94 Feet a video review

I usually don't review DVDs but I was given the opportunity to review a Christian video so a accepted the offer. I went into it blind as I wasn't told the name of the movie or what it was about. With that said, the movie I received was 94 Feet and it was a movie that if given the title and synopsis, I wouldn't have selected as it wasn't the type of movie I would usually watch.

94 Feet (link to the product page here) is the story of a small town in Indiana, St. Michaels, that is dying. About the only thing left is the mine and it isn't doing very well at all. In fact, at the start of the movie we find there are going to be major cutbacks at the mine causing more families to have to make decisions on whether to stay or move away from St. Michaels.

The story line to me was a little weak. The acting wasn't top rate. The only name I recognized was Larry Wilcox (from TV show CHiPs fame) but I did find a couple characters who acted well. The actor portraying the character of Marco should not have been cast. I'm sorry to say his deliverance of lines was quite poorly done.

In all honesty, I did not enjoy this movie. The idea could have been fleshed out a little more and given more depth. That with a little stronger acting, it might be a good movie.

On a 5-Star scale - 2.5 stars.

I received my copy of this DVD from FishFlix (go here to check out other Christian DVDs here) in order to watch it and give my honest review. I will say FishFlix has some great looking movies available on their website and if you join their e-mail list, you will receive a $5 coupon to FishFlix.com.

Smiles & Blessings,

Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin

When I am looking for a book to read, I am usually drawn first to the cover even before looking at the book title or author's name. Looking at the cover of Victoria Bylin's newest book, Someone Like You won me over at first glance. Isn't the cover absolutely beautiful?

Someone Like You is a story of second chances between Julia Dare and Zeke Monroe. It is a story that shows what can happen when we let go of our past and problems and allow God to come in and take full control of all areas of our lives.

This is a story of love, forgiveness, family and faith. The characters were well developed and they handle their life issues in a realistic manner. I must say some of the characters were more enjoyable than others, especially the character of Ladybug, who just happened to be a goat. I must say she was quite entertaining.

Ms. Bylin took us on an emotional journey through the lives of Julia and Zeke as they faced love, forgiveness and fighting their self-doubt. Her characters played their parts well and had this reader believing they were real.

I would highly recommend picking up a copy of this wonderful book, especially if you enjoy a good romantic read regarding second chances or if you are like me and just love the cover. 

On a 5 Star Scale - 4.5 Stars!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House for my copy of Someone Like You. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

  

Her One and Only by Becky Wade

Becky Wade's fourth novel in her "Porter Family" series, Her One and Only, was a wonderful read. I only wish I had read the first three books in the series prior to reading this one. While the book reads fine by itself, I felt like I missed a lot by not reading the others first.

This book surprised me. The cover conveys that it is a fun, sweet romance but the first page told me something totally different. It has suspense written all over it. Here is the first line of this novel:

"Dru lifted her handgun, leveling it on Gray's stalker as she rushed forward through the crowd."

Yep! It definitely was suspense filled and I loved it! The first sentence pulled me into the story where I stayed, happily turning each page until the very end.

The characters of Dru Porter and Gray Fowler were well created. Dru, while trying to prove she's tough, is also sweet with a love of family, friends and others. Gray is a professional NFL player who has a stalker on his heels but he isn't really keen on having a female body guard. At least not in the beginning.

If I had to say one negative thing about this book it is the cover is misleading. But that is still okay because I do love a good suspense novel.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good clean read with a little bit of suspense mixed in.

On a 5-Star Scale - 4.5 Stars!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House for my copy of Her One and Only. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Chronological Study Bible NKJV by Thomas Nelson

I love a good study Bible and when I had an opportunity to review the Thomas Nelson NKJV Chronological Study Bible I was elated.

This Bible is absolutely beautiful. From start to finish the pages are in color with beautiful pictures throughout. For instance, on page 1218 you will find The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci and on page 1227 you will find a picture of the Garden of Gethsemane as it appears today. You'll also find photographs of other notable Biblical landmarks as they are today.

I believe this is one of the best chronological study Bibles that I have seen. It blends Scripture and study aids in chronological order and gives the reader a better understanding of the Bible from a historical viewpoint. 

This is not just a Bible set up in chronological order. I also gives you a chance to learn about various topics during Biblical times such as Arts & Literature, Beliefs & Ideas, Architecture & Building, Agriculture & Herding, Cults & Supernatural, Culture & Society, Daily Life & Customs, Geography & Environment, Health & Medicine, Religion & Worship and many more. There are "Daily Life Notes", Transition Comments", "Time Panel and Charts", "Background Notes", "Historical Overviews", "Scripture Passages Index", "Topical Index and Glossary" and colored maps. In the back, it also gives a One-Year and Two-Year Bible reading plan.

As I mentioned, this is a beautiful Bible that allows you to study the Bible chronologically as things happened. However, in my opinion, it is not a Bible to take to your normal church service, although it does have a cross reference in the back showing what page to find certain passages on I believe by the time you found the verse the pastor may have moved on from that point.

I would highly recommend this Bible to anyone who wants to get a grasp on the historical perspective of the Bible.

I would like to thank BookLook Bloggers and Thoma Nelson for my copy of the  NKJV Chronological Study Bible. I received my copy for free for my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Silence in the Dark by Patricia Bradley

I am a huge fan of Patricia Bradley's work and I have read all of her books. Her newest novel in her "Logan Point" series, Silence in the Dark, is the fourth book in the series and my guess is it will probably be the last in the series.

Blurb for the Back Cover:

BAILEY ADAMS IS RUNNING FOR HER LIFE... AGAIN.

When Bailey Adams left Logan Point two years ago for Mexico, she thought she was getting away from her problems. Running into her ex-fiance Danny Maxwell was not part of the plan - neither was being chased through the city by the local drug cartel, the Calatrava. Now despite her best efforts, Danny is her only chance of escaping the people chasing her and getting back to Logan Point safely. Can Bailey find the strength to face what's coming? And in the midst of the chaos, can she e=keep herself from falling in love with her rescuer all over again?

One thing I truly love when reading any books, is good, believable characterization. I learned from her first book that Ms. Bradley has a true gift in creating characters that are not only well developed but they pull the reader into their world and make the reader believe in them.

While this book reads well as a 'stand-alone' book, I would highly recommend reading the first three books in the series, Gone Without a Trace, A Promise to Protect and Shadows of the Past. I guarantee you will fall in love with this series and Ms. Bradley's writing.

On a 5 Star Scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Revell Books for my copy of Silence in the Dark. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Remembering Dresden by Dan Walsh

It is rare to find an author who can master writing in several genres and be successful in them all. Dan Walsh is just such an author. Often known for his contemporary novels laced with history, he has now moved into writing suspense novels with his "Jack Turner" series. The first book in the series, When Night Comes, was a big success and his newest book in the series, Remembering Dresden, in my humble opinion will be an even bigger success.

From the first page to the last, Mr. Walsh held me captive with this wonderful suspense filled novel. He has woven a story that began in Dresden, Germany during WWII and ended in the state of Georgia during modern day. I have to say, what I learned about Dresden during WWII was appalling. 

Mr. Walsh is an expert in creating well developed characters that shape and mold their fictional world so the reader will get drawn into the story early on and will stay glued to the pages until the very end. Well done Mr. Walsh!

For fans of the contemporary/historical books that Mr. Walsh usually writes, fear not. This book combines historical with contemporary with suspense mixed in very well. You will not be disappointed I guarantee you.

On a 5-Star scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author, Dan Walsh, for my e-copy of Remembering Dresden. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,