Mar072025
I Am Living Proof Movie Review
Buy tickets today to see I Am Living Proof in theaters starting March 9th. Tickets can be purchased here.
Steve’s life spirals out of control after a workplace accident leaves him dependent on opioids. Jobless and desperate, he attempts to end it all with an overdose.
Mary, a mother of five, faces debilitating pain from a spinal injury that leaves her unable to care for her children—until a vivid dream sparks an unexpected turning point.
My Thoughts:
In my early days as a believer my husband and I were blessed to have formed some close friendships with a couple missionaries from other countries. One thing that always struck my husband and I was it felt like there was a difference with faith and healing in other parts of the world. They talked about healing when they went back home and traveled to other locations. We asked, “why does it seem like there are more healings abroad and not in the US?” The answer was, “they only have Jesus and no access to doctors or medicines usually.” “Being sick usually means you can’t put food on the table and it affects so many areas of their lives. There faith is strong and they know that Jesus can heal them and they have nothing else to cling to for help.”.
Jesus has healed me physically and spiritually in many ways. I’m also a bit of a cynic with healing ministries. I just have witnessed some bad situations. So, when I watched I Am Living Proof I went in with an open mind because I know He can heal them.
The movie is set up as a documentary around three individual’s lives. They share their stories and how they were before an event that left them with debilitating pain. They go into very emotional moments of the severity of what was physically and mentally going on with them. They felt they have nowhere to turn and in total despair. However, that changed for them.
The documentary throughout has conversations with family, neighbors, friends, doctors, theologians, and others. The movement behind the movie is Mario Murillo and he talks about the events of the healings of the people in the crowd.
In the summer of 2022, thousands gathered under a
revival tent in Colorado Springs as churches across the community joined forces
to host evangelist Mario Murillo. These compelling accounts of transformation
each uniquely powerful.
The film is well made and does a good job documented evidence of people being healed by Jesus. Am I still a cynic-possibly. However, I felt very compelled with this movie and that it wasn’t a bunch of fluff. I felt that each individual in this movie had their lives changed spiritually and physically. You can learn more at the website: https://www.iamlivingproofthemovie.com/
#IAmLivingProofMIN @iamlivingproofthemovie #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @iamlivingproofthemovie @IAmLivingProof_
Disclosure: Many thanks to I Am Living Proof the Movie for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
Mar032025
His Grace’s Governess by Jackie Killelea Book Review and Giveaway
About the Book
Book: His Grace’s Governess
Author: Jackie Killelea
Genre: Christian Historic Romance
Release date: February 4, 2025
A governess with a secret. A duke with a broken heart. Can love heal their wounds?
Miss Eleanor Clairbridge, at five and twenty, has resigned herself to a life without love. With her family’s London townhouse threatened by dwindling finances, she accepts employment as a governess to help support her widowed mother and preserve her cherished childhood home. When Eleanor arrives at Ivy Grange Estate, the last thing she expects to find is a spark of attraction between her and her new employer. Determined not to risk her position, she resolves to keeps her distance. There is more than one reason a romance between them can never be.
Edmund Colhampton, the Duke of Albemarle, has no intention of finding love. Since losing his family in a tragic carriage accident five years ago, he has devoted himself to protecting his young niece, the only family he has left. But when his niece’s enchanting governess arrives at the estate, Edmund finds himself reconsidering his vow never to love again. Why then, as he seeks to know her more, does she seem determined to avoid him at all costs?
As Eleanor fulfills her role as governess, her past begins to catch up with her, threatening to unravel the secrets she holds dear. Both Eleanor and Edmund must confront their deepest fears and decide whether to succumb to the darkness within or brave the path to healing and love.
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts:
I like to step out of my
genre at times. This was one of those books that it was a new author and in the
Regency era that I don’t read books in. All the high and mighty attitudes and
the class order just makes my skin crawl. Wow, His Grace’s Governess didn’t disappoint.
The story was written well and was heartfelt. It was a love story that faith
and prayer was strong in the main characters. They had some hardships that they
needed to let go of fear and remorse. I loved the story and characters so much
that I will order the next book in the series.
Eleanor loss her father many
years ago. What her mother and her didn’t know was that he left a lot of mounting
bills. Eleanor wants nothing more than to keep her sick mother and the few devout
helpers in the home. The house hasn’t seen good days in a long time. They have
sold household items. Despite all of this Eleanor needs a job and soon. She has
someone who wants to make her his wife. He is much older and not a good man.
Eleanor finds a job working
as a governess in Duke Edmund’s home caring for his niece Rosie. Rosie was
adorable and just melted my heart.
Edmund and Eleanor are still
grieving and trying to deal with different issues. They both find themselves
thinking about one another often. Sounds a bit corny when I write it but the author
did a great job taking you into the Regency era and developing all the characters.
Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate
Lit Bloggers in
exchange for my honest thoughts.
About the Author
Jackie Killelea is a born and raised small-town girl from Connecticut with a degree in English and Creative Writing. She started off her writing journey with poetry, soon shifting into novels and becoming hooked. On days when she’s not busy with her nose in a book, she can be found typing away with a cup of tea at her side.
More from Jackie
In His Grace’s Governess, much trouble befalls Edmund and Eleanor as they attempt to sort out their close proximity to and burgeoning feelings for one another, but there is one scene in particular that I enjoyed researching.
In one scene of the novel, Mr. Roskilly(the gardener at Ivy Grange Estate) worries at Eleanor plucking the plant Rabelera–otherwise known as Greater Stitchwort–from the ground. He fears that danger will befall Eleanor if she takes it from the garden and Eleanor, misunderstanding him, even believes at one point that Mr. Roskilly might be threatening her. But, why is Mr. Roskilly so worried? Is he really so concerned that Edmund’s hackles will be raised when he sees that Eleanor has plucked a few mere flowers from the garden–and with his niece, no less?
Indeed, that is not where his concern lies, for if you read the passage closely, you’ll see that Mr. Roskilly is Cornish. This is an important factor. When doing my research for the novel, I found that, in Cornwall, it is believed that Greater Stitchwort is the property of the pixies. It is believed that to pick it is to take it from them and to anger them, and if you anger them then there is all the chance that they may well retaliate for you having stolen what was theirs. Truly, they may even enchant you, according to legend. Having read this and being sufficiently intrigued, the scene was born! I do hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I do.
Here is an excerpt from it so you know what I’m referring to:
“Hope yer walk’s went well. ’Tis a fine day fer one.” He grinned, revealing a mouth full of crooked teeth. His Cornish accent was thick, with a friendly tone to his voice.
Eleanor returned his smile and nodded. “It certainly is. What better way to spend a morning than to enjoy the sun in these beautiful gardens? They’re the finest I’ve ever seen.”
She could’ve sworn there was a hint of a blush on the man’s tawny face. “I than’ ye, miss. We do our righ’ bes’, and keepin’ i’ as i’ is makes ’is Grace ’appy. Ever since…” The man trailed off, a growing look of concern on his face.
What had he been about to say? Something about the duke or his family?
“Greater Stitchwort.” He spoke with a grave edge to his words, looking intently at the flower in Rose’s hand.
Eleanor’s gaze flitted from the man to the flower, her brows furrowing. “Is something wrong, sir?”
The man tilted his head, flicking his eyes to the side in a plea for a private conversation.
I will not say whether this decision to pick the plant affected Eleanor later on in the story or not, but I’ll leave you with this: Do consider all of the plants you touch before you decide to place your hand upon them and pull them from the ground.
Happy reading!
Jackie Killelea
Blog Stops
Debbie’s
Dusty Deliberations, February 18
Holly’s Book
Corner, February 19
Texas Book-aholic,
February 19
Life on
Chickadee Lane, February 20
Pens Pages
& Pulses, February 20
Locks, Hooks and
Books, February 21
Stories By Gina,
February 22 (Author Interview)
Devoted
To Hope, February 22
Truth
and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 23
Happily
Managing a Household of Boys, February 24
Connie’s
History Classroom, February 25
Paula’s Pad of
Inspiration, February 25
Abba’s
Prayer Warrior Princess, February 26
Simple Harvest
Reads, February 27 (Guest Review from Donna)
For Him and My
Family, February 28
Pause for Tales,
February 28
Book Looks by
Lisa, March 1
Blossoms
and Blessings, March 2
Cover
Lover Book Review, March 3
Little
Homeschool on the Prairie, March 3
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Jackie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54157/
Feb272025
No Address Movie Review
Did you know that there are 1.2 million adults and 1.5 million children experiencing homelessness nationwide today.
Inspired by true events, NO ADDRESS follows the journey of Lauren, a young woman who lost her mom at a young age and ended up in foster care. The day she graduated the foster mom kicked her out into the streets since she no longer would get paid to have her stay with her. After calling friends to take her in she finds herself alone with two trash bags of basic belongings on the streets. She quickly finds herself getting robbed and only has the clothes on her back. She ends up meeting a runaway Jimmy who left home because of his abusive stepfather. Jimmy’s mom hasn’t given up and still searches for her son. Jimmy introduces Lauren to his family on the streets. Each one has different reasons for being on the streets. They all look out for one another.
The ragtag family find themselves being harassed by Robert, a desperate real estate developer who is trying to land a building project. The problem is that a homeless encampment has taken over the property. After going through the lawful way to see if he can get them removed, he finds himself hiring thugs to get them out. Robert has a drinking and gambling problem and his about to lose everything. After he is fired his family is left with nowhere to go.
It includes William
"Billy" Baldwin, Xander Berkeley, Beverly D'Angelo, Lucas Jade
Zumann, Isabella Ferreira, Patricia Velasquez, Kristanna Loken, singer Ashanti,
and television personality Ty Pennington.
Robert Craig Films is deeply concerned about to addressing the urgent issue of homelessness and has pledged that 50% of the net profits from our five No Address productions will be donated to a diverse range of organizations and churches nationwide.
Tickets are available to see No Address in theaters starting February 28th. You can buy your tickets here.
To learn more you can visit https://www.noaddressmovie.com/
Many thanks to Robert Craig Films for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
Facebook & Instagram: @noaddressmovie
@BreakTheNoAddressCycle @NoAddressMovie @NoAddressMovie @MomentumInfluencerNetwork
Feb202025
The Unbreakable Boy Movie Review
A young boy with
both a rare brittle-bone disease and autism. He is a happy kid who loves
everyone. Every day is a great day for him. He is always happy and wants to
make everyone around him happy. He is
joyous, funny, life-affirming world view that transforms and unites everyone
around him. Just about all his classmates love him at school and Austin sees
everyone at school as his friend. The class bully he considers his best friend.
Logan his brother dislikes how he belittles his brother. Austin sees his bully as
a sad person and wants to make him happy.
Austin was also born with osteogenesis imperfecta, or known as brittle-bone disease. He is no stranger to broken bones and has had a lot of broken bones.
Scott the father has his own way of handling his son. Alcohol is a close friend and an imaginary friend that he talks to. It seems that every time Scott is in charge of watching Austin, he ends up in an emergency room with another broken bone. Scott loses his job. Everything spirals out of control like the mounting medical bills and Austins huge meltdown. The mom Theresa, is the family glue with her love for her family and faith.
Having a daughter with Autism and other medical issues this movie spoke loudly to me. I looked over other reviews and seen some critical ones but if you haven’t been in the shoes of a parent or a family with a child with autism it’s hard to relate. I feel that those reviews looked at the movie from the outside looking in. The movie is heartfelt and honest with all the joys, frustrations, and day to day life of a parent and family with a challenging child. I chuckled and teared up many times because I could relate to the many different aspects of the movies.
Buy tickets today to see The
Unbreakable Boy in theaters starting February 21!
Facebook: @Lionsgate
Instagram: @Lionsgate
X: @Lionsgate
Facebook: @TheUnbreakableBoy
Instagram: @UnbreakableBoy
X: @UnbreakableBoy
Feb122025
Adventure Bible Guide and NIV Adventure Bible and Adventure Bible Guide Review
The Adventure Bible has been a stable in my home throughout the years. We used it when we taught children’s ministry also. The Bible has always been a favorite for kids and parents alike. Its full colored throughout and has engaging points throughout. I love that it is a good transition into an adult Bible. It has the layout that you find in adult Bibles and many of the tools.
Having a child who struggles with reading the
NIV has been easy for her to understand and read. It has an introduction with
an overview of the book and points out some key stories in the book. Dictionary
and concordances in the back of the Bible. Full colored maps too.
Other features included like: Life in Bible
Times – What was life like in ancient days? Words to Treasure- Scripture verses
to memorize. Did You Know? -Interesting facts on God’s Word. Like the footnotes
you see in and adult Bible that ties scripture together or gives you a bit more
information on a section you are reading. Life in Bible Times—Articles and
illustrations describe what life was like in ancient days. Words to
Treasure—Highlights great verses to memorize. Did You Know?—Interesting facts
help you understand God’s Word and the life of faith. People in Bible
Times—Articles offer close-up looks at amazing people of the Bible. Live
It!—Hands-on activities to apply biblical truths to your life.
I really like the Adventure Bible Guide. It
walks through every book of the Bible. Its packed with information on each book
of the Bible. Each book has two pages. It highlights significant events and people.
It had several fun and interesting facts like photos of artifacts, map of
locations and illustrations that make the Bible events come alive. It also breaks
down important things as a Believer in Jesus. There is also a colorful
timeline.
Adventure Bible Guide is a great tool to use with
the Adventure Bible. What a great way to teach your kids the importance of studying
the Word of God.
You can purchase both books here.
Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through FrontGate
Blogger Network in exchange for my honest thoughts. @frontgatem
#adventurebible #adventurebibleguide #zonderkidz #niv #ad #sponsored
@Zonderkidz @adventurebible @frontgatem
Jan202025
Between Borders Movie Review
Between Borders follows the Petrosyan family as they face persecution in Azerbaijan and escape to Russia. Russia is just as dangerous for this family. While in Russia they find themselves welcomed by a small Christian community. It is not without persuasion that the family is part of the Christian community. The movie takes you into some places where you see the Petrosyan family having to humble themselves among the tyrants who threatened them in Russia. The threat and tension arise for the family and their safety in Russia. Those same Christians help them move to the United States to escape the harassment and dangers they face from Russians. Once in America, they had to fight in court to prove they would be in danger if sent back to Russia. The film takes you through the Petrosyan family’s journey of religious and ethnic persecution. Coming from communism to a free land. This is a true story from the family’s viewpoint who desires nothing more but to find hope and freedom to raise their family safely.
The movie is heartfelt. There are a few things that I would have loved them to go more in-depth with. At one point they are communists and Violetta tells the court that she was at one point when asked. Then she proclaims that she is a Christian. I would have loved to have seen more of what made her come to Jesus. Was it her mom who she saw the change in? I wanted more of the character build-up and their personal walk in the Messiah in the movie.
The lawyer points out that they didn’t prove that their life was in danger in Russia and that they should be sent back to Russia. The judge's decision was surprising and in my view a miracle.
Early in my Christian walk, my husband and I had the privilege of getting to know a family that fled for their life from their homeland. They had to go at different times and hide in their homeland until they could all be together in America. It changed me learning about their plot during my early years as a Believer. I was delighted to see Between Borders.
The film stars Elizabeth Tabish from The Chosen & Elizabeth
Mitchell from Lost & The Santa Clause movies!
Buy tickets today to see Between Borders in theaters January 26-28!
Disclosure: Many thanks to Pinnacle Peak Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
Dec232024
A Dog Named Speed: A Story of Unconditional Love and Faith by Larry Fitzgerald Book Review & Giveaway
About the Book
Book: A Dog Named Speed
Author: Larry Fitzgerald
Genre: Fiction
Release date: December 4, 2023
Join Speed, the most adventurous pup ever, in “A Dog Named Speed” by Larry Fitzgerald! Speed had a rocky start in life, living in a cave beneath the Blue Mountains of Oregon, battling freezing winters, sneaky coyotes, and even a junkyard keeper with a trigger-happy finger. But Speed’s luck takes a turn when he’s rescued from a watery disaster and adopted by Babe, a young newspaper boy.
As Speed and Babe grow up together, they embark on thrilling adventures in the wilds of Oregon, discovering secret fishing spots and having daring encounters. Speed becomes Babe’s trusty sidekick, and together, they form an unbreakable team.
But it’s not just about Speed and Babe; this story is packed with excitement and surprises! Speed meets Kate, a lively Australian shepherd, and their connection adds even more adventure to the mix. Plus, there’s a deeper message about faith and friendship that will make you think.
If you’re ready for action, friendship, and a heartwarming tale, “A Dog Named Speed” is the book for you. Get ready to cheer for Speed and Babe as they navigate life’s ups and downs and discover the true meaning of loyalty and love. This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and warm your heart at the same time!
Click here to get your copy!
Speed is a heartwarming story that will melt
your heart and stay with you for a long time. You will never look at a stray dog
without imagining more.
The story is based on the author’s dog Speed
growing up in a small mountain town in Oregon. It is told from a dog’s point of
view in heaven who is waiting for his beloved person.
One topic that readers may disagree with is
whether or not an animal goes to heaven. The authors believe that dogs go to
heaven when they die.
Speed had a rough start in life. He
was taken away from his mom and sibling, abandoned, and abused. Speed wanted
nothing to do with humans and would proclaim that he hated people. He saw his
protector and best friend, Big get killed by a human. Big taught him a lot.
They searched for food, kept each other warm, and protected each
other. Big loved Speed enough to give his life for him.
One day Speed found himself in a life-altering
situation. For the first time, he saw the compassionate side of humans. That
event made him curious about people. Speed started to follow the newspaper boy.
The boy was always kind to him and tried to earn his trust. Speed just kept his
distance. Speed followed him on his morning delivery route to his home daily. One
day the temperatures outside were the most severe that Speed had ever
encountered and he knew he was in trouble if he didn’t ask for help. He decided
to go to the newspaper boys' house and ask for help. From that point, Speed
adopted a young newspaper boy and found the true meaning of love.
Disclosure: I received
this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest
thoughts.
About the Author
Larry Fitzgerald, a retired businessman turned youth soccer coach, infuses his writing, managing, and coaching with an unwavering commitment to Christ’s Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Concerned for today’s youth growing up without spiritual guidance, Larry took to writing. Larry’s impactful short fiction is showcased in anthologies like “Stories from the Attic” (2022) and “Fortunes” (2023) by AA Inc. Publishing. His stories transcend pages, offering beacons of spiritual enlightenment for a generation navigating a world where God’s presence is often obscured.
More from Larry
Writing the story about Speed and the newspaper boy should have been a slam dunk. All I had to do was remember the years between my ninth and eighteenth birthdays—not all of it, of course, just the time my dog Speed and I spent together, which was, basically, all of it. Getting the story into my computer was easy. The hard part was getting it out of my computer and into the format(s) required for publishing and marketing. That was and continues to be a challenging learning experience. Someday, I may write a book about that.
The great thing about my book, A Dog Named Speed, is that it’s a true story except for the parts where Speed is not with me, alone, or with other animals. Those were imagined but very plausible. The story is told from the dog’s point of view, from heaven, as he awaits his master to join him.
Speed was a stray dog who started following me as I delivered newspapers in a small town in Eastern Oregon. He would not come near me despite my enthusiastic efforts to win his favor. He was afraid of all humans, which I assume came from having been mistreated as a young dog. Our coming together happened only when Speed was desperate and had no choice but to reach out to me.
After that, Speed and I were rarely apart. We shared many exciting times centered on fishing adventures, camping trips, and ball games. Speed and I slept together every night. He followed me to school each day and waited faithfully for me to get home so he could join in whatever was in store for the evening.
The most important thing I observed about Speed was how he treated his master. I knew Speed loved me unconditionally. As the story affirms, there was nothing he wouldn’t do to come to my aid. As this became clear, I began to think about how I treat my Master, Jesus Christ. Was I faithful? Was my every thought about Him? Were my first thoughts when I woke up every morning about Jesus? I am certain Speed’s were of me.
My book was written for young people, but it has found a broader audience as well. Any reader who has ever owned a dog can relate to this story. I am blessed to have owned A Dog Named Speed.
Blog Stops
Babbling Becky L’s Book
Impressions, December 13
Book Reviews
From an Avid Reader, December 14
A Reader’s Brain,
December 15 (Author Interview)
For Him and My
Family, December 15
She
Lives To Read, December 16
Life on
Chickadee Lane, December 17
Debbie’s
Dusty Deliberations, December 18
Back
Porch Reads, December 19 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake,
December 19
Texas Book-aholic,
December 20
Locks, Hooks and
Books, December 21
Truth
and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 22
Little
Homeschool on the Prairie , December 23
A Modern Day Fairy
Tale, December 24 (Author Interview)
Artistic
Nobody, December 25 (Author Interview)
Happily
Managing a Household of Boys, December 26
Giveaway
To celebrate his tour, Larry is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54117


Search This Blog
Grab my button!

Followers
Homeschool Planet
Popular Posts
-
About the Book Book: His Grace’s Governess Author: Jackie Killelea Genre: Christian Historic Romance Release date: February 4, 202...
-
We are learning about the Viking in our history studies. What better way the enhance the learning by adding a craft to the mix. With my kid...
-
We have used several products from The Critical Thinking Co . throughout our homeschool years. The most recent is Vocabulary Virtuoso...
-
Over the last few weeks my kids have been using IXL Learning . I received a Full Annual Membership for IXL , it came with the subje...
-
Happy Purim! The kids made graggers yesterday for Purim. Graggers are basically noisemakers. G raggers are the noisemakers used during the...