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Wednesday, September 14, 2016

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Charlie Dixon believes that classics are a bit outdated and like the play, A Christmas Carol, it has been done over and over again that it has lost its charm and appeal.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:


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.

Monday, September 12, 2016

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:



Friday, September 9, 2016

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:


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.


Thursday, September 8, 2016

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:


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. 

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

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:


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.

Monday, September 5, 2016

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:



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.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

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:


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.

starving hearts - 400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
starving hearts - collage 

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.

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