Friday, November 10, 2023

Surprised by Oxford film

 

Sweet yet thought provoking movie. One for the intellectuals and philosophers. The deeper meaning of life, figuring out who you are and what you're looking for - for most of us a lifelong endeavor. Learning to trust and have faith. Very real characters, easy to accept them and identify with their feelings. In the end the most important lesson of all! Beautifully filmed and acted.

SURPRISED BY OXFORD WILL BE AVAILABLE TO RENT OR BUY FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER. Step inside the beauty of Oxford University and discover a timeless story about asking life’s big questions. Mark your calendars for November and do not miss your chance to see this beautiful film!

Synopsis: Caro Drake, a brilliant but emotionally guarded American student, arrives at the University of Oxford with the goal of attaining her PhD. Through a turbulent friendship with a charming young man, she begins to open herself up to mystery, vulnerability, and love.

#SurprisedByOxfordMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork #ChristianFilm #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

Giveaway: A free Vimeo download code to watch the film. (Note: This is limited to US winners only. Winner will be chosen randomly from comments. I will need full name and email address by 11/18.)

Many thanks to Evolve Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Here's an excellent interview done by Jean Thomason with the author:
(88) Momentum Influencers Network - Surprised By Oxford interview - YouTube

Journey to Bethlehem an Affirm Film

 


There's brand new music in this film, Journey to Bethlehem, starring Antonio Banderas, Milo Manheim, and more.

Gorgeously filmed and acted, beautiful scenery and sets, costumes. Moments of pure beauty. They try to bring to life the story of Mary and Joseph, to help you to feel some of what they might have felt when gifted with this amazing blessing. 

We feel that they used too much creative license, it will anger a true bible scholar. A disclaimer was put at the end of the movie. People should read the bible to get the true story. It's a great way to start a discussion.

Buy tickets today at https://tickets.journeytobethlehemmovie.com.

Listen to the soundtrack album HERE: https://journeytobethlehem.lnk.to/soundtrack

Give the gift of giving and make someone’s Christmas brighter by providing tickets for JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM! https://fandango.egifter.com/journeytobethlehem

Synopsis: A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown. This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told—the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it. See JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM in theaters beginning November 10.

 #JourneyToBethlehemMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianFilm

Giveaway: 2 free tickets to see JTB in theaters! (Note: This is limited to US winners only. Winner chosen randomly from comments below. I will need winner’s full name and email address by 11/12)

Many thanks to AFFIRM Films, Inc. for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Resources:
Downloadable family discussion guides: LINK
Downloadable coloring sheets: LINK
Spanish resources: LINK

Links:
Website: LINK
Buy Tickets: LINK
Trailer: LINK
Heart Of video: LINK
“Can We Make This Work” Music Video: LINK
“Brand New Life” Music Video: LINK

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Settlers & Toffs by Caryl McAdoo


Second in a series where the wagon train settlers moved on to their new destinies with new struggles as another wagon train moves across the country towards them. Each has opportunities to make a new prosperous life. Entertaining read, very well written. Intertwined ups and downs, dangers and attractions, kids trying to grow up. 

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#Settlers&Toffs #CarylMcAdoo #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #HistoricalRomance #FiveStarNovel 

 


About the Book

 

Book: Settlers & Toffs

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: August 23, 2023

New and old collide in SETTLERS & TOFFS as Ambrose Lee and Blaire build a hotel and a new life together with a remnant from the wagon train he captained in ’49. Settling in Auburn, California, they deal with the gold rush boom town’s growing pangs while the next Earl of Farnsworth, William Cromwell, voyages home to England with his intended Clara and her family. Though separated by a country and an ocean, troubles and trials plague them all. Revisit old friends from Book One WAGONS WEST and meet new ones in this second novel of the New Beginnings Family Saga! This story has been previously published on Kindle Vella with the same title as episodes for Season Two. Season Three, ANSWERING THE CALL episodes are now available at Kindle Vella now.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling tales—coming up on seventy titles now published—delight readers all around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen to those at her YouTube channel.

She loves working in the yard at The Peaceable, her home tucked away on twenty acres, mowing and planting flowers. She lives there with Ron, her high school sweetheart and husband of fifty-five years, five dogs, two dairy goats she milks daily, a flock of chickens, and a plethora of barn cats.

The couple shares four children and twenty-seven grandsugars, six are greats. Caryl and Ron love their quiet, country life in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas and wait expectantly for God to open the next door so they may do His will. 

More from Caryl

I started writing “episodes” for Kindle Vella the first month they opened the new format with WAGONS WEST, season one in the New Beginnings Family Saga Season One. For those who don’t read at Kindle Vella, after the ”season” has been up thirty days, the author can create a book!

The episodes become chapters and WAGONS WEST debuted last November 2022! The SETTLERS & TOFFS story is “Season Two” and I’m tickled pink with it! Book One in the series was an epic wagon train story that ended when they got to the gold fields around Auburn California.

In Book Two, the characters spread out across the globe, and we follow them all. Some of those who arrived in covered wagons began to build the pioneer town of Auburn, making a new home for themselves. Some panning for gold and others building hotels and businesses the miners need.

Some travel to merry old England where one of the wagon train sojourners has been called home after his older brother’s death to be the future Earl of Farnsworth. Having fallen in love, he couldn’t bear to leave Clara behind, so arranges for her family to accompany him. So many of the main characters sail away cross the seas.

The third storyline in SETTLERS & TOFFS becomes another wagon train when the scout in book one decides with his wife to go and bring another group of settlers to the new land—a very lucrative business venture for the captains who knew the way.

There are plenty of characters who come in and out as the story progresses. I’ve come to love the primary ones. There are struggles at every turn. Trials and tribulations fill many of their days, but there are those joyous ones as well!

Through it all, the Lord—still on the throne and in control in 1850—helps His children overcome and blesses them beyond measure . . . just as He does today. He is the Rewarder of those who diligently seek him and obey His commandments—then and now.

My author’s motto is “Praying my story gives God glory!” I also pray that its readers will be drawn into a closer walk with the Almighty as they walk alongside these awesome, stalwart folks who settled the West! They had it rough, but God . . . PRAISE HIM!

They sure do! And so do I!
BLESSINGS!

Blog Stops

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away the prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/28b2c/settlers-toffs-celebration-tour-giveaway




My reviews

Thursday, November 2, 2023

The Bobtails and the Cousins by Arthur Yeomans

 



Late 1800s Vermont. The kids are adjusting and loving their new life on the farm. More changes come along and three sets of cousins families come to visit. Each group is different in their circumstances and outlook on life, so it makes it interesting as the lessons continue with each person as they come along. Some don't like it at first but there's so much to do here. Very believable characters who work and play hard. Highly recommended for kids and adults. Should be considered among the classics, especially for kids...add this series to your shelves!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheBobtailsAndTheCousins #WisePathBooks #ArthurYeomans #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical #FamilyFiction

Sample to read on author's page: https://www.arthuryeomans.com/bobtails-and-the-cousins

My reviews

The Bobtails Meet The Preacher's Kid by Arthur Yeomans

 


Fabulous series. These are the kind of books that I want to read.
The kids are orphaned, and it's decided by their family that their strict widowed Aunt will take them in as she has a cheese farm and has the room and the work for them. Common sense, down to earth, and I loved it. I'm a fan of Grace Livingston Hill books, with the life lessons here it reminded me somewhat of her style of story. In this book there are lessons about everything you do on a dairy farm, and life lessons as they all work through this big change in their lives. Good Christian lessons throughout. Their Aunt believes in showing them what to do and expecting them to do it well and quickly. Even the smallest toddler was given a job. In addition, wonderful way to bring up the kids with nurturing routines like daily family reading and play time. Excellent for kids and adults alike. I can't speak highly enough of this series.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheBobtailsMeetThePreachersKid #WisePathBooks #ArthurYeomans #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical #FamilyFiction

Sample to read on author's page: Published Works - Arthur Yeomans

My reviews

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

The Wings of Poppy Pendleton by Melanie Dobson

 



1907 to 1992 Woven back and forth, gradually revealing a family story as a savvy reporter digs into the facts. Very intricate, details hard to unweave to figure it all out, making it very intriguing - and you have to know what happened to these very real seeming people that are fictional derived from historical facts. I live not far from the Thousand Islands area. It's beautiful and has fascinating history. This story reveals hope in some of the hardest of times for the people on every side. Very well written! 

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

#TheWingsOfPoppyPendleton #NetGalley #MelanieDobson #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #TyndaleHousePublishers #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical #ChildTrafficking

My reviews

Monday, October 30, 2023

Marshaling Her Heart by Mary Connealy

 


There's another book before this, not necessary to read but you'll be glad you did to get to know this special town in Wyoming. A state where women have some rights and a town where they are quite progressive and supportive of each other. Each person has special skills that contribute to making the town grow and they're great to learn more about. Becky has her own ranch; Nate works for her. The Deadeye gang is still at large and there the story unfolds, twists and winds. Keeps you turning the pages! Excellent story. Love, murder, danger, milestones and growing. Faith filled lessons. Incredible community.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#Marshaling Her Heart #MaryConnealy #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #FiveStarNovel 


About the Book

Book: Marshaling Her Heart

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: October 17, 2023

Will their lives and romance survive the trouble coming their way?

Becky Pruitt has always prided herself on knowing everything that’s happening on her successful ranch, so an unexpected admission from her foreman, Nate Paxton, comes as quite a surprise. With the notorious Deadeye Gang on the loose, Nate–a former U.S. Marshal–believes Becky’s ranch is the best spot for a group of Marshals to use as a base to hunt them down.

The timing couldn’t be more crucial for the town of Pine Valley, and Becky feels obligated to help. But after escaping the grasp of her harsh father, she’s never liked giving up control, of her life or her ranch. If there’s anyone she can trust with her ranch, and her heart, it might be Nate. But the outlaws won’t go away quietly, and as danger draws ever nearer, Becky and Nate are faced with impossible choices that will test their growing bond.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Mary Connealy (maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series Wyoming Sunrise, The Lumber Baron’s Daughters, Brothers in Arms, Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, The Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

 


 

 

More from Mary

Becky Pruitt has a problem. Her ranch is being invaded by good guys.

Becky wants the Deadeye Gang caught and thrown in jail as much as anyone, but the lawmen asking her to hire them on at her ranch aim to do their investigating while working undercover as cowhands. She runs a good ranch, however, and doesn’t like the idea of a bunch of low-skilled men making her look like she’s hired them foolishly.

Yet she goes along with it, suspicious and annoyed, because her foreman, Nate Paxton, a man she trusts, convinces her that these men are honorable. Then the three lawmen she hires, all of them U.S. Marshals, urge her to send every single one of her regular cowhands—except Nate, a former Marshal himself—off on a cattle drive.

Now she’s got Marshals cropping up everywhere. Her ranch isn’t being run in a way that suits her. She’s got trouble with her father, and an important speaker is coming to town to talk about women’s suffrage. So much is distracting her when all she really wants to do is make sure her herd is being tended properly.

Before long, Nate starts to question the behavior of the U.S. Marshals Service. They’re secretive to the point that they put him in jeopardy a few times before he decides to quit. Here he’d found a decent job on a top ranch, and he even shared a few special moments with his pretty, feisty boss that gave him ideas of how he’d like to change things around a little just so he could be with her. And then his brother, who’s still a U.S. Marshal, invades the ranch with a few fellow lawmen. Quite a few.

Meanwhile, the Deadeye Gang is more dangerous than ever. The woman coming to Pine Valley to speak is now at risk, which makes Becky frantic to protect her. The cattle aren’t being looked after like they ought to be. And yet Nate finds himself being drawn closer to Becky with each passing day. He’s determined to stand firmly between her and danger, but he’s got to keep up with her to do that. He soon discovers that nothing is easy when it comes to the hard-charging Becky Pruitt.

Wyoming Sunrise is a series I wrote in which I cast women as having nontraditional jobs: Forged in Love has a woman blacksmith, Laws of Attraction a woman justice of the peace, and Marshaling Her Heart a woman rancher. Those are all nontraditional for sure, but not really in my case personally. I must force myself not to make all my heroines feisty lady ranchers. It’s almost a reflex at this point. I fought that reflex as hard as I could, but I decided it would be okay to sneak one lady rancher into this series, and that’s Becky Pruitt. I slipped her into the western vernacular, the tough attitude, the riding skirts and boots and Stetsons—and I loved it.

Marshaling Her Heart is my first true lady rancher, and so I let loose and had fun with Becky. The foreman Nate recognizes intelligence and competence in his boss, and he’s smart enough to take orders from her because he knows those orders are the right way to run the ranch.

Add in the backdrops of the other books in the series, the vicious, stagecoach-robbing Deadeye Gang, the coming of the lady suffragist speaker to town, and you’ve got a story full of trouble, action, adventure, romance, and fun.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, October 27
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 27
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 28
Bizwings Book Blog, October 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29
Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 29
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 30
Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 30 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
lakesidelivingsite, October 31
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 1
Book Looks by Lisa, November 1
Connie’s History Classroom, November 2
Mary Hake, November 2
Wishful Endings, November 3
An Author’s Take, November 3
Betti Mace, November 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 4
For Him and My Family, November 5
Holly’s Book Corner, November 5
Splashes of Joy, November 6
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 6
Pause for Tales, November 7
Life on Chickadee Lane, November 7
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 8
Cover Lover Book Review, November 8
Labor Not in Vain, November 9
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback copy of the entire Wyoming Sunrise series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/28976/marshaling-her-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway



My reviews