New Series Review and Giveaway: Eleanor's Bench

New series “Eleanor’s Bench" is streaming exclusively on Pure Flix now!

“Eleanor’s Bench” is a touching show that shines a light on the juvenile justice system in an informative enlightening way.

Moms, this new show is full of important lessons about following God’s calling, practicing self control, learning from your past and discovering that we are enough and deserving of God’s love. Watch with your family on Pure Flix today!

“Eleanor’s Bench” is a powerful reminder that we’re all equal in God’s eyes.

Synopsis: 

Eleanor Thomas’s success as a Washington DC juvenile court judge is challenged when her inner-city past comes to court and demands more than judgment, prompting her to return to her impoverished neighborhood of youth. Will her renewed sense of purpose reinvigorate her faith?

Join Pure Flix now and watch Eleanor’s Bench!

Trailer: 

       

Episode 3:

Characters & Background

Drayvon has been removed from his mother and placed in foster care.

Eleanor visits Drayvon’s case worker and apologizes for previous conflict.

Eleanor shares that she wants to foster Drayvon and the caseworker thinks it's in response to failure but she doesn’t know the past connection between Eleanor and Jewels’ mom.

A new case comes across Eleanor’s desk; John is on the run and at risk of becoming a ward of the state because he missed parole meetings, skipped hearings and was picked up on a warrant. He faces confinement until he turns 18.

Eleanor shares her dream to foster Drayvon with Heather.

Drayvon suffers from PTSD and is reliving the trauma of the shooting.

Jewels has her first court appearance for the murder of her abusive boyfriend.

Themes:

How to live with defeat and failure

Recognizing the moments that can change the trajectory of our lives

Be a chain breaker - break the family legacy of prison

Guilt can be a motivator but also clouds judgment.

My Review:

I had the pleasure of reading the third episode from Eleanor's Bench. After a tragedy, Eleanor experiences back to her own past tragedies and how it affected her through the years. She is having some guilt and struggles to find the right solution for a sweet little boy who has experienced his own trauma. The actors did a wonderful job of bringing on the emotions throughout the episode. It ends with a cliffhanger, making me want to continue to watch the series to find out what happens next for all involved. I have no doubt that this series is going to be a big hit.  

I am giving Eleanor's Bench a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for families of all ages and for those who enjoy watching faith based and inspirational dramas.

I received an early screen link of Eleanor's Bench from Pure Flix, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Disclosure:

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

Giveaway: 

3-month subscription to Pure Flix 

Leave a more than two word completed sentence telling me who will be watching Eleanor's Bench with. Don’t forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

Winner’s name will be drawn on July 12, 2023.

Giveaway Rules:   

Giveaway is limited to US winners only.        

Two word comments will be deleted and will not be entered into the giveaway.

Winners will have to reply to email that is sent to you to let you have won within 24 hours.
If no response, a new winner’s name will be drawn and you forfeit the prize.

Winners from previous Momentum campaigns within 90 days and those who have won a PureFlix subscription in the last 6 months, will be disqualified. 

Review: With Every Memory by Janine Rosche

With Every Memory by Janine Rosche

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Is the Life She Can't Remember One She'd Rather Forget?

One year after her family was in a tragic car accident that killed her teenage son, Lori Mendenhall returns home with a traumatic brain injury that has stolen the last eight years of memories from her. She is shocked to find that the life she was leading before the accident is unrecognizable. Her once-loving husband, Michael, is a distant workaholic she isn't sure she can trust and her once-bubbly daughter, Avery, has spent the last year hidden away in her room.

For Avery, life stopped when she lost her twin. Now, if she wants to graduate high school, she'll have to accept help from Xander Dixon, her brother's best friend and the boy who relentlessly teased her for years. And if Lori wants to reconnect with her husband, she'll have to grapple with information her brain is trying to keep secret. With every memory that returns, she can't help but wonder if the life she can't remember is one she'd rather forget.

My Review: 

I found that With Every Memory was a beautiful book to read. It is one that I was able to relate to the characters and understand the turmoil they experienced. It is an emotional story that had me wanting to grab tissues from time to time. I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen. There were a few twists I did not expect. I love the theme of hope, love, faith, forgiveness and redemption. I thought it was fabulous.

I believe With Every Memory is among my favorite books I have read this year and am giving it five stars. I honestly believe fans of clean fiction that is inspirng to read will greatly enjoy it as much as me. I would definitely be interested in reading other books from the talented author, Janine Rosche.

 

I received a paperback copy of Janine Rosche's With Every Memory from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Rescue in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd

About the Book

Book: Rescue in the Wilderness

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 27, 2023

William Cole cannot forget the cruel burden he carries, not with the pock marks that serve as an outward reminder. Riddled with guilt, he assumed the solitary life of a long hunter, traveling into the wilds of Kentucky each year. But his quiet existence is changed in an instant when, sitting in a tavern, he overhears a man offering his daughter—and her virtue—to the winner of the next round of cards. William’s integrity and desire for redemption will not allow him to sit idly by while such an injustice occurs.

Lucinda Gillespie has suffered from an inexplicable illness her entire life. Her father, embarrassed by her condition, has subjected her to a lonely existence of abuse and confinement. But faced with the ultimate betrayal on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Lucinda quickly realizes her trust is better placed in his hands of the mysterious man who appears at her door. Especially when he offers her the one thing she never thought would be within her grasp—freedom.

In the blink of an eye, both lives change as they begin the difficult, danger-fraught journey westward on the Wilderness Trail. But can they overcome their own perceptions of themselves to find love and the life God created them for?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a Christian wife and mom located in rural Kentucky, who loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors, one with nature. Often described as having been born outside her time, she has a deep affinity for an old-fashioned, natural lifestyle.

With a degree in Equine Health & Rehabilitation gathering dust and a full-time job tethering her to a desk eight hours a day, Andrea decided it was time to show both herself and her children that it is truly possible to make your dreams come true. Now with over 1,000 contemporary Christian romance novellas sold, Andrea is pursuing her passion of writing faith-filled romance woven with a thread of true history.

 

More form Andrea

There is so much inspiration that fed into the creation of Rescue in the Wilderness.

Not only was the Good Lord’s guiding hand ever-present, but so was the influence of those that came before me. This story was inspired by my own ancestors, as well as the countless others, that made the arduous journey through Cumberland Gap to settle in Kentucky. Those brave souls opened up a whole new world, and for some of us, established the area in which their families would preside for centuries to come.

As a lover of books that integrate history into fiction myself, I also wished to shed light on the “Hard Winter” of 1779-1780. This was a winter that came early, and with great intensity. While it caused hardships for many across the country, it made the journey through the Cumberland Gap all the more perilous.

Beyond these historical facts, I also wished to pay tribute to those who suffer from chronic pain conditions. I will never forget the day a friend of mine, whom the Lord called home all too soon, told me of her childhood rheumatoid arthritis and how there were days she was in too much pain to leave her bed. In this book, I wished to explore what pioneer life might have been for someone who suffered from such a condition.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 29 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 29

Connie’s History Classroom, June 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 1

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 3

Lighthouse Academy Blog, July 3 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, July 4

Betti Mace, July 5

Pause for Tales, July 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 6

For Him and My Family, July 7

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, July 7

Karen Baney Reviews, July 8

Cover Lover Book Review, July 8

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 9

Splashes of Joy, July 10

To Everything There Is A Season , July 10

Holly’s Book Corner, July 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/2678e/rescue-in-the-wilderness-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

Rescue in the Wilderness is the first book I have read by the talented author, Andrea Byrd. It is the beginning to the Frontier Hearts series. It starts off in my Beloved Blue Ridge Mountains, making me intrigued instantly. I adored William and Lucinda's story of faith, hope, and love. I felt a connection between the two and was inspired on how they were able to overcome what they had endured in their lives. I loved taking this exciting journey with them. 

Rescue in the Wilderness will be getting a five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. I will be interested in reading the next book from the Frontier Hearts series to see what other adventure Andrea Byrd has in store for her readers and characters. 

I received a paperback copy of Rescue in the Wilderness from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Call Her Janie by S R Fabrico

 

Book Details:
Book Title:  Call Her Janie: A scintillating romantic suspense with a shocking twist by S.R. Fabrico
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  350 pages
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher:  S.R. Fabrico
Release date:  June 27, 2023
Content Rating:  PG-13+M. A few curse words. There are some intimate scenes, mostly left up to the reader's imagination.

Book Description:

Are you ready for a heart-pumping, page-turning journey of love, loss, and suspense? Look no further than S.R. Fabrico’s latest masterpiece, filled with gripping twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
 
Meet Lizzie Levine, the unstoppable female executive at a top NYC marketing firm. Driven by the tragic loss of her parents, Lizzie refuses to let anything stand in her way – until a handsome, enigmatic billionaire named Gray Stone enters the picture. But when Lizzie discovers she’s pregnant with Gray’s child, she learns there’s more to him than meets the eye.
 
Desperate for a fresh start, Lizzie escapes to the serene coastal town of Southport, NC. There, she meets Josh, a charming local determined to help her heal and move on from her troubled past. But as Lizzie begins to rebuild her life, she soon realizes that her past is not so easily left behind. Someone with a sinister agenda lurks in the shadows, and Lizzie’s life is in grave danger.
 
With a writing style, that’s both eloquent and engaging, S.R. Fabrico takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions as you journey with Lizzie through the twists and turns of her life. Whether you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers or heartwarming love stories, this book is a must-read. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of passion, intrigue, and danger.

Buy the Book:
Signed Copy
Amazon
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

S.R. Fabrico is a 16-time award-winning author. Her debut novel The Secrets We Conceal was published in March 2022. She has also written a series of sports journals for athletes, including the Amazon best-selling My Dance Journal.

A 25-plus-year professional in the business, marketing, and sports world has taken her to numerous places throughout the course of her life and provided countless life experiences. She is a World Champion Dance Coach, coach of the year recipient, and speaker and various conferences across the United States.

S.R. Fabrico works and writes from her home in Knoxville, TN, where she lives with her husband and two children. She appreciates the beauty of the mountains, but her favorite place to visit is the beach. She is a lifelong math nerd and enjoys good puns. When she isn’t writing, she likes to read books, wife hard, and mom hard.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

CALL HER JANIE Book Tour Giveaway

My Review: 

After reading The Secrets We Conceal, I was interested in reading more books by S R Fabrico. I jumped at the chance to read their newest book, Call Her Janie. I honestly was able to be engaged with this story right from the start. I wanted to keep turning the pages. Once I ended one chapter, I had to continue on to the following chapter to find out what was going to happen next. I could not keep my eyes away from Lizzie's story. She had gone through so much in life and was finding herself running to the wrong direction. She finally tries to take control and escape it all. My goodness, does she unwillingly gets on a roller coaster ride. What a thrilling ride it was. So many twists, so many turns. My head was constantly spinning from it all. There was danger, adventure, suspense, mystery, and romance. I never knew was to come. I thought it was a fabulous tale to read. 

I am giving Call Her Janie five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading suspense filled romantic fiction. I would love to read more by the talented author, S R Fabrico in the future. I will definitely be on the look out for more releases by them in the future. 

I received a digital copy of S R Fabrico's Call Her Janie from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Book Tour and Giveaway: Secrets of the Wild by Olivia Kent

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Secrets of the Wild by Olivia Kent
Category:  Children's Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 38 pages
Genre:  Children's Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:  March 2021
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

There is nothing more exciting than what happens deep in the woods. Aside from human eyes, the hustle and bustle of the wild will shock, awe, and captivate you deep into their world of the unknown. But be careful, because the creatures of the Earth are onto us, and they know much more about us than we know about them...

Buy the Book:
​Mascot
Amazon ~ B&N 

Meet the Author:

Olivia Kent’s vibrant personality shines through in her very first children’s book, Secrets of the Wild. Her creativity and true love for her characters developed into a funny and heartwarming story, reflecting her inner love for animals. Her passion for Earth’s creatures is being taken one step further as she continues her studies.

Enter the Giveaway:

SECRETS OF THE WILD Book Tour Giveaway

My Review: 

Secrets of the Wild is a pretty good first children's book written by the talented author, Olivia Kent. I loved reading about the various creatures of the forest. I enjoyed learning about the new friends I met along the way. It was a joy taking this entertaining and fun adventure with the animals that made me smile all throughout the book. I thought it was a sweet and cute story that tell some wonderful lessons.

Secrets of the Wild is beautifully illustrated by the talented artist Srimalie Bassani. The visually appealing and colorful pictures perfectly follow along the story on each page and help the youngest of readers keep focused on what is going on. I thought they were a wonderful addition to the book. I can imagine the smallest ones asking questions all throughout the book about everything they see on each page.

I give Secrets of the Wild five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages of four and eights years old. I believe it would a great placement in elementary school classroom, as well as, public children's library shelves. I would love to read another book for children by Olivia Kent and to share it my own little ones. I believe that this one is definitely worth reading. 

I received a hard cover copy of Olivia Kent’s Secrets of the Wild from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Book Tour and Giveaway: Lose It for the Last Time 2nd Edition by Amy Newman Shapiro

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Lose It For The Last Time 2nd Edition by Amy Newman Shapiro
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction, 240 pages
Genre: Weight Loss, Nutrition, Healthy Living, Self Help, ​
Publisher:  Snewman Media
Release date:  November 2022
Content Rating:  G for no inappropriate language, no violence, no sex.

Book Description:
​
When it comes to losing and keeping off the pounds, Amy Shapiro knows what works, what doesn’t, and why.

​In her completely revised and updated edition of LOSE IT FOR THE LAST TIME she incorporates the latest scientific research that has advanced our understanding of why we gain weight and the best practices for taking it off —for good. In addition, she introduces us to the technology that has changed how we exercise and track physical activity with tips on using it to our best advantage.

This new edition contains the same easy-to-follow plan for permanent and healthy weight loss that Amy has used successfully for many years in her private practice to help people like you win the constant battle against losing weight and gaining it back. She shares her secrets for successfully making small, sensible lifestyle changes, along with strategies for using a non-diet approach to lose weight.
​
Amy will make your dream of long-term weight loss a reality by:

• Helping you lose weight in a nonrestrictive way that makes it easier to keep it off
• Offering surprising, simple substitutes for replacing habits and behaviors that pack on the pounds
• Showing how it's possible to eat fewer calories without going hungry or depriving yourself of the foods you love
• Explaining how to dine out and enjoy party and holiday food without gaining weight
• Demonstrating how to make exercise a part of your life without joining a gym or playing a sport
• Providing practical, easy-to-live-with suggestions and techniques for staying motivated and focused on long-term success
• Teaching you how to set realistic, measurable, and doable weekly goals

It’s time to get healthy and lose weight for the last time and stop yo-yo dieting and the health risks that come with it. Here are the answers for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight so you can experience the real health benefits of permanent weight loss.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Amy Newman Shapiro RDN, CDN, RYT200 is a registered dietitian, nutritionist. She holds degrees in both psychology and nutrition and is a certified personal trainer and a certified yoga instructor. As a professional speaker Amy promotes wellness in corporate, clinical, and private settings. She also offers wellness coaching and integrative and functional nutrition in her private practice based in Long Island, New York, where she and her husband reside. This is her fourth book.

Connect with the Author: ​Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

LOSE IT FOR THE LAST TIME by Amy Newman Shapiro Book Tour Giveaway

My Review: 

After reading other books about nutrition, diets and weight loss, I was a little skeptical with reading Amy Newman Shapiro's Lose It for the Last Time. After reluctantly opening the book, I quickly realized how wrong I was. The author does a great job in breaking down her plan into an ten week program. Each week ends with Your Goals of the Week. Readers will find that the commentary, tips and strategies to be easy to understand. I was able to learn more about nutrition and calories. Those food labels have always been foreign to me, and it was great to see a breakdown on what they mean, as well. I see the importance of keeping a food journal and an activity log. I loved seeing a simple one day menus that I found doable, and without those foods that I would never ever touch much less eat. As well as, ways to keep smart when eating while out and about. After reading this, I now feel motivated, not as overwhelmed with the choices that I should make, and ready to get myself toward a healthier lifestyle.

I am giving Lose It for the Last Time five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who are looking for an easy to read nutritional, weight loss and health book. I would love to continue to read more books by Amy Newman Shapiro in the future. 

I received a copy of Lose It for the Last Time from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Giga by Alex Paknadel and John Lê

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the GIGA (The Complete Series) by Alex Paknadel & John Lê Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: GIGA (The Complete Series)

Authors: Alex Paknadel & John Lê (Illustrator)

Pub. Date: June 27, 2023

Publisher: Vault Comics

Formats:  Paperback, eBook

Pages: 144

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/GIGA-The-Complete-Series

Ever since their world-shattering war ended, the slumbering mecha called 'Giga' have been both gods and habitats for the surviving humans. Then disgraced engineer Evan Calhoun discovers a murdered Giga, and the very fabric of society starts unraveling around him.

A GIANT MECH MURDER MYSTERY.

Nobody knows why the skyscraper-sized mechs known as ‘Giga’ fought their bitter, centuries’ long war. All they know is that when the fighting finally stopped, the dormant Giga became humanity’s new habitat and new gods in one. When disgraced engineer Evan Calhoun finds an apparently murdered Giga, his society and the fascistic tech-centered religious order that controls it are rapidly thrown into chaos..
From writer Alex Paknadel (Friendo, Turncoat, Incursion) and rising star John Le comes another Vault & White Noise partnership about what happens after the mechs stop fighting.

Collects the complete five-issue series.

For fans of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Ultra Mega, and the Department of Truth

"A well-thought-out sci-fi series...." -- AV Club

"A world where people take shelter in the rotting husks of giant mechs - smart, fun, beautiful stuff." -- Scott Snyder (Batman, American Vampire, Justice League, Wytches)

"I read GIGA the other day and fell desperately in love with the world they build, and was desperate to spend more time in it and explore. You do NOT want to miss it." -- James Tynion IV (Something is Killing the Children, House of Slaughter, Department of Truth)

MY REVIEW: 

Giga: The Complete Series is a graphic novel written by author, Alex Paknadel. I appreciated their imagination all throughout the book. There are a diverse set of characters that are involved in this intriguing tale. It was full of adventure, danger, and action. I liked it.

Giga: The Complete Series is illustrated by the talented artist, John Lê. The graphics all throughout the book were appealing to the eye and perfectly go with the story. They greatly help the plot flow. 

I am giving Giga: The Complete Series three stars. I believe adult fans of graphic novels, as well as, dystopian and fantasy books will want to give it a try. I would be interested to meeting these characters again in the future. 

I received a paperback copy of Giga: The Complete Series from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

 

About Alex Paknadel:

Alex Paknadel is a writer and academic from London, England. His first comics work, the dark sci-fi thriller ARCADIA from Boom! Studios, met with critical acclaim and led to additional projects with a range of publishers including VAULT COMICS (GIGA), Marvel Entertainment, Valiant Entertainment, Lion Forge, and Titan Comics. He is also a founding member of White Noise Studio alongside fellow writers Dan Watters, Ram V, and Ryan O'Sullivan.

Keep in touch here: 

Twitter | Instagram

 

About John Lê:

Artist, Illustrator, Storyteller 

Keep in touch here:

Twitter 

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive finished copies of GIGA (The Complete Series), US Only.

Ends July 18th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/19/2023	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt/IG Post
6/20/2023	Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer	Review/IG Post
6/21/2023	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt/IG Post
6/22/2023	A Dream Within A Dream	Excerpt
6/23/2023	@evergirl200	IG Review
6/24/2023	Cara North	Excerpt/IG Post

Week Two:

6/25/2023	Sadie's Spotlight	Excerpt/IG Post
6/26/2023	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
6/27/2023	Country Mamas With Kids	Review/IG Post
6/28/2023	@jlreadstoperpetuity	Review/IG Post
6/29/2023	Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's	Review/IG Post
6/30/2023	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
7/1/2023	Nerdophiles	Review

Week Three:

7/2/2023	Fire and Ice	Review/IG Post
7/3/2023	Jaime_of_gryffindor	IG Review
7/4/2023	@allyluvsbooksalatte	IG Review/TikTok Post
7/5/2023	@pagesforpaige	IG Review
7/6/2023	Ariandher.books	IG Review
7/7/2023	@enjoyingbooksagain	Review/IG Post
7/8/2023	@froggyreadteach	IG Review

Week Four:

7/9/2023	@stargirls.magical.tale	IG Review
7/10/2023	The Momma Spot	Review
7/11/2023	Lifestyle of Me	Review
7/12/2023	OneMoreExclamation	Review/IG Post/LFL Drop Pic
7/13/2023	A Blue Box Full of Books	IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post
7/14/2023	Two Points of Interest	Review