Facebook to learn more about the film and what you can to do help get involved.

You can find Icon Media Group  to stay up to date on all its film projects.

You can find ArtAffects on IMDB to stay up to date all of its film projects.

To find out where this movie will be playing in your city, please click on this link.

Starving Hearts

"Could find that extraordinary being you described some weeks ago? The charitable gentleman, who will overlook your faults and rescue you from the prison in which you believe you live?"

Annette blinked and swallowed hard.

"What makes you think he would have you? You are hideously opinionated, and you've an unnatural appetite for knowledge no respectable lady has any right to indulge. Heaven forgive me for allowing your father to educate you like a son. No man will abide your opinions. The face you have them is a detriment."

"That is unreasonable."

"Unreasonable? You know nothing of the word." Mother's eyes flickered, then she gazed out the window. "Your father is all mercy and kindness."

"But I need - "

"Hold your tongue and listen." She snapped back from the mysterious lapse. "What you need is to come to your senses regarding a Season and finding a good match."

"You mean allowing myself to be auctioned off to the highest bidder?"

"How dare you?"

"Would the metaphor of a breeding mare suit better?" Annette shuddered inside. Had she really said that?

"Insolent child! You know naught of the process."

"And I haven't the slightest interest in finding out."

"Well, it is high time you start. Otherwise, you might as well accept Sir Steven Likebridge, if he would take you."

Air evaporated from Annette's lungs, and her head started to swim - but not because of her health. It was that loathsome name."(Pg. 4).


Here's the thing about debut authors, either their novel will fall short of your expectations or it will be one that will make you an instant fan of their writing. The later is the case with Janine Mendenhall's novel Starving Hearts. It is the first novel in the Triangular Trade Trilogy and it has me hooked! I try not to read the accolades at the beginning of each book, but in this case I did because the back cover synopsis didn't really interest me in understanding why I chose this novel to read in the first place. Here is what sparked my interest to dig into this novel, "Starving Hearts is the kind of book that makes you want to stay up all night to finish it..." I can't tell you how very true that was when I began my journey into this amazing novel.

This is just the beginning of Annette Chetwynd's journey to discover the man who saved her from being assaulted by Sir Steven Likebridge. She fainted before she discovered who he was but there are moments when she remembers faint traces of her rescuer. Now she is bound and determined to find such a man, even through her mother is determined to marry her off to the first man with a title and wealth to go along with it. Yet her father is willing to hold off until Annette finds someone she loves.

Mr. Peter Adsley wants to find the perfect wife for his life as a pastor and believes that he has found the right one. He is all set to propose the night of the ball, but gets the surprise of his life when the rug is pulled out from underneath him and she accepts a proposal from his brother Richard instead. Now he is struggling to find someone else who might make a great pastor's wife when he runs into Annette seated beside him at dinner and realizes that she is the same woman he rescued more than a year ago and is captivated by her beauty and quick wit that is unlike anything he has ever experienced before. Is it possible that God has a better plan in store for him after all?

I received Starving Hearts by Janine Mendenhall compliments of Heritage Beacon Fiction and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my fair and unbiased opinion. If you are a fan of traditional regencies, Downton Abbey, or Jane Austen, you won't want to miss this one. There is never a lack in the story line and you are rooting for Peter and Annette all the way since they meet formally over dinner. Yet things don't always work out the way you want and the odds are completely stacked against them from their families, to someone else who has sinister motives at heart. This is a brilliant novel that takes its time for readers to truly know these characters and you really feel like they are real people whom you care about. That is what makes this novel so enjoyable. I can't wait for the next novel in this series and for certain Janine Mendenhall is on my "Must have" list of anything she is going to write. Simply brilliant and worthy of all 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Starving Hearts, Janine Mendenhall or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Starving Hearts by Janine Mendenhall

You can find Janine Mendenhall on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Starving Hearts, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.

   Will Annette's search for love and acceptance replace the loss and hurt in her heart? Find out in Janine Mendenhall's book one, Starving Hearts, of the Triangular Trade Trilogy. Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .

Join in the search for love and acceptance with Janine and Starving Hearts by entering to win the Delightful Heart Gift Pack Giveaway.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Starving Hearts
• A bottle of essential oils
• An essential oils diffuser necklace
• A chiffon scarf
• A shoulder handbag
• A copy of Jane Austen's World

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on September 12. The winner will be announced September 13 on Janine's blog.