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Seeds of Hope (Harvest of Hope #1)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
It's been sometime since I read a Barbara Cameron novel and I was glad to get the chance to read this book. Ms. Cameron's writing style was a refreshing change in pace for me, and I was swept away in by Miriam and Mark and the Amish world.

Miriam and Mark are from two different worlds, but their friendship, and the sparks that fly between them, is powerful. The bustle of watching Mark come to terms with his feelings for not just Miriam, but the Amish way of life was fun and captivating. I was cheering him on throughout the story, and loved watching God work on his heart within the book. Miriam's feelings and thoughts were heart gripping and I loved watching her with Mark.

If you want a book that is 4 star worthy and filled with simplicity and characters that become real, then this start to a refreshing new series by a truly talented novelist, then this is for you. You'll be swept away to a place where planting the seeds of hope can leave you renewed in spirit and in life. Well done, Ms. Carmeron!

*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Blog Tours and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
One Christmas in Winter
One Christmas in Winter
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
One Christmas in Winter appear about a girl and her dream to want to director of holiday films. Will she get her dream job. There appear problems though out with her cast. When her led man falls it put her in a spot, that she got to find a stand in for him.

Holt Bradley has his own dream. He walked away from it and Hollywood for a reason. He has come back to his hometown where his father owns a diner and once his father passes Holt is owner and run the place. Things get a bit confusion when he delivers Chinese food to the movie crew that come to winter to film on location.

What on from there is anyone guess. Will Holt and director be the stars or the holiday film or will it be a repeat of the past. Find out by reading the story to see. This book and story is centered around the holiday season of Christmas. Looking for the spirit of Christmas and it magic. This one will not disappoint.

The author does well with having take place in Winter, Montana. The title says it all. Will Christmas bring true love together or will it just be another Christmas in Winter, Montana.
  
Fairy Tale Cupcakes are selling cupcakes at the end of the first annual Zombie walk in town, and Mel, Angie, and the rest of their staff are getting into the spirit of things. But the fun takes a dark turn when Mel finds a body stuffed into the coffin outside their cupcake truck – a body that hits very close to home. Who was the target and why?

This book is a little darker than others in the series based on the plot alone, but we are talking a shade darker – cozy fans will still love it. The mystery takes a back seat at times to the characters reactions to the murder, but that was the appropriate response to the plot and I was never board while reading it. The book reaches a logical and page turning climax, and it also features some of the funniest scenes in the series. I think this is best for people already fans of the series, but they will love it.

NOTE: I was sent a copy of the book in hopes that I would review it.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-dark-chocolate-demise-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
How to be a Perfect Christian
How to be a Perfect Christian
The Babylon Bee | 2018 | Humor & Comedy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Perfection is Within Your Reach
This book does just what the title says. In ten chapters, it tells you exactly how to live like a perfect Christian. Oh, we aren’t worried about the fruit of the spirit or holiness or anything hard like that. We are talking about finding the perfect church (one that is focused on you), “doing life together,” serving without ever lifting a finger, looking spiritual online (I’m sure they left out reviewing this book in that chapter), and quarantining your home from non-Christian culture.

And if you aren’t familiar with The Babylon Bee, it is a fantastic satire site that looks at Christian culture and the world from a Christian perspective. I’ve become addicted to their articles, so when I saw this book was coming out, I had to get it. I’m not kidding when I saw there is a laugh on every page as the book mercilessly mocks what many Christians in modern day America focus on. And there were times that the book convicted me since I live a little too much like the person they are mocking. At least some portions of this book have appeared in shorter form on the site, but everything here blends together perfectly for a comprehensive and very funny whole.
  
Truth or Dare (2018)
Truth or Dare (2018)
2018 | Horror, Thriller
Average, not really scary at all
A bunch of spring breakers visit an old abandoned mission building in Mexico one night and play a game of truth or dare. Unfortunately though, the game follows them back home and they must continue to play or face the consequences. The supernatural game follows the same order of play from the night they first played, and when it's your turn you either see the words 'truth or dare' written wherever you go, or people around you take on a weird grinning face and say the words until you answer. If you refuse to play or fail your dare, you die a gruesome death.

The trouble with this movie is that it's not remotely scary. The face that everyone pulls when possessed by the spirit running the game is like some weird Snapchat filter, more funny than spooky. The acting is ok, but everyone plays their roles deadly serious. It's a ridiculous concept and it should have played on that more as pure entertainment rather than as a horror, which this most definitely isn't.

It was watchable enough though, and I was happy to see it through to the end. Unfortunately though, that ending builds up to a big, ridiculous cop out leaving you very disappointed.
  
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Dean (6927 KP) Nov 27, 2018

Yes the ending was terrible and didn't fit the earlier actions in the film.

AL
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Love blooms in Saint Paul's Como Park. But will the roots grow deep enough to survive life's challenges?

Tessa Gregory's dream of becoming a gardener seems impossible in 1913 at Como Park. She will go to any length to impress the superintendent of her abilities. When the handsome gardener Reese King offers to help her, will she risk it all, including her heart to win the favor she so desires?

I deeply enjoy reading Lorna Seilstad's books. They are so full of life and humor, but also deep with truths. As Love Blooms has all of these wonderful elements. The bond and strength of family being in the forefront of this book. We are also reminded that faith is not something that we have to try and muster up ourselves, but to have the faith to rely on God to take care of us. I enjoyed Tessa's adventurous spirit! She reminded me a great deal of Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables. You will be on the edge of your seat as you read this remarkable story of love and life.

I received a free copy of As Love Blooms from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review.
  
Making Waves (Lake Manawa Summers, #1)
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Set in 1895 on the shores of Lake Manawa, Marguerite Westing has a summer she will never forget.

Her beau, Roger Gordon, is not just the boring, uninteresting man she thought he was. And her loving and caring father has a secret as well that could destroy his family. In a time when women were practically forbidden to sail...Marguerite falls in love with sailing...and the sailing instructor Trip Andrews. Her fiery spirit gets her into trouble on more than one occasion. And she has a tendency for making waves wherever she goes.

A difficult choice lays before her, will she give up all of her hopes and dreams to save her family? Or will she follow her heart and put her trust in the Lord to work things out.

This book is a very easy quick read. Has some surprises and twists. I enjoy the use of scripture, as well as the lessons of trusting the Lord. I enjoy the time period and the fact that Marguerite tends to go against the flow of what is normal and expected for women in this era.

I found Making Waves at my library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
Last Christmas (2019)
Last Christmas (2019)
2019 | Comedy, Romance
Lacking in romance & comedy
The trailer made this film look awful, and whilst it isnt quite as bad as it looked, it left me feeling rather underwhelmed.

For a rom-com set at Christmas, it's surprisingly lacking in romance, comedy and even festive spirit. The romance feels rather forced and there isn't any sort of spark between the two main characters at all, so it's quite unbelievable. I like Emilia Clarke, but even she can't save the lack of connection. There are a few funny lines in the film, but the rest of the script seems out of place, badly written and the intended humour falls flat. And trying to be relevant with some Brexit references doesn't work either.

Even the plot itself isn't great. It varies from typical rom-com to a predictable twist and even the George Michael/Wham theme didn't work. I was expected to be overwhelmed with music but instead you'd barely notice this was meant to be the theme at all. Admittedly the twist may go some way to explaining some of my above niggles, but not all of them. This is one of those strange films that isn't good but isn't terrible enough to hate every minute of it either. Definitely not a christmas classic though!
  
Show all 7 comments.
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AJaneClark (3975 KP) Dec 6, 2019

thanks for the review! I was considering seeing it, but like Heather, I will save myself some money... I will wait until it hits Netflix, now or prime.

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Dean (6927 KP) Dec 28, 2019

I surprisingly really enjoyed it, if you like festive films go catch it.

    Kids Songs Machine

    Kids Songs Machine

    Education and Games

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    Welcome to the Kids Song Machine experience, where little ones can sing-along and interact with...