The Menu - Book Review

If you had a chance at doing your life over again, just one part you wanted to go back and change, would you?

What if you simply wanted to find that soul mate? True Love? Deeper Faith? Wisdom to make different choices? Most of us, don't understand those questions, because in our minds, we still have time left to make those choices. It's not til we get to our death bed, that those questions would be answered with deep conviction and certainty. Yet what would you give up to have those do overs?

In his latest book, The Menu, author Steven Manchester invokes a sense of searching our hearts and questions how we have lived our lives to this point. Through the character Phinn Reed, who sits in heaven with the possibility of choosing from a list of life desires, to get a second chance at something he never had. A menu of possibilities but also the cost you will need to endure to gain that life. Once a choice is made, all memories of heaven and your past is completely erased.

"This is your life. Order whatever you wish, but keep in mind - whatever you choose to taste, you have to finish," He told Phinn before sending him into the world. God reminds Phinn that he will encounter others that have also chosen changes, and he is likely to encounter them during his time on earth. God also reminds Phinn that with each choice, a price must be paid to obtain it. If you choose compassion, you can have it but not before experiencing pain and suffering. You can have commitment and wisdom, but not before conquering trials and tribulations. Courage after overcoming fear, honor after facing shame, success after much failure."

I absolutely LOVED this direction that this author took with a concept of second chances, because its not a simple Happily Ever After novel. There is a payment to acquire that which we all seek and while most of us just want the menu item, we don't want the price necessary to achieve that even in our lives today. We all want the results, but not what it took to get there. This makes us re-evaluate our lives a bit and take into account what we not only achieved but what we had to pay to get it.

I would highly recommend The Menu by Steven Manchester, and I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest review of this novel. I have to say this is a really great read and I think there is some wisdom to be gleaned through this fictional novel. As a believer, you can appreciate the ideas behind this fictional book, with understanding it is fiction novel with a point. I would easily give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

If you would like to get a copy of this book, please click on the link to Amazon. 

To find more novels from Steven Manchester, please visit his website.

Champion

"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." ~ Ephesians 4:32 NKJV

How do you find it in your heart to truly forgive someone? Do you wait for some kind of restitution from them? Do you wait for an apology? What happens when we lose someone before we can make amends? 

These are all the kinds of questions that are being asked in the latest movie coming to theaters on May 19th from Icon Media Group, Champion. I guess you could ask the question what makes a true champion in the eyes of the world? Someone who is great at winning? Someone who takes the risk no one else would or does God have a different definition in mind? 

For both Seth Weathers and Ray Reed, the competition on the dirt track racing circle is fierce. For Seth Weathers, he has always held to the belief that to win, you must be willing to do whatever it takes even if others around him don't like it. He isn't winning anyone to his side as his arrogance and pride in being the winner brings about some harsh criticism from his sponsors and boss if he doesn't work on his ego and his attitude. They even threaten to fire him unless he wins more races. With upcoming rookie Ray Reed always on his heels, Seth believes it is time to show him who is the winner and not to be messed with. 

When the race ends in tragedy, Seth is fired from his boss due to the sponsorship being pulled out. Seth lashes out to anyone close to him including his crew and even his own daughter. As a single dad with no hopes of work, he falls into a depression taking prescription pain killers to help him cope with his life. But when he fails to make it to his daughter's ballet recital as promised and she walks to the recital in the rain, he faces a loss in the custody of his daughter until he can straighten his life out. His help will come in the most unlikeliest of places and will define for both men the true meaning of what it takes to be a champion. 

I received Champion by Brannon Pictures compliments of Icon Media Group. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. This is such a heart moving message of what forgiveness is and looks like when modeled in the eyes of the world. There are a few surprises I didn't see coming in this one and believe it will help those who see this film in understanding what forgiveness really is and how they too can become "Champions" to those around them. I easily give this movie a 5 out of 5 stars and hope you take someone to see this amazing movie on May 19, 2017. 

Champion by Brannon Pictures

You can find Champion on Facebook to get all the latest details about the film and message of forgiveness including the 40 day forgiveness challenge. 


About Brannon Films
With a heart for bringing stories to life, Judd Brannon has had the opportunity to direct and produce multiple video projects. His music video "For Freedom," featuring the music of Avalon, and was selected to be a part of Sean Hannity's "Freedom Tour." His recent projects include working on the Kendrick's feature film "War Room." Currently, Judd serves the people of First Woodstock in Atlanta, GA where he is the staff video producer. Judd is thankful for the support of his wife and two boys.

Without Regrets

Who doesn't have a love in the past, that they haven't often wondered what would have happened if things had been different. Perhaps it was your first love or that special someone in your life that always saw the best in you, but the timing wasn't right so you went your separate ways. Long, but not forgotten.

Such is the premise of Without Regrets by Ruth Kyser, who takes a college love between Rachel King and David Costella and conveys a very special love that goes beyond what two people could share. Even though they confessed their undying love to one another while in college, David told Rachel after proposing to her, he wanted to wait until he finished school for them to marry. He had many hopes and dreams of a bright future for them he wanted to put in place. But as most college romances do, time became the enemy as well as distance. Phone calls got fewer, emails less frequent and even though Rachel believed she loved David, she knew in her heart it wasn't the kind of love that a husband and wife should share, so she wrote a Dear John letter and called things off between them.

Many years later, Rachel married but never had children. She found the love she had always dreamed of, but then again fate dealt her an ugly hand and she lost him to cancer too early. It was only after his death, that she learned he was keeping secrets from her, that their finances were worse than she could imagine and she lost everything while trying to settle their debts. A year later, she received a letter in the mail telling her that David had passed away and she was wanted in Charlotte to sign some legal papers regarding David's estate. She just never dreamed that the man she loved in college would make something of himself and leave her with everything, even after she broke his heart. But why her?

I received Without Regrets by Ruth Kyser compliments of Create Space Independent Publishing Platform. This is such a beautiful story about forgiveness, redemption, second chances and finding God's will for your life. Rachel's story is moving because all of us have loved and lost at some point in our life, and makes you wonder what you would do if you found yourself in the very same situation as Rachel did. Do you accept this inheritance or do you find a way to settle things from your past and move forward with the life you have made of your own choosing? I love how Rachel consults God even if it means leaving everyone behind for a few days to hear God speak to her heart. What a wise woman who waits upon God for her future. For that reason, I give this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Without Regrets, Ruth Kyser or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Without Regrets by Ruth Kyser

You can find Ruth Kyser on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

Family Tree

I don't think there hasn't been a time or two in anyone's life where they didn't second guess the "What if's in their life." What if I had taken a different job, dated a different person, had kids, not had kids, moved away, followed a dream to the end. Life can sometimes be that paradox for some, as it is in the case of Family Tree by Susan Wiggs.

Annie Rush had a life some would envy but deep down inside, I believe she wishes it was different on many levels. Sure she had her dream of taking a cooking show centered around one "key ingredient" and making it a hit of the same name. Married to an incredibly handsome man, Martin who is also the star of the show, and you'd think you have the definition of success. Just when she thinks she has achieved the proverbial "cherry on top" when she discovers she is pregnant, she rushes off to tell her husband the great news only to discover he has been sleeping with his co-host.

Now that her dreams are coming undone, she also finds herself the victim of an industrial accident only to wake up after being in a coma for a year to have everything over in a nutshell. Her husband has divorced her and moved on taking the cooking show with him, and she has landed up back with her family in Vermont with a fresh start ahead of her. Perhaps this is where she will get to take the road less traveled and get an opportunity at a second chance for happiness in life when she runs into her high-school sweetheart Fletcher. Now it is time to see what the road ahead looks like as she has to begin all over again, despite all the short-comings of her past life.

I received Family Tree by Susan Wiggs 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 the novel in exchange for my honest review. While this will appeal to some contemporary romance fans, most of my reader base will not like the moral dilemmas facing Annie with her lifestyle choices between Martin and Fletcher's romantic interludes. For this reason, I have given this one a 3 out of 5 stars. Not that situations like this don't happen every day, but for a majority of my readers will not like the sexual content that is covered between the pages of this novel. When reading the premise for this novel I had expected something quite different than what this one delivered for me. This novel does spend quite a bit of time toggling between past and present day for those who might not enjoy that in a novel.

For more information about Family Tree, Susan Wiggs or where you can pick up a copy of this novel due out in August 2016, please click on the links below:

Family Tree by Susan Wiggs

You can find Susan Wiggs on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Family Tree, please visit William Morrow's website.

Every Breath You Take

I love it when I read a novel in which the ending seems to be right in front of you. Like you have it all figured out before you get to the end how it will all work out. Its the way of most novels. Then the rug gets completely pulled up from underneath it all and you're left wondering, "Well that is not how I thought it would work out." You find yourself debating whether or not it was a good book after all, but is that really what is going on, you're simply mad cause it didn't go the way you wanted. That is just what I got when I finished with Every Breath You Take from Travis Thrasher.

You can tell he simply loves music, because I find them scattered throughout his novels. I think my husband and him would be great friends. In this novel referenced quite a bit with The Police, Sting, and Cold Play, we find two soul mates that are no longer together despite the fact that they work in every way possible. Kayla Rowe, 26, has had enough. When she quits her high paying job in marketing on the whim of following whatever dreams she has, her friends think she has lost it. She simply tells them she can't waste another 5 to 10 years doing the same thing with the same results but no passion for what she is doing. It may have to do with the fact her boyfriend Ryan has proposed to her, and while she said yes, she can't help but remember the one man she gave her heart away to so many years ago. That man that she will always love. She just isn't sure if it is Billy Harris, the man she was once engaged to, or her father that she lost when she was 2.

All Kayla knows is that she has to make some hard decisions before her wedding and as much as she would love to talk to her mother, that isn't going to happen. Her mother walked out on them when she was born and never looked back. So she takes her conversations to her father's grave and wonders what he would say if he was alive. Their bond seems to transcend the spiritual. Thomas Rowe, Kayla's father has been well aware of what has been happening in her life from his seat in heaven and is suddenly provided with a unique opportunity to visit his daughter one final time. The catch is, he can't tell her that he is her father and he must help Kayla come to a decision of what is best for her despite being locked in a past she can't seem to fight free from.

I received Every Breath You Take by Travis Thrasher compliments of the author himself for my honest review. Aside from the free copy of this novel, I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are my own personal ones. I loved this story because as a parent, there is a bond that you have with your child that transcends human understanding and logic. Love simply does not end, because someone is no longer with you. It is the legacy that we take with us long after they have left. The bond between Kayla and her father, besides a passion for music and that unconditional love that simply accepts things as they are without trying to influence any chance. That comes across all the way through this novel even though the ending was not what I thought it would be. I applaud Travis for throwing that twist in. I would have done it as well even though I didn't like experiencing it on the other end from a reader's perspective instead of a writer's one. I get why it was done and love it. For me this one was a well deserved 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Every Breath You Take, Travis Thrasher or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Every Breath You Take from Travis Thrasher

You can find Travis Thrasher on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To pick up a copy of Every Breath You Take, stop by Travis Thrashers's website. 

Proof of Angels

"Life is not just a bunch of disconnected events and people. It's not just a random stream of coincidences. There are reasons, and we may not know them or recognize them and we may not understand them, but we have to trust that there are reasons beyond us, because I've seen it work out enough. It doesn't mean we will all live forever. It doesn't mean bad things won't happen or we won't feel sad sometimes, but it does mean that we can't discount the miraculous in the mundane." (209).

Firefight Sean Magee never believed in angels before even as he watched his nephew Colm die after numerous attempts to try and save him from his heart defect. As Colm slowly passed from this world to the next, Sean knew that despite all the claims Colm had that heaven was real, he still doubted. He doubted until he saw what he believed was an angel at Colm's side that night. He wouldn't remember it was the very same until Sean found himself trapped in a burning building. Unable to locate his way out in the black smoke, Sean uttered a prayer to God that if he saved him, he would spend the rest of his life being a better man, and just like that the angel appeared to lead him to the third floor window. Sean's only issue was jump from this height or risk being burned further from the flames following him out.

So he jumped, not knowing if he would die in the process or be forever crippled and unable to walk. When he woke up, he was neither. Against all the odds, Sean lived even though it would take months of rehabilitation to restore his shattered legs and back and recover from the burns. Now as he spends time thinking about how he can make good on his promises, he can't help but wonder if angels are real or if he was just imagining that had happened. He would eventually discover that" the secret to happiness is not wanting. It's not getting what you've always hoped for or imagined. It's managing your expectations." (275). Perhaps, just perhaps, there are angels after all in the unlikeliest of places, just when we need them the most.

I received Proof of Angels by Mary Curran Hackett 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 contained here are strictly my own unless otherwise notated. I loved this novel, especially after being familiar with Sean Magee where readers were introduced to him in Proof of Heaven. This is his story, "about finding second chances, about failure and forgiveness, about doubt and faith, and about all the angels who touch us along the way. The ones who might just bump into us long enough to nudge us on our way and the ones who stay in our lives forever and guide us indefatigably toward the light."(24). I give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars and truly believe that there are angels around us, and some happen to be the people we need in our lives who are inspired and encouraged to help make us all better people. There is also Reading Group Discussion Questions at the conclusion of this novel.

For more information about Proof of Angels, Mary Curran Hackett, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Proof of Angels by Mary Curran Hackett

You can find Mary Curran Hackett on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

For more reviews on Proof of Angels, please visit William Morrow's website. 

The Mason Jar

While some have compared James Russell Lingerfelt's novel, The Mason Jar to Nicholas Sparks, I would beg to differ. While the story does deal with a love between college students Clayton Fincannon and Eden Valmont, I was missing something in the story that connected me to the plight that these two faced. Like all great love stories, Clayton, known as Finn, falls in love through a series of dates at Pepperdine College with Eden Valmont. They learn they share the same desire to work with underprivileged children in third world countries and both vow that their futures will be in the mission field.

The Mason Jar begins as Eden learns that Finn has written a book about their love story as she has made her way back to Pepperdine for a homecoming of sorts for alumni's and wonders if Finn still hold hard feelings towards her for abrupting ending their relationship in the form of a "Dear Finn" letter, never fully explaining the reason for leaving. The novel showcases that story as Eden spends time reading about his interpretation of their college romance and how he struggled to cope with the loss without really knowing why.

You learn that Finn tried to resolve some of those feelings by leaving for a mission trip to Africa to begin a microlending program there in hopes of truly helping the people. It turned out to be one of the most successful programs to date with a 98% success rate. But through it all, he could never resolve the feelings of love he still had in his heart for Eden. Something he tries hard to figure out in a series of letters he writes to his grandfather. When he was growing up they shared questions and answers by leaving a series of notes for one another in a glass mason jar. Those sagely letters are ones that Finn keeps with him as he tries to find a coping mechanism that will work to get Eden out of his head and heart. But like all great advice his grandfather dispense out, that isn't the case. He learns a lot from his grandfather in the process and finds himself coming home when his grandfather grows ill and subsequently passes away. It isn't until he is going through his grandfather's office that he finds the final letter that may allow him to finally move forward without simply forgetting the past.

I received The Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt compliments of William and Keats Publishing and Litfuse Publicity as a complimentary copy for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own unless otherwise notated. I wish the novel were a bit longer to allow for further character development between Finn's grandfather, and between Finn and Eden. I am also confused by the issue that one back cover of the book it refers to Eden as Savannah when that name isn't mentioned in the book. A bit confusing for me as I began my journey into this novel at first.

There is some great advice I love that Finn's grandfather dispenses in his letters to Finn, my favorite being, "Remember we become what our minds dwell on. It's proven in cognitive psychology that if we dwell on negative thoughts, we become negative people. 'A man reaps what he sows." If we live in the past, in a world that we cannot change, we only grow estranged from the present. We stop growing and decay. If he past brings good memories, let them brighten your present day, but do not long for their return or dwell on them. For it is the present day that must be taken care of if we are to expect to live fruitfully tomorrow. "(pg 202).

With that being said, I rate this novel a 4 out of 5 stars and plan on keeping it on my permanent shelf not so much for the story content but for the advice I found in Finn's grandfather's letters. For more information about The Mason Jar, James Russell Lingerfelt, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt

You can find James Russell Lingerfelt on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Mason Jar, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page.


James Russell Lingerfelt's debut novel, The Mason Jar, is hot-off-the-press and causing quite the buzz. It's even been optioned for a feature film and is in pre-production.

Catch the spark by entering James' Kindle Fire giveaway!

 
One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. Winner will be announced October 20th at James Russell's blog, Love Story from the Male Perspective. 

When Calls the Heart - Second Chances

Just on the cusp of the first season coming to a close, When Calls The Heart, a series from the Hallmark Channel and adapted from the best-selling series from Janette Oke, finds a calling in the hearts of television viewers. Now this amazing series is available on DVD, and Second Chances, finds Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow) at her wits end after finding out that the man she was falling for, Billy Hamilton was only out for Elizabeth's family fortune. When Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing), lets it slide that Elizabeth has no money, Billy decides Coal Valley isn't for him after all. Now Elizabeth begins to doubt her own emotions and once again is indebted to Jack. Jack struggles to find a way to convey the true feelings he has for Elizabeth and offers to take her to dinner, but with a lack of somewhere to take her in town, besides the saloon. Jack opts to help Elizabeth out with one of her students so they can spend time together.

Elizabeth is excited when a shipment of books arrives to aid one of her students Bo Grady that is struggling to read. She feels that if she can get him excited about reading it might provide a light to a future outside of mining.  It seems that the more Jack tries to convey his feelings for Elizabeth, the more he puts his foot in his mouth. Once again the two find themselves at odds. Elizabeth finds solace in talking things over with her friend, Abigail Stanton who dreams of opening a restaurant in Coal Valley. But first she has to get permission from Mr. Gowen, who owns everything in Coal Valley, including the mining company. Even though the store has sat vacant, she seems determined that she can make it work and its something the town of Coal Valley can use. But Mr. Gowen seems determined to prove to Abigail that a woman can't succeed at anything without his help. The only way he'll provide the cafe to Abigail is if she is willing to leave the row house she's lived in since her husband and son died.

Adam Miller is about to make his homecoming after corresponding with his family while recovering from the mining accident. What he failed to tell them was he has lost his legs, even though his family is more than thrilled to have him home, he sees himself as less than a man, and one that won't be able to provide for his family.  He realizes that even though he is finally home, it may not be the best place for his family. Now if they can only convince him that it isn't about his leg that makes him a husband and father. Things are about to get interesting when Elizabeth is put in charge of the annual production of the Coal Valley Founder's Day parade with no time to prepare and everyone has the highest expectations that it simply be the best. But will it?

I received When Calls the Heart: Second Chances compliments of Word Films, the Hallmark Channel and Edify Media Inc 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. Not since Little House on the Prairie has their been a series this good and I am thrilled that I am able to share this with my entire family. It is produced from Michael Landon Jr who is following in his father's footsteps with producing family friendly shows. I love that we can all sit and enjoy something that is wholesome, without any questionable content, and suitable for all ages. There is so many great things about each episode and in this one it is all about second chances for each of the characters, from Jack and Elizabeth attempting to work on building their relationship, showing Bo Grady there is more to life than mining, and even for Abigail who has the opportunity to begin rebuilding her life after losing her husband and son. Hands down for me, one of my favorite series brought to television, and I can't wait for season two to begin soon. This DVD rates a 5 out of 5 stars and is part of the When Calls The Heart series. You will want to pick them all up and watch it from the beginning. This DVD is 85 minutes long. This is the fourth in the series to date.

For more information about When Calls the Heart: Second Chances, Word Films, Hallmark Channel, or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

When Calls the Heart: Second Chances from Word Films and Hallmark Channel

You can find Word Films on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest movies.

You can find When Calls the Heart on Facebook to stay up to date on all the latest from the series.

Grounded

When you think of the term "grounded" often times you associate it with what happens when you have a flight scheduled and something affects that flight, whether it's a weather delay or technical issue. Your flight has been "grounded." To others the term means simply to find roots where you can stay, often times making it a permanent home. In the debut novel from author Angela Correll, both of these terms work when applied to Annie Taylor, a flight attendant who has been working for TransAir for well over ten years. By accepting whatever schedules are available, she has managed to travel to places in the world, most never get to but dream of often like Italy during her international flights. However like all companies in a worrisome economy, TransAir is no stranger to corporate takeovers and that is just what happens, leaving Annie with no job.

Force to abandon her apartment when she was considering moving in with her boyfriend Stuart, she learns during a conversation with a passenger that Stuart isn't all he claims to be. Besides being afraid of commitment, she learns that her entire relationship with him has been built on lies that he has spoon fed her. Now she isn't about to waste anymore time with him and heads back home to her grandmother's home on the farm in Kentucky for some time to consider just what lies next for her.

Beulah Campbell believes her greatest gift is hospitality and to prove that point she hosts a dinner party with close friends every Saturday night. Mostly it is her chance to share with others the bounty of her garden, pot roast, green beans, macaroni and cheese, homemade biscuits and of course pie during most of the meals. Her close friends always came and offered to bring a dish or stay and help cook. It was truly a wonderful time to sit around the table and share not only great food but friendship and conversation. She just never expected her granddaughter Annie to return to the farm after living in New York.

But perhaps God has a greater plan in all of this and thus the reason for the timing. Beulah, now 70 is facing the need for knee surgery but has put it off because she has no one to care for her. Annie is the only family she has left. Annie's plans are to hope that her old boss will be able to find a position available for  her soon with the new airlines so can resume her busy life once again. But there is something healing about not only coming back to her roots but the change of pace she finds here simply smelling the fresh air and listening to the sounds that only country living can provide. Yet will the call of a new life involve a close friend Jake Wilder that is just now returning home as well? Only this time he has brought his new girlfriend home as well.

I received Grounded by Angela Correll compliments of McAllister PR and Koehler Books 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 such an incredible story that anyone can relate to. It's about finding out where your home truly is. For some, they feel they must spread their wings and search for it somewhere else, but for others it simply means coming back to those who love and accept you for who you are and a different change of pace. This is such an outstanding book because of how well it's written, I could smell the fresh soil as Annie and her grandmother worked in the garden, feel the breeze on my skin as the birds from the field were calling their music. Just the picture alone calms the soul and creates a longing for a simpler life. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait for many more books from this author. She is definite on my must watch list and this novel joins my permanent collection of great books to enjoy over and over again.

For more information about Grounded, Angela Correll or where to pick up a copy of this novel, please click on the links below:

Grounded by Angela Correll

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

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: Koehler Books (October 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1938467566
• ISBN-13: 978-1938467561
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches