Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Top Ten Tuesday - Books That Made Great Movies

 


Happy Tuesday and welcome to another edition of Top Ten Tuesday sponsored by That Artsy Reader Girl. Today's topic is TV Shows or Books that would make amazing movies. I'm going to flip it...books that made amazing movies. For us, bookish people the movie never quite lives up to the amazing book we read. For me, however, these books are spot-on with the book.









The Harry Potter series.

I loved this book. I think I read it twenty times or more. I read it to my girls when I was homeschooling them, and then the movie came out and we bawled all over again.
I haven't seen all of the movies from The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe but the ones I have seen have been spot on. 
Raise your hand, how many of you read this in your high school lit class?? ✋✋ Patrick Swayze was the perfect Darryl!!
I couldn't wait to see this movie and when I did it made me love the book and the story of Hosea even more.
I read this book during my Jr. year of high school and at the end of the semester, we watched the 1974 version with Robert Redford. Then I just liked it because it had Robert Redford in it, now I see how spot-on it was. 
I received a copy of this book from my fourth-grade teacher as a going-away gift when we moved from D.C. to Colorado. I'm not sure when I first saw the movie but even now it still brings back memories of a book embedded in my memories.







Can you think of any movies based on books that stayed true to the story you read? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Please leave them in the comment section. 

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

The Ark and the Dove (The Story of Noah's Wife) by Jill Eileen Smith Reviewed

 




About the book:

Title: The Ark and the Dove (The Story of Noah's Wife)

Author: Jill Eileen Smith

Genre: Historical Biblical Christian Fiction

Zara and Noah have walked together with the Creator for their entire lives, and they have done their best in an increasingly wicked and defiant world to raise their three sons to follow in their footsteps. It has been a challenge--and it's about to get much, much harder.

When the Creator tells her husband to build an ark to escape the coming wrath against the sins of humankind, Zara steps out with him in faith. But the derision and sabotage directed their way from both friends and extended family are difficult to bear, as is knowing that everyone she interacts with beyond her husband, her sons, and their wives is doomed to destruction. And when the ark is finally finished and the animals have been shut up inside, Zara and her family embark on an adventure that will test their patience and their faith as they await deliverance and dry ground.

Experience the story of Noah and the flood like you never have before. With bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith as your guide, you'll never look at a rainbow the same way again.

Goodreads || Baker Book House || Amazon || Barnes & Noble


My Thoughts:

Close your eyes and imagine watching animals walking up a ramp two by two into an ark that can not only hold elephants, giraffes, hippos, and lions; but also your family. 

We've heard and read the story of Noah and the ark, there was even a toy ark with animals when my girls were kids, but we've never heard the story of Noah's wife; now we have one.

With her amazing research and imaginative skill for the first time, we have a story about the woman who stood by Noah during the heckling he received while building the ark and endured the time spent on the ark. 

Ms. Smith takes us both inside the ark and the family dynamics of Noah's family. And boy were there a lot of family dynamics; mainly between the wives of Shem, Japheth, and Ham.

Reading about the ark's interior with not only sleeping and eating quarters but pens for the animals, feeding, and waste management systems was absolutely fascinating.

I felt Zara's frustration with her three daughters-in-law and her sons. Being a Mama is hard at times and we see her struggle.

I love biblical fiction for a lot of reasons, the main reason is I am always pulled back to the Bible story. Last night as I was finishing I re-read the passage in Genesis 6:20-29 where Ham humiliates his father. I never really understood that, but Ms. Smith wrote it beautifully. It was sad as well.

Bottom Line:

This is a beautiful story about Zara, Noah's wife, and her children. The struggle is everyone's struggle. Learning to walk by faith is not new and we see that in this beautiful story.

A couple of my favorite quotes:

"I should not doubt. The Creator may not speak to us in an audible voice or fill our dreams with visions, but He speaks in His creation. He speaks to our conscience what is true and good and what is a lie and evil. If we seek Him, we will not be easily deceived."

"To think that the Creator is not able to do something different than what has always been done is arrogant because it puts us above Him." 


About Jill Eileen Smith


Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs, and Daughters of the Promised Land, as well as The Heart of a King and Star of Persia: Esther's Story. She is also the author of the nonfiction books When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreamsand She Walked Before Us. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

You can learn more about Jill at her website and follow her on the following social media platforms. Facebook || Instagram || Twitter 

Friday, March 15, 2024

First Line Friday Featuring Riot (A Breed Apart: Legacy #3) by Ronie Kendig and JJ Samie Myles

 

Happy Friday!! Welcome to the weekend!!! Today I am featuring one of my favorite authors, Ronie Kendig. I loved A Breed Apart series and I'm enjoying this new series; Legacy. 



First Line: 

Six Months Later

Harmonia, Texas

Eighteen years ago, Danger had sworn to never return. Yet here he was, caged in his stepfather's mansion crawling with Texas's high snobciety.



About the book:

Navy SEAL K-9 handler Beau “Danger” Maddox is at the top of his game—until an op goes south, leaving him physically and mentally scarred. Separated from the Navy, he’s determined to requalify as operational and get back in the action so he can take down the deadly South American cartel that killed his team. The last thing he needs is a distraction in the form of a beautiful new neighbor and her dog…

Trafficking survivor Paisley Reyna became a trauma counselor to help others after a harrowing captivity at the hands of the notorious Guerrero Cartel. When she unexpectedly inherits her cousin’s home and retired military working dog, Riot, she seizes the chance to eke out a quiet life in a small town in Texas. However, the Dutch shepherd upends her plans, destroys her belongings, and repeatedly escapes next door to the intense former SEAL, who poses a threat to her peace—and maybe even her heart.

When the local sheriff asks for Danger’s expertise and Paisley’s dog to intercept a trafficking deal, they’re quickly caught up in a battle against the very cartel that marked both their souls. Along with a paramilitary team, they plunge deeper and deeper into the Venezuelan jungle—all too aware that making it out alive a second time will take nothing short of a miracle.


Enter the Goodreads giveaway here: GIVEAWAY

Thursday, March 14, 2024

If the Boot Fits (Texas Ever After #2) by Karen Witemeyer Reviewed

 



About the book:

Title: If the Boot Fits

Series: Texas Ever After #2

Genre: Christian Fiction Fairytale Re-telling Romance

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Determined to prove that cattle king Eli Dearing has no justification for evicting his stepmother and half brothers, Asher Ellis uses the cover of a fancy ball to break into the Three Cedars ranch house to search for proof of wrongdoing. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy's cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent, Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting in her honor is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from her unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother's life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind--his boot--and resolves to find him herself.

But when Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. And although Asher tries to keep his distance from Samantha for reasons of his own, a series of suspicious accidents befall her, and his protective instincts flare, no matter the cost to their future.

This Western reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale is an enchanting story of courage, family, and the power of true love.



My Thoughts:

I haven't read a Karen Witemeyer book in years and I've missed her fun historical stories. This is a fun Cinderella re-telling. I loved every minute of reading this story. 

Ash and Samantha are a kick as are the two little kiddos woven into the story. Mama Bess has to be one of my absolute favorite characters and the spin Ms. Witemeyer puts on her character is perfect.

The faith element is woven into the story in such a way that's not overbearing. 

This book is a fun romp in Texas with a spin on Cinderella, along with Ms. Witemeyer's humor and faith-based plot. I loved this book! Maybe because I'm married to a cowboy.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.



About the author:

Karen Witemeyer

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline.

You can connect with Ms. Witemeyer on the following platforms. Facebook || Instagram || Website




Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Top Ten Tuesday Favorite Illustrated Covers

 


Happy Tuesday! Welcome to another edition of Top Ten Tuesday. Today's topic is Weird or Funny Things I've Googled Because of a Book. I Google stuff a lot but I couldn't think of anything or anything book-related so I thought I'd do a cover love one. Illustrated covers have become popular so I thought I'd grab some already published and going to be published this year.
















I love these covers! I think they're not only fun and eye-catching, but they also add a little fun to Christian fiction. 

Are you reading one of these now? Waiting patiently for the release date? Let me know in the comments. 

Friday, March 1, 2024

First Line Friday Featuring My Lucky Charm (Holidays With Hart #2) by Courtney Walsh

 

Happy Friday and welcome to First Line Friday! Today, I am featuring My Lucky Charm by Courtney Walsh which seems perfect given tomorrow is March 1st.


First Line

I've never kissed a stranger in my life. Not in high school. Not in college. And certainly not as an adult.




About the book:

A humiliating break-up leads to an impulsive New Year’s Kiss with a complete stranger. 

What could possibly go wrong?

It’s no secret that I love life. And Dr Pepper. But also, I love a challenge. . .

So when the coach of the Chicago Comets gives me the opportunity to help their star player, newly traded to their team, acclimate to life in Chicago, I'm all in.

I have to be. After my last job went up in flames, I have something to prove.

It turns out that the player, Grayson Hawke, is the rudest, most off-putting, reclusive guy I’ve ever met.

It also turns out that he is the beautiful stranger I kissed on New Year’s Eve.

I can do this job. I can do this job. I can do this job.

And I can. Really well.

I can make Gray’s life easier, show him all the reasons to fall in love with this city, and in the process, hopefully completely forget that the amazing kiss ever happened.

How hard can it be? We’re total opposites anyway.

I love people . . . and all their stories. Gray loves hockey . . . and nothing else.

I love to talk. Gray only stares.

I’m happy-go-lucky. Gray’s all work and no play.

There’s just one problem. The more time I spend with Grayson Hawke, the more I start to see that underneath his bristly, standoffish exterior, he’s nothing like the man everyone thinks he is.

And suddenly, all the reasons for keeping my distance, staying professional, and not falling for someone again. . . are impossible to remember. My Lucky Charm is a grumpy/sunshine, sweet hockey romance with all of the sizzle but none of the steam. It's the second in the Holidays with Hart series, but My Lucky Charm can be read as a stand alone.


Currently this book is free to read on Kindle Unlimited

About Courtney Walsh


Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theatre director, and playwright. She writes small-town romance and women’s fiction while juggling the performing arts studio and youth theatre she owns and runs with her husband. If For Any Reason is her eleventh novel. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category, and her contemporary romance Just Let Go won the Carol Award in 2019. A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.

Website || Facebook || Instagram || Twitter 


Pick up the book closest to you and leave the first line in the comments and then head over to my friend, Carrie of Reading is My Super Power and read other first lines.


Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Top Ten Tuesday - Bookish Super Powers I Wish I Had

 


Happy Tuesday Evening! Today was a little crazy, to say the least. I had a Drs. appointment and we had a plumber out about our water heater. It was leaking and with my hubby being on workman's comp because of his injury my brain was preoccupied with that expense and I couldn't think about Top Ten Tuesday just the possible expense. I will post a link with my Epileptologist on the news at the end. Every person who struggles with a chronic illness needs a doctor like him!!


My top ten super powers I wish I had:

One - The ability to read a book in one day. I used to do that on the daily but those days are gone! That was pre-epilepsy. 

Two - A brain box that catalogs all of my favorite characters, not just the book boyfriends I  collect. 


Three - The ability to literally visit bookish lands while I'm reading.


Four - The ability to bring any book character to life. Book boyfriends is a no-go for this. LOL


Five - The ability to organize my books both in color and alphabetical order.


Six - The ability to create another bookcase when needed.


Seven - The ability to jump into the book and stop a fight from happening and/or fix the ending if it makes me sad.


Eight - The ability to scan pages; not to get spoilers, but to look for triggers or things I wouldn't like that would cause a DNF.


Nine - The ability to speed up publishing so I don't have to wait so long for a book to be released.


Ten - This has to be the best one!! To lose weight reading and writing reviews!!!


Sorry for the lateness. I hope you enjoyed my list!


Please watch this video of my epileptologist on our local news talking about how insurance companies don't care for patients.


https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/health/epileptologists-fight-changes-blue-cross-of-idahos-coverage/277-deb89487-fc04-48d5-bbeb-2f008af41d57?fbclid=IwAR0LvbGXBQkj3BsPLbylhMvLs8OESVgvl1D512L-2ZDeE0IdGvha31pHyKQ


I hope you have a wonderful week and enjoy my top ten.

Top Ten Tuesday - Books That Made Great Movies

  Happy Tuesday and welcome to another edition of Top Ten Tuesday sponsored by That Artsy Reader Girl . Today's topic is TV Shows or Boo...