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An Amish Picnic: Four Stories
An Amish Picnic: Four Stories
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Baskets of Sunshine was a sweet book about finding love right in front of you and having the courage to walk in faith. Both of the main characters were fun and relatable, I enjoyed seeing their perspectives on age difference in a relationship. They both overcome the obstacles set before them with minimal fuss and a good dose of forgiveness.

Candlelight Sweethearts had an interesting storyline. The characters had very vivid descriptions and were both very shy and sweet, which made it an obstacle for them to overcome. The characters in this book really grow into themselves by the end of the story.

Reeling in Love was my favorite book in this collection, probably because I can see myself doing several of the things that the main character does. The story was well written, the scenes believable and it made me smile. I can totally see the situations presented happening in real life. Both the characters have struggled to overcome things and hurt feelings to mend, in the end, though they rely on God to help them muddle through.

Picnics and Prospects This was a fun mini mystery story! The characters played well off each other and I really enjoyed getting to know them (I do wish it could have been a longer story, just so I could have gotten to know the characters' stories a little better). Overall, though this was a fun read. Both of the characters had to come to the realization that sometimes first impressions can be wrong and everyone deserves a second chance.

I give these stories 4 out of 5 stars for their creative picnic ideas, the interesting characters, and the themes of faith and forgiveness.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
Three Daughters of Eve
Three Daughters of Eve
Elif Shafak | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wonderfully weaved story of past and present life
Elik Shafak has a beautiful way of writing very delicate narratives. In this case, it's a story about an indecisive Turkish woman reminiscing about her past mistakes and confusions, attempting to reconcile her faith and her disbelief at every given turn.

She is now a housewife with children, when she vowed never to be such, and she has issues with her religion and questioning her belief after living between a devoutly Muslim mother and a secular father. These issues rise up again when she studies a "God" seminar at Oxford and she is pitted against her atheist Iranian friend, her Muslim housemate and her enigmatic older professor.

It is a remarkably contemporary story, weaving political attributes and current affairs. Intriguing but could have a been a little shorter.
  
The BadChristian Podcast
The BadChristian Podcast
Religion & Spirituality
8
9.0 (3 Ratings)
Podcast Rating
Funny (2 more)
Entertaining
Theology Discussions
The language/profanity (0 more)
I love these guys, but the vulgarity is a bit much at times
I've been listening to the Bad Christian Podcast since the first episode. I was a big fan of the band Emery, and two of the hosts are members of that band, while the third is a pastor.


These guys are funny and entertaining and their guests and topics - usually centered on religion, but not always - are timely and interesting. But... through the process of "deconstructing" their faith, they have gone sharply vulgar, and it frequently makes me want to stop listening. I haven't stopped yet, but the temptation is there.

If you can handle "blue" humor and lots of swearing, there's a lot to enjoy here. And if you like emo or screamo music, I definitely suggest listening to Emery.
  
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Garden of Shadows (Dollanganger, #5)
V.C. Andrews | 1990 | Fiction & Poetry
6
7.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
I just love how V.C. Andrews delves into her characters deepest buried demons, and explains what brought them to become who they are. I don't fault Olivia as much as I did when reading FitA. I still think she should have opened up to he children though. Also, They focus too much on the old testament in these books. Peoples love for god was out of fear not love. Had they kept faith in mind and left gods wrath aside it would have turned out differently, I think. But then again, the read would not have been as good. You really pity Olivia after reading this book. On a side note, I gave this book 3 stars because it dragged in some places and I would have liked to read more about Corrine's youth, not just the basic stuff.
  
If I could kiss Ingrid Hahn I would! There are legitimately no words to describe how happy her hero made me in this novel. Despite some of his stupid actions due to his hurt pride, it was refreshing to find a male in a historical romance put faith in his wife and defend her. Not because he is in love with her or because she his wife, but because he truly believes the opposing party was wrong. Seriously. Bless you Hahn.

But moving on, I enjoyed this novel as a whole. There were certain things that aggravated me like the male lead not being able to see past his hurt pride at times. But their love can naturally rather the forced. It was a delight to read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
  
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
1977 | Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi
1977's other great fantasy movie is somewhat forgotten, relatively speaking, probably because it wasn't franchised to death. Scientist Francois Truffaut and everyman Richard Dreyfuss both become aware of the impending visitation of alien beings, must decide how to react.

Not really much of an SF movie, strictly speaking, but it works brilliantly as a both a thriller-drama and a fantasy film. Always seems to me to be a film about what it means to find faith and surrender yourself to it: ordinary guy Roy finds the transcendental and unknown inserting itself into his life, finds himself becoming devoted to it, willing to sacrifice everything to it. Great performances from the leads, but it's really Spielberg's film, containing some of his neatest moments of directorial legerdemain. Still one of Spielberg's most iconic movies, 40+ years on.
  
Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
1971 | Classics, Comedy, Drama
Anti-semitic pogroms in the Russian pale don't sound like the stuff of fabulous family entertainment, but this is one of the last truly classic movie musicals. Lovable Jewish milkman Tevye finds the ground shifting under his feet as his daughters begin to reject the husbands he has arranged for them, marry for love, and even consider romance with people of other faiths. Is nothing sacred any more?

Performed with great gusto by a rather eclectic cast, but it's Topol's ebullient performance that carries the movie along, keeping the audience firmly on Tevye's side even when his faith forces him into some harsh choices. Some heartbreakingly lovely songs, although the downbeat trajectory of the movie (opening in a hopeful spring and concluding in a winter of bitter misery) may be slightly off-putting for some. A heartfelt and very moving film.