Sunday, March 26, 2023

Movie Review and Giveaway: His Only Son



Angel Studios, who brought you THE CHOSEN, is releasing a 
new film, HIS ONLY SON, which is a film about Abraham and Isaac!

Moms, this is a movie you won’t want to miss! There are few things more powerful
than a mother's love for her son. Take your family to see this film, and be inspired
by Isaac and Sarah's relationship in His Only Son, coming to theaters March 31.

For the first time in a feature film, the controversial account of Abraham and 
Isaac will be brought to life, one that everyone can draw inspiration from.

Synopsis: 

His Only Son recounts one of the most controversial moments in the Old Testament—
when Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac on the mountain 
of Moriah. While traveling to the place of the sacrifice, alongside Isaac and two
servants, Abraham is flooded with vivid memories from the years he and Sarah spent
longing for the son they were promised—the son he must now lay upon the altar.

Buy tickets today to see HIS ONLY SON in theaters March 31st!

Movie Website: LINK

Buy Tickets: LINK

Trailer: 


 


My Review:

I enjoyed watching His Only Son. I have always been fascinated by Abraham from the Old Testament. I loved seeing him being brought to life and getting a visual of his time with his family. The performers did an amazing job with this story and helped give me a better understanding of the emotions that Abraham, Sara and Isaac had gone through. I could just feel the turmoil they felt as their faith and bonds were tested. I found it to be a beautiful, inspiring, important and a must see film to watch.

I am giving His Only Son a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for families of all ages and for those who enjoy watching movies based Biblical events.

I received an early screen link of His Only Son from Angel Studios, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 


Disclosure:

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

Giveaway: 

$10 Amazon Gift Card


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

Winner’s name will be drawn on April 3, 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. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Smell of Spring by Mary Ann Hake

About the Book

Book: The Smell of Spring

Author: Mary Ann Hake

Illustrator: Marina

Genre: Picture Book

Release date: December 15, 2022

In The Smell of Spring, April, a blind girl, enjoys the world around her and discovers spring scents. Join April and her menagerie of pets in their springtime adventures. The Smell of Spring shows children how we experience the world around us through the sense of smell. Kids will enjoy her many interesting pets and can have fun with the activities at the end using the sense of smell.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Mary Ann Hake has loved learning and writing for as long as she can remember. She has been scribbling stories and poems since she first learned to write and has published hundreds of stories, articles, poems, puzzles, devotions, and more for both children and adults plus written hundreds of book reviews. She loved working in a bookstore and as a librarian and enjoyed reading to children at story times and conducting summer reading programs. She has also taught writing to children and at writers’ conferences. In addition to writing, she continues to work as a freelance editor. Visit her website, www.maryannhake.com, and subscribe to her newsletter for activities for children and updates on future books. Also find her on Facebook at Mary A. Hake author, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057370041720.

 

More from Mary Ann

I have always loved books and reading, and even as an adult I still enjoy picture books. I had tried writing my own in the past, but The Smell of Spring is the first picture book I have published. The online classes I took during the pandemic and all the years of writers’ conferences, particularly Oregon Christian Writers conferences, have helped me learn and polish my craft. I have published hundreds of pieces, for both children and adults, in a variety of periodicals and a dozen compilation books plus some curricula.

 

I chose to present this concept book in rhyme because it came out more appealing and fun for kids than straight prose. The Smell of Spring shows how a blind girl uses her sense of smell to experience life around her. Along with her menagerie of pets, April explores her world. The story includes elements that would make it a handy companion text for connection to science: senses, the weather, nature, animals—domestic and wild, flowers and trees, and food. It also models responsibility as April cares for the animals. The Smell of Spring is the first book in the four-book series of Smells of the Seasons.

 

Readers of all ages are enjoying this fresh look at springtime.

Comments from early readers:

“In sweet, simple prose, with lovely illustrations, this book shows a child how they can appreciate their sense of smell.”

“A delightfully whimsical book that invites children to become mindfully aware of the many smells, both pleasant and unpleasant, that accompany the spring season.”

“A charming way to encounter the season for all children.”
“This was a very delightful book! I loved all the places she found smells in. I also loved how you made the book rhyme. It flowed very smoothly.”
“So well done, from the rhyme to the message.”

“Mary Hake gives the reader insights into what the world is like to a blind girl, who perceives the world through other senses besides sight. The focus on smell may encourage young listeners/readers to pay closer attention to the smells they like or dislike and to be more aware of different aspects of their world. It may also make them more understanding of children with disabilities.”

“Teachers, parents, and children will appreciate the activities at the end of this book.”

“The whole book is full of delightful images and easy-to-read phrases that describe all the many smells. Including some fun relatable parts. I think children will get a kick out of a few of the smells.”

 

Sign up for updates on my website, https://maryannhake.com/, and received a PDF of activities for children using the sense of smell. Further fun things will be coming in the future.

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 24

Artistic Nobody, March 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 27

Texas Book-aholic, March 28

Lots of Helpers, March 29

Walking Fruitfully, March 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 30

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 31

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 1

Simple Harvest Reads, April 2

For Him and My Family, April 3

Blossoms and Blessings, April 4 (Author Interview)

The Life We Build, April 4

Guild Master, April 5

Vicky Sluiter, April 6 (Author Interview)

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize package of a signed hardcover copy of The Smell of Spring and a $25 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/25253/the-smell-of-spring-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

The Smell of Spring is the start of a new children’s book series by Mary Ann Hake called Smell of the Seasons. I thought it was a cute little book. It is in a rhyming verse format that flows well all throughout the book. I enjoyed each page and it was a delight to read. 

The Smell of Spring is beautifully illustrated by Marina from Get Your Book Illustrations. The pictures were a perfect addition to the book and visually appealing for the young readers eyes. 

I am giving The Smell of Spring five stars. I recommend it for readers between the ages of three and eight. I would love to read the next book from the Smells of the Seasons series. 

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

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Iron by Madisyn Carlin

About the Book


Book: 
Iron

Author: Madisyn Carlin

Genre: Christian Fantasy/Fairytale Retelling

Release date: September 30, 2022

Enforcing justice comes with a price.

Detective Redwyn “Red” Deathan will stop at nothing to uncover those behind the ruthless kidnappings of multiple children. But things are not as they seem, and Red’s efforts are thwarted at every turn. With each discovery the danger grows, putting Red and the lives of those she cares about at risk. Can she reveal the mastermind’s identity before she herself becomes a target?

IRON is a Christian, New Adult, Fantasy Fairytale Retelling

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.

Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin

 

More from Madisyn

There are many original Cinderella stories, from all cultures and languages. Perhaps the two most common tales, however, are Frenchman Charles Perrault’s (also called Cendrillon) and the German Brothers Grimm’s Aschenputtel. The majority of these originals, and Brothers Grimm’s in particular, are not the sparkles-and-magic versions we are more familiar with. They are darker, bloodier, and deadlier, though they still possess an amazing display of creativity and storytelling.

 

The iconic, classical Disney retelling drew from Perrault’s version. I based IRON off a blend of Aschenputtel and Perrault’s, with very little influence garnered from Disney’s. Although I wanted it to be obvious IRON is a fairy tale retelling, I also wanted to put an often-unfound spin on it, which is where Redwyn and her occupation shine through. In addition, I am a firm believer there is no such thing as ”love at first sight”, also called ”insta love”, which is quite common in many fairy tales and retellings.

 

Instead, I wanted to present a nonmagical retelling based on faith, family, and bravery. Perhaps that is why this story turned out rawer and much more touching than I ever imagined. Within the pages of this book loyalty drives characters to step outside their comfortable boundaries and preferences, desperation reminds them why they need God, and bravery takes root even in those who thought themselves hopeless cowards.

 

Heavy faith elements, feathers, cranky horses, wolves, sinister plots, a creepy forest, and more take this story beyond the typical plot found in Cinderella retellings. There’s also humor, sarcasm, and a feisty detective who can’t quite grasp the concept of tactfulness.

 

So, if you enjoy fairy tale retellings with a plentitude of faith, humor, and action, IRON might be the book for you.

 

You can find IRON’s inspiration board here.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 23

Texas Book-aholic, March 24

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, March 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 25

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 26

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 27

Lily’s Book Reviews, March 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 30

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 31

Blogging With Carol, April 1

For Him and My Family, April 2

Mary Hake, April 2

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 3

Pause for Tales, April 4

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Madisyn is giving away the grand prize package of one signed copy of the book and a $25 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/24fef/iron-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

Iron is the first book from The Redwyn Chronicles series. I have had the pleasure of reading previous books from Madisyn Carlin and was excited to start this new series by her. I was not disappointed and enjoyed a lot. I am not a huge fan of fantasy genre but this one held my attention and engaged all throughout. I thought it was great meeting the character of Red and getting caught up with the suspense of her story. I thought it was an entertaining book to read. 

I am giving Iron five stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean fantasy and science fiction. I look forward to the next installment from The Redwyn Chronicles series. 

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

Friday, March 24, 2023

Spotlight Book Tour and Giveaway: Peace in the Midst of the Storm by Kaleb Thompson

 



Book Details:

Book Title:  Peace in the Midst of the Storm by Kaleb Thompson
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 86 pages
Genre:  Poetry
Publisher:  Wipf and Stock
Release date:   December, 2021
Content RatingG because it provides positive, wholesome content through spiritual poetry that seeks to encourage and inspire others.
Book Description:

Anxiety and fear seek to prey on the damaged and create heavy burdens that scar the soul, being heartless and insensitive to the lost, unkempt, and broken-spirited in a troubled, unwholesome world. However, they do not reign for eternity, as faith, resilience, and empowerment remain planted from within to help overcome pressing obstacles, regardless of how difficult they may be. Peace in the Midst of the Storm primarily focuses on the beauty of positivity, selflessness, and honorable confidence that symbolizes the importance of light being present within darkness. This book also holds accountability in facing the realization that as life may prove frustrating at times, giving up is never an option! This shows that regardless of our mistakes, life does not promise us that we will remain positioned in negativity. What we were in our pasts will not seep into who we have grown to be as positive individuals. What we have now realized is that we often must prepare to speak victory over our storms and, as we continue to encourage ourselves to do that, we will overcome anything.
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Target
Books-a-Million ~ Walmart ~ BookBub
add to the goodread

Meet the Author:

Kaleb Thompson is a dedicated and optimistic individual who enjoys living life to the fullest. Being a native of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Kaleb received his Bachelor's degree and Master's Degree from Coastal Carolina University where he has valued much of his educational experience and career within the hospitality and tourism industry. He has recently started to write poetry to not only inspire others but to help relieve stress as a whole.

connect to the author: website goodreads


PEACE IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM Spotlight Book Tour Giveaway




Thursday, March 23, 2023

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Forged in Love by Mary Connealy

About the Book

Book: Forged in Love

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: February 28, 2023

When sparks begin to fly, can a friendship cast in iron be shaped into something more?

Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she’s riding in, killing both her father and brother. As she takes over her father’s blacksmith shop and tries to move forward, she soon finds herself in jeopardy and wondering–does someone know she witnessed the robbery and is still alive?

Handsome and polished Clint Roberts escaped to western Wyoming, leaving his painful memories behind. Hoping for a fresh start, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with harsh resistance from the townsfolk, who prefer to stick to their old ways.

Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the trials they face in town, and Clint is determined to protect Mariah at all costs when danger descends upon her home. As threats pursue them from every side, will they survive to build a life forged in love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than one and a half million books. She is the author of the popular series 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

The Inspiration

I started plotting this novel when I found out that Wyoming was the first state (then a territory) in the Union to grant women the right to vote. Then I discovered it wasn’t just the right to vote; all sorts of other rights were given to women as well, like the right to run for elected office or be appointed to office. In fact, the first woman justice of the peace in the U.S. was from Wyoming. This inspired me to have one of my heroines be the second justice of the peace in the country.

As I continued my research, reading about all that went on in Wyoming was fascinating. They became a territory in 1868—with women voting—and yet they weren’t allowed statehood for another thirty years. With other states being granted statehood in only a few years, why was this? Because the U.S. government refused to let Wyoming in unless they took the vote away from women.

Because Wyoming adamantly refused to strip the vote from women, year after year they were denied statehood. When they finally did get it, the state’s women maintained their right to vote because Wyoming would not budge on the issue. The whole history of this was great reading.

So I wrote a three-book series called Wyoming Sunrise in which all my heroines play against the normal, conventional female roles of the day.

Now, what job could I possibly think of that wasn’t traditionally for women? How about Mariah who happens to be a blacksmith? And while I’m writing against stereotypes, I created a man named Clint who runs a diner. That wasn’t too unusual, for lots of diners were run by men back in the day. Yet not many of them were talented chefs trained in high-class restaurants in New York City. Clint is an excellent chef. Of course, an excellent chef in a small Wyoming town is kind of wasted on folks who prefer fried chicken and beef stew.

Clint makes chicken and beef, but he calls his dishes weird names and makes them unusually delicious. Meanwhile, Mariah is working over a hot forge for long hours every day. When her father and brother are killed in a stagecoach holdup, she becomes the only blacksmith in town.

There’s some resistance to her doing such a masculine job, but even among those who disapprove, well, they’ve got a broken wagon wheel or a hole in their kettle and it’s either let Mariah fix it or go without. Mariah is allowed to be a blacksmith out of pure necessity.

My second book, The Laws of Attraction, has a female justice of the peace, while the third, Marshaling Her Heart, features a tough lady rancher. I write westerns, and honestly, writing about tough, feisty lady ranchers like Becky the Rancher comes naturally to me. Writing about a blacksmith and a judge, however, presents more of a challenge.

Mariah, who survived the stagecoach holdup, learns that the robbers believe she might know something that will reveal their identity, and she needs to be silenced. Clint tries to protect her and finds himself stepping between her and a murderous gang of outlaws.

Through it all, love finds them, and they begin to forge a life together.

Blog Stops

Bigreadersite, March 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 18

Texas Book-aholic, March 19

Through the Fire Blogs, March 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 19

Stories By Gina, March 20 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, March 20

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 20

Connie’s History Classroom, March 21

For Him and My Family, March 21

Labor Not in Vain, March 21

Cover Lover Book Review, March 22

Lighthouse Academy, March 22 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Remembrancy, March 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 23

Betti Mace, March 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 24

She Lives to Read, March 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 25

Pause for Tales, March 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 26

Holly’s Book Corner, March 26

Book Looks by Lisa, March 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 27

SodbusterLiving, March 28

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 28

Splashes of Joy, March 29

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 29

Wishful Endings, March 30

HookMeInABook, March 30

lakesidelivingsite, March 31

EmpowerMoms, March 31

Mary Hake, March 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize package of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book Forged in Love!!

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/24dc0/forged-in-love-celebration-tour-giveaway 


My Review

Forged in Love is a great beginning to Mary Connealy’s Wyoming Sunrise series. It is just what I would expect from her books. I admired the bravery, courage and determination of the character of Mariah. It was a delight to see her and Clint interact with one another. Overall, it was a fun and entertaining read and among my favorites I have read for the year so far. 

Forged in Love is getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. I am eagerly awaiting the second book from the Wyoming Sunrise series, The Laws of Attraction, to see what adventure Mary Connealy will take her readers to next. 

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

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Blog Tour and Giveaway: How Did I Get Here?: Traveling the Road to Resilience by Andrew Fitzgerald


 

Book Details:
Book Title:  How Did I Get Here? -Traveling The Road To Resilience by Andrew Fitzgerald
CategoryAdult Non-Fiction (18+), 208 pages
GenreMemoir / Self-Help / Inspirational
Publisher: Fitzy's Branded Books
Publication Date: Feb, 2023
Content Rating: G - For Everyone and no bad language or explicit scenes
Book Description:

HOW DID I GET HERE?

As he woke up after dying for the second time, Andrew Fitzgerald asked himself, “How did I get here?”

As he and his wife left Ireland and stepped foot on American soil to begin their lives in the US, he asked himself, “How did I get here?”

As his wife delivered their baby after four miscarriages, he asked himself, “How did I get here?”

As he sat in a customer sales meeting and negotiated the new listing, authorizations, and launch for what is now the no.1 Hard Seltzer in the USA, he asked himself, "How did I get here?"

As he stood on the first tee about to play golf with one of his sporting heroes and a three-time major champion, he asked himself, “How did I get here?”

As he sat in a board room meeting, asserted himself, and rebuked some negative assertions about him, he asked himself, “How did I get here?”

In this poignant memoir about resilience, Andrew Fitzgerald shares his story of immigrating from Ireland to America, only to return to Ireland, and then back to America for good. He explores his struggles with health crises, corporate culture, miscarriage grief, and adapting to his new country.

You’ll follow Andrew’s story as he shares his key learnings from the highs and lows of his journey, such as:
  • Talk about your challenging experiences; find someone to help you process your feelings
  • Follow your dreams; know they’re right for you no matter how they sound to others
  • Give yourself time to adjust; when making big life changes avoid running back to what was comfortable
  • Be true to your values; define what your values are and stick to them
  • Learn to trust; trust yourself, have confidence and don't forget your purpose in everything you do
  • Negotiate in partnership; practice techniques that are customer-centric and deliver a win/win for your customer and company
  • Celebrate success; you deserve it

Andrew will affirm and demonstrate in his book that the journey is just as important as the destination, with the stark realization that the journey filled with highs and lows is sometimes more fulfilling than the destination. So come with Andrew on this journey to learn how he overcame the various obstacles in his life, flourished, and ultimately traveled the road to resilience a key trait you too can develop in your personal and business life.

​Resilience is for everyone.....Are you ready?
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon

Meet the Author:

Andrew Fitzgerald is a native of Ireland and now resides in Oceanside, California. A father, husband, and author, he speaks on what it takes to be successful in the corporate world, and how to overcome health crises and loss. He has recovered from serious setbacks to flourish and thrive with resilience. Andrew enjoys all sports, plays golf, and loves to cook and hike when he is not thinking about the next big brand launch.

connect with the author: website twitter linkedin ~ instagram 



HOW DID I GET HERE Book Tour Giveaway



My Review:

I found Andrew Fitzgerald’s How Did I Get Here?: Traveling The Road To Resilience to be a great book to read. It was inspiring to read. The author had a way of describing situations and struggles he was given, often questioning himself of “How Did I Get Here?”, and seeing how he was able to get through. I saw many of those events and situations that I found to be relatable to me. I was inspired by his coping skills. He includes some important reminders and advice for his readers. Sometimes, it is hard to remember to live for your dreams, not listen to others who discourage you, trust yourself, be confident and stand firm in your values. I, also, was intrigued with his story of emigrating from Ireland to the United States with his family and what they were faced by doing so. Overall, I thought this was a great book to read, especially during a time I am needing some encouragement in my own life. 

I am giving How Did I Get Here?: Traveling The Road To Resilience a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading inspirational memoirs and self help books. I would be interested in any new releases to read by Andrew Fitzgerald in the future. 

I received a digital copy of How Did I Get Here?: Traveling The Road To Resilience from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.