Tuesday, April 26, 2022

The School for German Brides by Aimie K. Runyan

 



Wow, what an intense book. Three young girls trying to live their lives in Berlin 1930s when WW2 was beginning. One was from a wealthy background, but her parents were rough on her. Another had a mother who was a doctor, frowned upon at that time, and was sent to her very wealthy Aunt and Uncle when her mother died. Both of these girls were expected to marry good connections in the party and advance themselves and their families in the party and status. The third girl was a Jew from a family of lawyers with an Aryan father who disowned them when things started getting dangerous. He left them to support themselves which they did as seamstresses and clothing designers for the wealthy. They are all struggling with their circumstances and trying not to get in trouble or killed. No one could be trusted. They were being taught hatred and prejudice and were expected to embrace it. They eventually trusted each other and saved each other's lives, during a complicated and stressful time. It's very hard to put down. I was grateful for the epilogue telling how they all did later on. Don't think you've read too many WW2 stories or think they would all be the same. Each life and story is unique and inspiring when you know what people went through. Lessons that should never be forgotten. One of those books that stays with you and leaves a mark.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
 #TheSchoolforGermanBrides #NetGalley #fivestarbooks #historicalfiction #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout 

My Reviews

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Proposing Mischief by Regina Jennings

 




This is one of the best love stories of all time. It develops slowly, with people who are achingly real.  Maisie and Boone both have their own hang-ups, flaws and self-doubt, but the way they grow together as they deepen their friendship and love is deeply satisfying. Sigh. Side rolling humor threaded within danger, mystery and social inequality. Tops even the first fabulous book of the series. I know I'd love to see the Crystal Cave that was found deep in this mine. I've been to Howe's Cavern in NY and found it amazing. But to have a cavern where you could have weddings, a ball, etc would be wonderful. Rough edged Maisie will steal your heart, as will Boone who is unwaveringly focused on solving, learning, and keeping his business going successfully. Especially when his business becomes Maisie. Sigh. Always nice to see a socially snobby family turn out to be made of good stuff underneath. As good underneath as the down to earth family who works with their hands and isn't afraid to get dirty. Looking forward to the next story as I hate to see this one end. (So nice to see Calista the detective and their feisty family again.)
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#ProposingMischief #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #fivestarbooks #ChristianHistoricalRomance

My reviews:

Monday, April 18, 2022

Family Camp - new movie

 

Another neat family-friendly movie coming up! It's nice to be able to view good clean movies. I thought it looked really good in the trailer, well done.

You can view the trailer on the website https://familycampmovie.com

When their pastor encourages the congregation to sign-up for a week away at family camp, Grace believes she’s found the perfect cure for her imperfect clan—even if they’d all rather be anywhere but at rustic Camp Katokwah. The first feature film from The Skit Guys, FAMILY CAMP is a laugh-out-loud comedy that will touch the hearts and tickle the funny bones of every family member from eight to eighty.

#FamilyCampMovie and #FamilyCampMovieMIN 

@familycampmovie @familycampmovie2022

Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy

 




Beauty from ashes. 1870. Gussie is from a privileged family. Her family is rough on her because she doesn't want to conform to what they want. They call her worthless. She only has 2 friends, who had moved away when they were kids. So, she runs away on adventures. She has a Kodak camera, and a job with a magazine where she is successful, but she's writing secretly. Her Uncle, who loves her, was a former Pinkerton and tracks her down each time and brings her back. Women didn't travel alone at that time, and their reputations were fragile. Things get worse with her family, so she's glad her boss sends her to India where she finds her two childhood friends and, gradually, herself. She learns that even though she is from a privileged background, she has something in common with a new friend in India, a widow who has been badly abused. Not the same physical things, but mentally. Her personal growth expands as things happen wherever she goes. Deeply told, with wonderful characters you can plainly see and feel their thoughts and feelings. This is a time and place of plague and horrible treatment of the people in India. Gussie's trials deepen, reforming her life. Excellent read, wish the story continued longer.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#EveryWordUnsaid #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #fivestarbooks 

My Reviews
ChristianBook

Thursday, April 14, 2022

The Mozart Code by Rachel McMillan

 




A spy story set in Austria and Prague after WW2 was over. There were struggling factions fighting over who would take over the cities. It was also a time when the treasures that had been taken from Jews during the occupation were being sought by rightful owners and thieves alike. For Sophie, centered in music and artifacts and Simon, centered in chess, they each were hiding secrets about the work they were doing, just as they had during the war. They were both from wealthy, manipulating families. Mostly a dark tale with murder, mystery, secrets and constant danger for them all. Quite intricate the way the twists come together; makes you want to know how their lives will turn out. 
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#TheMozartCode #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #WW2Fiction #fivestarbooks

My Reviews
BooksAMillion

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

The Dash: Making a Difference With Your Life (Inspirational Gift Book Featuring the Poem, The Dash)

 



Inspired by the poem "The Dash" by Linda Ellis, this contains touching short stories of life lessons, some of the most simple experiences in life that were the most meaningful. Take a deeper look at your own life when you read this book. Perspective is everything, how we act and approach others is more meaningful than we might realize. Great quotes and beautiful photography.

Quotes:
"...we all know ducks who make lots of noise, quacking and complaining about their problems in life. And then there are eagles who go about their business and consistently soar above the crowd."

"How far you go in your life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these."
George Washington Carver

#TheDash #LindaEllis #MacAnderson #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

My Reviews
Amazon

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

The Mulligan

 


The Mulligan is a new film about the power of second chances, grace, and healing. What a great reminder of the hope and redemption we find in Christ!

Oh what a fabulous movie! My husband and I really enjoyed watching it. Paul, a very successful business owner, isn't as successful in his personal life. When he goes to play a golf game that is very important to his business because of a networking opportunity, things don't go as planned for him. But he is directed to an "Old Pro" for advice. Pat Boone is the perfect actor for this part. Using the game of golf to teach Paul important life lessons is brilliant. Can't praise this enough. Needs more than a 5 star rating. Beautifully done!

Many thanks to Reelworks Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. 

GIVEAWAY
1 digital copy of The Mulligan (book)
*Please note: Winners are limited to US residents only*
Giveaway winner’s full name and email address are due no later than 4/17/22
Just leave a message in the comments below to say you're interested! Winner will be chosen randomly. (You will not be spammed by me because you entered!!)

BUY TICKETS now to see The Mulligan in theaters!


#TheMulliganMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

FROM THE PUBLISHER ABOUT THE MULLIGAN
Based on the popular book by Wally Armstrong and Ken Blanchard, THE MULLIGAN is an inspiring reminder that second chances are only one step away. From the producer of BOBBY 
JONES: STROKE OF GENIUS, and the director-producer team behind THE ULTIMATE GIFT 
comes THE MULLIGAN, sporting an all-star cast that includes Eric Close (NASHVILLE, AMERICAN SNIPER) as Paul, Pat Boone as the Old Pro, and PGA golfer Tom Lehman and broadcasting legend Jim Nantz as themselves. See it in theaters for two nights only on April 18 & 19.

• About the book, The Mulligan: THE MULLIGAN is based on the beloved book by former PGA 
touring pro Wally Armstrong and bestselling author and business executive Ken Blanchard. 
This inspiring story about relationships, forgiveness, and priorities is a shot of grace. Golf's 
gracious do-over, a mulligan is the beginning of Paul McAllister’s second chance. Guided by 
the wisdom and advice of the Old Pro, Paul learns about priorities, self-confidence, and 
playing a good game both on and off the course. The Mulligan is a parable of second 
chances. 

Whether it’s a second shot during a friendly round, rediscovering lost priorities, or the opportunity to make something good of a situation gone bad, there are times we all could use a mulligan.

The Book

Pocket Gospel