International Day of the Girl is October 11
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Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Book Review - The Best of Intentions
This is the first book I have read by Susan Anne Mason and was pleasantly surprised that she was Canadian. I also enjoyed the fact that the book was set in the Canadian city of Toronto. I was certainly drawn into the story and the characters quickly.
The plot of the story reminded me of the Bible Story where they floated Moses down the Nile to protect him. His sister Miriam kept watch over him and when Pharoah's daughter needed someone to care for him she went to get her mother unbeknownst to the daughter of Pharoah.
In this story, Grace arrives from England to help her sister with her newborn son whose father had been killed in the war. When Grace arrives she finds out that her sister had also passed away and her nephew had been placed in the care of his father's family. Wanting to ensure that her nephew was being cared for properly, she did some spying and was able to meet with her nephews aunt in a park. From this meeting, Grace ends up with a nanny position with a wealthy family caring for her nephew. The family was not aware that she was the child's aunt. The story evolves and eventually the truth comes out! Grace's intentions were sincere however for a time the Easton family was not happy with her deceitfulness. Would her best intentions cause her to lose a chance for love?
I enjoyed this book and if there was a book two with the same characters being developed I would certainly buy it.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for honest and unbiased opinion.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
I really enjoyed this read by Ann Gabhart even though the beginning was somewhat sad with the cholera epidemic and the many people who died as a result. The book had a redeeming quality to it in that out of the bad came so much good. God is able to redeem the time and bring about the healing and help that was necessary.
Adria had a great loss as a young child but a slave and his sister cared for her and helped to place her with someone who would raise her - someone who had also experienced loss. Adria became an advocate for those in slavery and eventually helped the one who had helped her when she was in desperate need. She finds a way to buy the freedom of a slave named Louis who did so much for the people of the town during the cholera epidemic.
While a slave, Louis was a man of faith and was an example to all. He waited to God's plan to unfold and God's timing was perfect for him.
I really appreciated the language of this book in the way it seemed true to the dialects and culture of the early 1800's in Kentucky. It was a great read in spite of the challenging circumstances that were presented in the book.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
Movie Review - God's Not Dead - A Light in the Darkness
Movie Review - God's Not Dead - A Light in the Darkness
This movie takes place on a university campus where a century old church is the victim of an attack and someone loses their life as a result. One of the questions asked is does religion hold a place on a university campus? The university administration thinks not and wants the congregation to leave.
The actors vividly portrayed the message and meaning of the movie. There were some very real and poignant moments. Pastor Dave's passion for the church is evident but his grief over the loss of his friend and the anger at the university administration is also evident. Also seen is the strained family relationship with his brother and his challenge to forgive the one who caused the death and the fire of his beloved church.
The movie shows that in spite of challenging circumstances there is light in the darkness. Hope and healing is possible when we look to God and love each other.
DVD provided courtesy of Pure Flix and Graf-Martin Communications.
This was heartwarming updated movie that reminded me of the story I read a long time ago. It showed the power of the love of sisters but also the other side where they can easily drift away from each other and lose contact. In the end the love of four sisters and family prevailed.
Jo's character was particularly interesting. My friend who attended with me leaned over to say, "I don't like her." As I reflected on the comment and my own feelings about Jo. There was a need to look deeper and realize she was good at heart but faced struggles in trying to move forward with her life and things not working out as she had hoped. At the end of the movie, I think Jo realized that allowing her authentic self to come through in her writing was the key.
So many themes came through in the movie: the search to find meaning in one's life, romance, rejection of love, family themes, moving away from home, etc. All of those and more provided a movie that was meaningful and interesting to watch. Even though there were difficult themes, i.e. Beth's illness, the movie showed how the family moved forward following this.
I enjoyed the actors, the updated story and the honesty of the movie. I would recommend to others. A great movie for families to watch together and to realize that while life is not always perfect, families are there for each other in the best and worst of times.
Screening provided by Graf-Martin Communications and Pure Flix.
Monday, September 10, 2018
Movie Review - God Bless the Broken Road
Movie Review - God Bless the Broken Road
A young Mom loses her husband in Afghanistan and finds herself raising her young daughter alone. We vividly see the difficulties they face following the husbands death. We see the young Mom struggling with child care, keeping their home, losing her faith and moving on. She meets a race car driver and struggles with the dangerous lifestyle that is and whether or not she can be a part of that. The depths of the young Mom and daughters grief is shown and shows us that through these times God is working and ultimately is waiting for us to turn to him.
I enjoyed the acting and thought the story was well written. I would have liked to hear the song more that the movie was named after. I would recommend to others to see this film.
"Film has been provided courtesy of Pacific Northwest Pictures and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
Friday, June 29, 2018
I have to say right from the beginning that this book caught my attention from the opening chapter. The style of writing and the story itself was very engaging. I really enjoyed the fact that the story was set around the Biblical story of Rahab and the spies and what Rahab did to make a difference. Moriyah was given the confidence she needed to move forward based on Rahab's influence in her life.
Moriyah had been captured and her face was branded with the image of a Caananite god. Due to this she kept her face covered so that others would not judge her by the mark. Many did however and Moriyah was viewed as a person who had been abused by her captors. Thankfully she was spared from that but was left with the mark that impacted her life. The mark she felt would keep her from ever finding a man to marry because of her assumed past.
Her father finds a widowed man with two sons who is willing to marry her. Before this, unbeknownst to her she meets the man's brother and an immediate connection was made. It was unfortunate when this was discovered and the introduction to the widowed man goes terribly wrong. Moriyah ends up running to save her life but on that journey she discovers people who will help her and who in the end will save her life and give her a future. Dangers confronted her on every turn. During this time, her faith in God is strengthened by the way He guides and protects her.
This is a well written book with great story telling with a strong woman character and a strong message of faith.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Beverly Lewis has written a heart warming emotional story in her latest book, The Road Home. The tragic death of their parents leaves nine siblings left on their own. After the death they were separated to live with various family members and friends in the town where they lived with the exception of Lena Rose who had to go to Lancaster Country to live with extended family for a time. The most heart wrenching was the closeness she had to her youngest sibling Chris who went to live with their grandparents. Not only were they grieving the loss of their parents but also the loss of each other as they had to go separate ways for a time.
The title was so appropriate as the story brings Lena Rose back to her family and home town. However, during her time away she met new friends and a special someone who would also follow her on the road to home.
I found the story very emotional given the loss of parents with nine children all under the age of 18. I also found the story inspiring because through loss we find that God is with us every step of the way and that new paths can be found.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Book Review - In Places Hidden - Tracie Peterson
An interesting story about a sister in search of her brother. Camri leaves her hometown of Chicago and travels to San Francisco to look for her brother Caleb who has gone missing. While on the train she meets two friends who stay with her and live in her brothers house as they work and search for him. The three women work in a candy factory while searching for Caleb and also finding love in places hidden! Camri wasn't in search of love but love found her.
While trying to find Caleb they are drawn into a dark hidden world where there is much corruption and harm happening to unsuspecting people.
It took me a while to get into this book but as I got into the middle of reading - In places hidden - captured my attention. I did enjoy the story and the characters. I especially enjoyed the story of the three women, how they met randomly and quickly found friendship. The story of Patrick and his sister was also interested and woven into the other story line. There was some intrigue in the book as the search for Caleb continued and Patrick's role in searching for Caleb. There are lengths that people will go to if a friend is in need and eventually to see justice carried out.
I would like to read the next book in this series and hope that the story of the same characters is continued. I have questions in my mind still about their continuing story!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
Friday, April 6, 2018
Movie Review - I Can Only Imagine
Movie Review - I Can Only Imagine
Ever since I first heard the song "I Can Only Imagine" - I loved it. The words and melody were beautiful. I never considered the story was behind it as I thought it was Bart Miller considering in his mind what heaven would be like. Watching the movie was eye opening and makes me appreciate the song even more as I can connect with the story.
Bart Miller's family life was difficult. Based on what he experienced in his family, his life could have taken a completely different track than it did. His girlfriend's friendship and influence upon him was great. The fact that he connected with her also connected him with God.
The movie shows the difficulties at home through Bart's growing up years and life on the road when MercyMe first started out. The struggles were real and when his father gets ill, his decision to return home after a number of years was healing and redemptive. Despite his father's behavior towards him when he returns home he finds a different man. His father had come to faith in Christ and had been transformed. As his father faces illness, we are shown how Christ can transform a life and a relationship. While I am sure Bart's memories of his childhood remain - his relationship with his father was healed and restored in the end through the amazing work of God.
The fact that Bart Miller wrote this song thinking about his father sheds a whole new light on the song for me. It's something I can relate to as my Dad suffered greatly before he passed away with cancer. Knowing that he is in the presence of God free from pain and suffering is comforting. When I listen to the song again - I am sure I will hear it with a different meaning and understanding.
I loved the movie and the message of God's transforming power that it contained!
Book Review - Paul Apostle of Christ
A Novel by Angela Hunt
Based on the Screenplay by Andrew Hyatt
I read with interest this book Paul Apostle of Christ by Angela Hunt.
The story which is biblical is based on the friendship of Paul the Apostle and Luke. Paul is imprisoned in Rome and Luke spends time with him in the jail cell. Paul shares stories and teachings with Luke so he might write another book to pass on to the believers. Luke spends time with Paul as it leads up to the time of his scheduled execution. Paul is being accused of arson, conspiracy, treason and murder. The condition of Paul when Luke finds him is grave. Paul had been through so much and was now waiting for the day of his death. In spite of all he had been through, he wanted to finish the race of life well and be an example to the Christians in the future.
This was a difficult time for Christians as the story also centers around Priscilla and Aquila and the Christians they were sheltering in their home. Luke shared their home as well. The persecution of the Christians is so terrible during that time that Priscilla and Aquila eventually escape Rome.
Another significant story is of Mauritius, a prefect in the prison where Paul is. He prays to the gods for the healing of his daughter but there is no improvement. Eventually, Luke sees the daughter and is able to help her when no one else has been able to. The prefect is grateful to Luke and Luke is able to share the good news of Christ with Mauritius and his family.
It is interesting to read books such as this one by Angela Hunt based on stories of Scripture. I found the way she described the friendship of Luke and Paul moving. Luke showed such compassion for Paul. When I first began to read the book it did not draw me in right away but as the story unfolded my level of interest grew. I appreciated the way Hunt told Paul's story at the end - his regrets about the way he persecuted and killed Christians before his conversion experience. It was a story of the mercy and grace of God for Paul but that mercy and grace extends to all of us.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Book Review:
Judah’s Wife
By Angela Hunt
Judah’s Wife by Angela Hunt was an enjoyable read, she kept my attention throughout. I am sure that somewhere in my theological studies I read or was taught about Judah Maccabees but not so memorable as this book. I enjoy reading historical fiction because it gives voice to characters who you would not normally read about in such an in depth manner. It causes you to think about who they were and what they contributed to history. I appreciate that Angela Hunt is bringing attention to the silent years.
Leah who was became Judah’s wife was just a young teenager when she
married and moved to Modein with her new extended family. Shortly after
marriage, when the destruction of Jerusalem began Judah went back to check on
Leah’s parents to find that her father has been killed and her mother left for
dead. Judah brought Leah’s mother back to Modein to his parent’s house where
his mother nursed her back to health. Leah’s home life was tough and in many
ways she sought to escape the abuse that her mother endured from her father. It
was interesting as the book unfolded that Leah looked at her mother as weak and
did not stand up to her father. But her mother in law reminded her that her
mother took the abuse from her father to protect her because you would do
anything you had to for your children. This upbringing affected Leah’s marriage
and the way she viewed her husband especially as he became a warrior fighting
battles. I loved the way Hunt explored this from Judah and Leah’s perspective
and I enjoyed the way she developed a transformation in the way they interacted
and felt about one another.
The theme of prayer runs through the book as Judah called on God and
his help in fighting the battles. Leah’s view of prayer was transformed as a
result and her whole attitude really changed as she sought to make peace with
what her husband was doing. She went from being uninvolved and against what he
was doing to being supportive and involved.
“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and
Graf-Martins Communications, Inc.”
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