When Calls The Heart: Trials Of The Heart, DVD review

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• Actors: Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, Lori Loughlin, Jack Wagner
• Directors: Neill Fearnley
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: Shout! Factory
• DVD Release Date: May 26, 2015
• Run Time: 88 minutes

SYNOPSIS:

(From Amazon)

Elizabeth Thatcher (Krakow) is an independent, strong-willed teacher who has foregone the life of the big city and found a job, a home (and romance with a handsome Mountie named Jack) in the small frontier town of Coal Valley. But when she learns that her mother has taken ill, she returns to Hamilton, her hometown, with Jack as her escort. 
Once in the comparably opulent Hamilton, Elizabeth and Jack are confounded by Jack’s ne’er-do-well brother and Elizabeth’s former suitor, Charles Kensington. But it is Elizabeth’s father, William, who drives a wedge between them when he suggests to Jack that Charles would be a better match for his well-bred daughter.






My thoughts:

Inspired by Janette Oke's novels about a well bred city born teacher moving to the rugged Canadian frontier, this series brings to mind Little House on the Prairie. Producer Michael Landon Jr. follows in his father's footsteps (Producer/Director of the 1980's sitcom) with this new series, always family oriented and a little gem in a otherwise blase world of cinematography.

It is a relief to see such movies for any family and the charismatic relationships makes even adults look forward to see what happens next.

That said, this episode surprised us as new actors were introduced to replace established characters and along with inaccuracy in details such as period costumes (few women wore such colours or even ventured outside without hat/head covering) and too many 'newcomers' to remember, this episode disappointed. The series might well soon fall in the 'deja vu' category.

Still, I enjoyed the chemistry between our favourite Mountie and spunky teacher and I too cannot resist wondering what happens next in the series!

4 Stars.

From director Michael Landon Jr., son of the late television legend Michael Landon, who has been in the film business for over 25 years.  With two of the highest rated films in the history of the Hallmark channel, and several top ten releases targeted to the Christian market, Michael has become known for creating heartfelt, inspiring films that connect to the family.  He has developed and/or produced, directed, and written screenplays for Fox, CBS, NBC, Disney, Sony, Lifetime, and others.

About Word Entertainment:

A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this DVD from  EDIFY/MEDIA as part of the movie's promotion. 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. 

Virtuous, DVD review

• Actors: Erik Estrada, Brandy Allison, Kelly Bowling, Erin Bethea, Ben Davies, Jessica Lynch
• Studio: Capitol Christian
• DVD Release Date: June 2, 2015
• Run Time: 110 minutes

SYNOPSIS:


(From AMAZON):

When a young woman, Simone Burner (singer/songwriter, Brandy Allison), is accused of murdering the man who assaulted her, she seeks out the help of attorney Jack Evans (Erik Estrada) to prove her innocence. 
A ruthless and corrupt prosecutor engages her in a trial that brings the past she has longed to escape to the forefront of her defense. 
Virtuous will inspire and ignite you to live the principles of Proverbs 31 faith, integrity, wisdom and honor.








MY THOUGHTS:

Albeit Virtuous was initially recommended as starring Erik Estrada, it is Jessica Lynch's name which ultimately caught my daughter's attention. Personally, I always appreciate the opportunity to introduce new Christian movies in view of the doubtful choices offered by Hollywood myself.

This latest Dove Foundation approved film shows different women challenged by abuse under different circumstances, be it bodily or verbal and their triumph over adversity.
We are reminded of the virtues listed under Proverbs 31, a true celebration of womanhood and an inspiration to all of us, young and old.

Finally, whilst the acting was nothing exciting, I found the scenario interesting and the songs very pleasurable.

Due to thematic contents, I would recommend it to older teens and family viewing. 
Check out the special features.
Overall, I give it 4 stars.


About JCFilms:

(From their website):

JC Films exists to engage our culture through superbly produced faith-based feature films.  

We produce family-friendly narrative films to assist Christ-centered, culturally-changing and well-established churches and non-profit organizations to spread their message through feature films.

Basically, we write, cast, and produce amazing films for astonishing ministries to help get their message out! There is a great need to engage this culture with films that deliver a message of eternal truth.  

And the truth is this: movies with strong Christian viewpoints are gaining popularity.  We just need more of them.  

Not just films that entertain but, films that change lives!  We believe there is an urgent need for top-quality, thought provoking and challenging films to help educate and attempt to preserve our culture.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the DVD courtesy of EDIFY MEDIA Inc. as part of the series promotion. 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. 

A Heartfelt Thank You!!

Folks, each of your comments made my day! 

Thank you kindly for the support and prayers!!

I needed it!

As Anne Shirley would say (that's Anne with an e): 

“True friends are always together in spirit"

and

"Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it!"

Let's see what tomorrow will bring each of us.

Until the next time,

And Now For That Announcement I mentioned Sometime Ago...

This is a post long overdue but like many things in my life lately I find it difficult to write it and yes, it kept me awake at night more than once. 

I love blogging and even more reading as you might know. Sadly the latter has not been easy for me due to two things: An eye problem which is not going away (and never will I am told) and a change of heart as well. 

I found myself homesick more than I can say and have seen my share of travel and will again in a few days. My destination is Home, those childhood haunts so familiar I can still navigate by myself despite the years of absence.
Due to strict security regulations these days, traveling overseas however is not as 'glamourous' as in the past but not even the long lines and delays have slowed me down.  Have suitcase, will travel...

So in a few days I will take to the sky again, this time for months. 

I have contacted sponsors to let them know I will no longer post about the latest books offerings and thank them for their support in the past. There are some amazing authors well worth mentioning and I have been blessed with such opportunities. 

Traveling as I have and will continue to do means I use a camera more and more and thus I will post now and then photos and anecdotes related to these. 

I will also continue to discover the marvels of E Books thanks to my KINDLE: enlarging the fonts enables me to read some if not all the time. Not computer savvy I have none the less learned to download music, checked emails, surfed webs etc...

I always keep promises, and I will post about three movies I accepted to review back in April and have just arrived. One is the continuation of a series I love and I am certain you will like!

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to followers and for the comments I love to receive! Your kindness makes my days easier!

So until the next time...

May God keep you safe always,

(Photos source Google)

Perfect Peace In Imperfect Times by Dan Walsh, Ebook review

ISBN 0692402586

File size 455 KB

79 pages

Publisher: Bainbridge Press 16 March 2015

SYNOPSIS:

Dan Walsh, bestselling fiction author of novels like The Unfinished Gift and The Reunion, has penned his first non-fiction book. Perfect Peace is a 31-Day Devotional crafted from the pages of Dan's personal journal, written over the last several years. 

Here's an excerpt from Day 2: “If you’re like me, you’ve known moments of real peace. Moments when you’ve trusted God fully for your life, for everything going on in your life. In those moments, you knew real peace. The problem is, the word ‘moments.’ The moments didn’t last. The promise of Isaiah 26:3 is not to have moments of peace in our lives. The promise is that God would keep us in Perfect Peace.” 

In Perfect Peace, Dan shares the Scriptural life-lessons he's learned during some of the more challenging times in his life, hoping to encourage other Christians wrestling with things like stress, worry or fear.

My thoughts:

Dan Walsh continues to surprise me! Perfect Peace in Imperfect Times reflects the many challenges too often we experience in our daily life and definitively for this reader, hit the 'spot' more than once!

As a former pastor Dan knows something about humility and his encouragements go a long way to soothe when times are rough. Dipping in the Scriptures, he shares what he has learned in times of great difficulties and through this devotion shows us how to take challenges one day at a time (or one step at a time if you prefer). 
Reading through I found myself experiencing a calm much needed and thinking back throughout the day about his words helped me to remember I am not alone, God is always there. 

I urge you to give a try to this 31 day devotion and see what it can do for you as well. I myself will see the next few months challenges with a lighter heart thanks to Dan!

God bless,

5 Stars!!

Meet the Author:

From Dan's website:

Dan was born in Philadelphia in 1957 to a mostly blue-collar, hard-working Irish family. His father was the first person on either side of the family to earn a college degree. It took him 9 years, working during the day, going to college at night, using the GI Bill - 

As of this moment, Dan has 12 novels on the shelves. His 13th novel (the first to be published independently), is called When Night Comes. It releases November 1st. Novels #14 and #15 are finished and scheduled for release in April and September, 2015.

In addition to his writing, Dan also enjoys public speaking and is frequently invited to speak at writer’s conferences, either as a keynote speaker, or teaching workshops and seminars on a variety of writing topics.

A heartfelt thank you to Dan Walsh for the opportunity to review this latest offering! 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this EBook courtesy of Dan Walsh as part of the book promotion. 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. 

And For A Little Bit Of French Countryside...

In a very small French village near Verdun (total 5 homes) there is a stone house... 

With a beautiful barn and two large ponds...

With one lone duck (he just appeared one day and elected residence)

If you look well through the reeds you will notice all the frogs...

Through the many acres runs a small brook...

Nearby is the mayor's office...

And a lovely church...

Its very simplicity the better to be closer to God...

Its one single stained glass window, a mosaic of colours...

There is also a very old cemetery...most graves date back to the 19th Century...

Villagers take turns in tending these and have their own key to the church to pray...

With the shortage of priests around the world, there are very few services held here but God is here as everywhere...

And then there are those hard to leave behind when it is time to say goodbye...

Including a lovely bunny named Nana...

Thank you for stopping by and especially to all those who kindly took the time to leave a comment or two. You made my day!!

I have an announcement to make in the near future but first there will be a book review and of course, tomorrow is...the occasion to remember a special date...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

A Promise Is A Promise...

As promised (albeit a tad later than first anticipated) here are the pictures I took of a beautiful grotto in Jette, Belgium. A regular stop (long, long ago...) during many walks with my Granny, I was delighted to see it remains as beautiful as ever.

Dedicated to Notre Dame de Lourdes and erected for the purpose of praying for soldiers, this grotto was inaugurated in 1915 amidst the tumult of World War 1 by Cardinal Mercier and is an exact replica of the one in Lourdes, France, down to its size.  

Under the image of the Virgin Mary can be found a stone of the original grotto and the magnificent altar (see below) was a gift of King Albert 1, known as the Soldier King.

The recently renovated garden holds little chapels, a reminder of the fifteen stations of the Cross whilst a beautiful replica of Christ on the Cross hangs as a reminder of His gift to us.

A haven of tranquility, the grotto celebrated its 100th anniversary at the beginning of May.

Tomorrow, on to France's countryside!
Until then,