And The Winner Is...

We have a Winner! CONGRATULATIONS TO...

Sherry 

 

March 10, 2013 at 2:49 PM

 

'This looks like a great book for introducing my little grandchildren to the bible and prayer. I have always enjoyed Roma Downey on television and movies.'

So glad to hear this lovely book will be appreciated Sherry and thank you for entering!
I will contact the sponsor and you should receive your copy in the post shortly!

Sincerest thanks to FLYBY PROMOTIONS and the author for this sweet giveaway!

The Return by Carter Vance, E-Book review

ASIN: B0072VTEU2

Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Synopsis:

The Return is an action thriller that challenges us with the possibility that Jesus Christ is returning now. “The world currently in a state of upheaval and getting more chaotic everyday,” states Carter Vance, author of The Return. “Many of the prophesied signs of the end times are here, now, and are an indication of the possible return of Christ.”
What if the Knights Templar never disbanded and have amassed, over the centuries, virtually unlimited resources in anticipation of His return?
Aided by the manpower and financial, technological, and military resources of the Knights Templar, the parents and their unborn son face challenges from the most evil of the dark forces in society.
“The grail will be found in the thistles, but it’s not there./If you break it, victory is yours./Else, you battle the first son for 27 revolutions for the prize of a thousand years.”
Their nemesis races to solve this riddle for the prize, but where the answer lies is a mystery to him and his minions. Always aware and on the move, the First Family never rests until the ultimate battle is waged with fleets of the most advanced vehicles and armaments known to man. Who will be left when the battle ends and who will know it ever happened? 

 
My thoughts:

Such a descriptive plot line merited another look for an avid reader of End Time scenarios such as myself but let me first say this is purely fictional work and is by no means, based on solid facts or even any 'extensive knowledge of prophecies, religions, relics and the esoteric' as stated by the author. 
I found The Return (E book version) to be however fast paced and to some extent, interesting.

Carter Vance claims knowledge of prophecies but fails to include any biblical references for a student of the Word as myself for i.e. and so I was wary of any validation. 
It is believed that when Christ returns it will be as John describes in Revelation 1 Verse 7 (NIV):

 “Look, He is coming with the clouds,”
    and “every eye will see Him,
even those who pierced Him”;
    and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of Him.”
So shall it be! Amen.

I saw also no mentions of the Rapture of the Church or Armageddon, bringing to question the final battle of Good over Evil is perhaps held for the next installment?
And unlike similar works by other authors, characters are not guaranteed any particular longevity as they come and go at a remarkable speed!

Regretfully, I must also admit to feel some distraction due to a large amount of typos and missing words. 
That said, the Knights Templar are always of interest to the masses and thus provided in part some entertainment, which was after all the object of my reading the book.
Carter Vance's reminder that anyone can be seduced by the darker forces of our planet is also to be noted!

3 (generous) Stars, mostly due to the action!

(Source)

About the Author:

(Bio) 
Carter Vance is a financial executive who has extensive knowledge of prophecies, religions, relics, and the esoteric.
Drawing from actual rare, ancient, secret prophetic records in his possession, and the work of his staff astrologer, Carter has written his debut novel, The Return. The story is a spellbinding account of how the prophecies may be fulfilled in the return of Christ to our modern day world.

Visit his website for further information (HERE)

I received this E book free from the Author himself. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Francis Is His Chosen Name...

Like many Christians we heard the news on Broadcast: The Roman Catholic Church has elected a new pope today 13 March 2013 and his chosen name is Pope Francis. 

It is early days yet but like his namesake Francis, his message hints of humility, the Saint's ruling virtue.
St Francis, God's 'Poor Little Man of Assisi' became the means of renewing the youth of the Holy Church but let's also remember 'No reformer was ever less aggressive than St Francis. His apostolate embodied the very noblest spirit of reform; he strove to correct abuses by holding up an ideal.' 

A formidable set of footprints for anyone to follow!

Like his well loved namesake, Pope Francis stretches out his arms in yearning for a strong church, and we pray his life mission will rekindle the love of God in the world and reanimate the life of the Spirit in our hearts!

Have You Seen 'DUKE'? Movie review follows!

DVD Release Date: March 12, 2013

ASIN: B00AOCDDO4

Synopsis:

Marine Sergeant Terry Pulaski, a once proud man, is now a broken shell of himself having returned from Iraq with both PTSD and a disabling injury. Terry struggles to be a good father and husband, but his challenges leave him feeling like a burden to his wife and daughter. 

With his dog Duke in tow, he decides to leave his family behind. Years later, a homeless Terry needs help for an aging and ill Duke, so he leaves him in the care of a veterinary clinic. Will Duke be able to help Terry face his demons and reconcile with his estranged daughter? 

My thoughts:

As soon as my daughter brought this movie to my attention I had to see it! It has two of my special interests, the first (of course) being dogs and how they relate to their two legged friends, the second the mental and physical aspect of any returning soldier.

PTSD (or Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder) is (finally) recognized around the globe yet has existed for as long as warriors have been in active duty. It can be summarized also that it is not only soldiers but anyone who has undergone dramatic experiences as well as their immediate families which often suffers the consequences.

I have seen first hand PTSD resulting of four years of trench fare (grandfather), WW 2 labour camp (father) and soldiers who have come and gone (ret. AFES caseworker for ARC).  I hope you will join me later this week as I return to this subject with another review!

Terry Pulaski's story related in the movie 'DUKE' will introduce anyone to the struggles even the most dedicated and well trained soldier feels when faced with such challenge as PTSD and disability. Some do recover, some struggle their whole life and some lose the battle.
Four years in the trenches left my grandfather with only one lung (mustard gas) and the fear of any whistling sound. An honour soldier standing at 6' 3', no one guessed his fears but his closest loved ones as he flinched  at the mere sound of the wind!

Back to Terry and Duke though! This is the warmhearted story of one veteran struggling to deal with flashbacks and his fears at no longer fitting amongst family and society. He finally leaves his wife and daughter, living for a decade on the edge of society with an amazing dog as his only companion. 'DUKE' is a breathtaking recount of one's man struggles and his four legged friend. As for Duke himself, this beautiful collie will pull at your heartstrings with his show of unconditional love!

Based on a true story, this movie shows Terry coming back from Iraq, wounded both in the leg and in spirit. He loses everything but Duke's steadfast love (as only four legged friends gives), until one day tragedy strikes and they are separated.

I would not spoil this story for you so I will refrain to say anymore. This is a movie with a heartfelt message, one based on love and hope, but also duty and honour and a reminder that a soldier's duty is to never leave any man behind!

Steven Weber as Terry Pulaski and Mark Jean as director are to be applauded for a fantastic rendering of DUKE, a dog like no other!!

5 Stars and people, grab a copy and enjoy with the whole family!

Per Ardua ad Astra
Semper Fidelis

Note to Readers: 

PTSD has gained more media attention sadly due to dramatic results but this problem often is not acknowledged by the victims or their families. And there is help out there albeit it is not always welcome and tragically, not always enough of it.

Still, for more information please address yourself to reputed sites such as AFEC-ARC, National centre for PTSD, and  Steve Sparks' Families Living with PTSD, a blog addressing these issues with an amazing amount of information and well worth a moment of your time!

And of course, remember that unless stated otherwise, reviews are only a reflection of my opinion!

The Good Daughter by Jane Porter, Book review

 Publisher: Berkley Trade; 1 edition (February 5, 2013)

 ISBN-13: 978-0425253427

Synopsis:

Kit Brennan has always been the most grounded of her sisters. A Catholic school English teacher for seventeen years and a constant giver, her decisions have been sound—just not very satisfying. Her fortieth birthday is right around the corner, causing Kit to consider some wilder notions, like skipping right past the love and marriage to raising a child all by herself . . .

A girls’ weekend away is just the reprieve Kit needs from school, Mr. Wrongs, and life-changing decisions. It’s there that she meets a man who’s dangerous; a man who challenges who she thought she was, or rather should be. Kit wants to indulge herself this once, but with one of her students in crisis and the weight of her family’s burdens weighing heavy on her heart, Kit isn’t sure if now is the time to let her own desires take flight . . .

My thoughts:

If you are looking for a good book to enjoy this Spring, this is the one! 
As contemporary novels goes,  Jane Porter's 'The Good Daughter' has removed any reticence on my part to read such material! Warm and compassionate, clear and enjoyable, her plot is a page turner and I couldn't put it down! And yes, it is worth 5 stars in my book (pardon the pun!)

Single, daughter, sister, teacher, friend, Kit wears many hats and with the big 40 on the horizon, she fears marriage is just not God's plan for her. Her strong loving Irish family and her Catholic upbringing have nurtured her role of giver and Kit can always be relied upon when help is needed. She is about to lose her Mum to cancer and is considering motherhood without any man's help. 
Failed relationships in the past have fueled her insecurities and when she meets the antipodes to her dreams, she is reluctant at first to let her heart speak for her.

Jude is just the sort of bad boy no Mother would trust their daughter with. Leather wearing and with a tattoo, he rides a motorcycle, lives in a run down house and at first glance, does not even hold a job. 
When disrupting new neighbours move next door, Jude's protective side comes out when abuse is clearly at the heart of things and befriends the household teenager, giving her his number 'just in case'...

With exquisite taste Jane Porter explores the many aspects of Pathos and Eros! Set against the background of beautiful San Francisco, we discover the strong ties of the Brennan family and God's plan for Kit in 'The Good Daughter'! 

Of course, there are some volatile elements in this plot line which revealed would be truly spoilers! This is just the sort of engaging novel you must savour for yourself and whilst this is book 2 in 'The Brennan Sisters' series, be assured it stands on its own. 
I enjoyed reading every aspect of the plot and found it a keeper.

Note: I would be a poor reviewer if I did not point out the novel has thematic adult contents recommended for the young adult and mature audience.

 

About the Author:

Jane Porter, the bestselling author of 30 novels, including six for Grand Central Publishing, has been a finalist for the prestigious RITA award from Romance Writers of America in 2002, 2003, 2008, and 2010. Porter is known for her emotional, heartfelt stories about women struggling with issues of friendship, marriage, family, and self-acceptance. 

Her popular novel Flirting with Forty was made into a Lifetime movie starring Heather Locklear.  Porter’s newest novel, The Good Daughter is the second book in the Brennan sisters trilogy.

For more visit her website (HERE) 

 
I received this book free from BOOKSPARKS as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Happy Mum's Day And Cabin Fever...

Into the garden we walk...

YES!! Spring has sprung!

Now we're talking! Come on, come on!! The things I must do for a quick Frisbee throw!

Cabin fever is tough!

There I go!

That's mine Folks, all mine!

Gosh! I think Mum's right: you can hear the grass grow!

 
And finally for all the ladies in the family (and across the UK)
HAPPY MUM'S DAY!

 

Moonlight Masquerade by Ruth Axtell, Book review

Publisher: Revell (March 1, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0800720896

Synopsis:

(From the Back Cover)

Sometimes it is hard to tell if you are the cat or the mouse.Lady Céline Wexham seems the model British subject. French by birth but enjoying life in 1813 as a widowed English countess, she is in the unique position of being able to help those in need--or to spy for the notorious Napoleon Bonaparte.

When Rees Phillips of the British Foreign Office is sent to pose as the countess's butler and discover where her true loyalties lie, he is confident he will uncover the truth. But the longer he is in her fashionable townhouse in London's West End, the more his staunch loyalty to the Crown begins to waver as he falls under Lady Wexham's spell.

Will he find the proof he needs? And if she is a spy after all, what then will he do?

With sharp wit, fast-paced dialogue, and infectious intrigue, Ruth Axtell deftly creates a world where black and white burst into a confusion of colors--and no one is who they seem. 

My thoughts:

In 'Moonlight Masquerade' Lady Celine Wexham, leading member of London's Bon Ton and a widowed Countess of French origin, lives the life of most emigres in early 1800's. She holds intimate meetings in her boudoir and gives dinner parties and balls gathering any information she might be able to pass on to French Royalists to reinstate the rightful throne. 

It is 1813 and Napoleon, facing a massive defeat in the harsh winter of Russia, orders a retreat of the Imperial army after losing thousands of French soldiers on the battlefield. 
The Comte de Provence, brother to the late beheaded King Louis XVI is not the ideal choice for the Royal throne but better him than the self proclaimed Emperor.

Lady Celine, Valentine, her supercilious Abigail (slang aside, only an older servant would be allowed such an acerbic attitude) and Gaspard, her French Cook are part of a spy ring. 
Rees, the object of Celine's interest is none other than her own Butler. An ambitious young man and a devoted Christian, recently pulled from an obscure department of the Home Office in part due to his linguistic talents, Rees' task is to spy on his mistress with the express purpose of implicating her in the conspiracy if such exists and report to his superior. 

Danger lurks and he soon finds himself battling his loyalties as Celine 'with her 'brandy hue irises' eyes touches his heart...Does anyone else remember Barbara Cartland's novels?

None of the characters are likely to provide much entertainment in this slow historical romance but if light, fluffy and harmless is your preferred choice, you will enjoy Moonlight Masquerade! 
The portrayal of  the Masquerade ball held at the Comte de Provence exiled court even defied my imagination with its lackluster details and the overall impression was soporific!

 

Finally, I saw little of the 'witty, fast paced dialogue or infectious intrigue' mentioned in the synopsis and if this novel was in fact a music sheet, it would read as humming...It droned on and on... The few historical notes such as the mention of William Wilberforce as dinner guest at one of her lavish parties, or Voltaire's quotes, a man of note in himself, brings no relief to this plot. 
I hardly think it necessary to dust my shelves for this novel! 

Regretfully, 3 (generous) stars!  

 “Available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

About the Author:

Ruth knew she wanted to be a writer ever since she wrote her first story--a spy thriller--at the age of twelve. She studied comparative literature at Smith College, spending her junior year at the Sorbonne in Paris. After college, she taught English in the Canary Islands then worked in international development in Miami, Florida, before moving to the Netherlands, where for the next several years, she juggled both writing and raising her three children.

In 1994, her second manuscript was a finalist in Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart competition. In 2002, her sixth manuscript took second place in the Laurie Contest of RWA's Smoky Mountain chapter. The final judge requested her full manuscript and this became her first published book, Winter Is Past, which was spotlighted in Christian Retailing magazine. Since then, Ruth has gone on to publish thirteen historical romances.

Visit her website (HERE).

 I received this book free from BAKER REVELL as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.