A Fun Reimagining of "Robin Hood" with Time-Travel! --"The Maid of Sherwood Forest" by Sian Bessey--Review

 My Review:

"The Maid of Sherwood Forest" by Sian Bessey is the second book in “A McQuivey's Costume Shop Romance” series. I really loved the first book in the series and thoroughly enjoyed this one as well! This time-travel romance series is so fun, and I especially love that this new book focuses on the Robin Hood legend, which is one of my favorite subjects to read about. As a huge Robin Hood fan, I appreciated the nods to the popular film versions of Robin Hood in today’s pop culture. It was great to see the familiar characters of Robin’s Merry Men in this story. It is clever how the author puts her own unique spin on the story and makes the “Maid Marian” character, Mariah Clinton, be a strong female heroine. It was so neat to see Mariah be so good at archery and even at one point help save Robin Hood and go toe-to-toe with him in an archery contest! It was also cool that Mariah could take her skills in archery and cooking from the present and use them in the past (it was interesting to see how she adapted to the medieval period). The historical details were well researched, and I felt like I was in the time period. The romance is what really shines in this book. The chemistry between Maraih and Robin is sizzling. I especially loved the ending and a certain surprise that Robin Hood aficionados will cheer for and recognize. This was such a fun story that fans of historical romance and Robin Hood will love!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content: a character curses, but the words are not actually written.

TW: a person thinks they are hallucinating; physical abuse; PTSD.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

 

A Sweet and Festive Holiday Retelling! --"A Carol for Mrs. Dickens" by Rebecca Connolly—Review

My Review:
 

"A Carol for Mrs. Dickens" by Rebecca Connolly is a sweet and festive holiday retelling of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. I loved this beautiful, short, and poignant story of what Christmas may have been like for Charles Dickens’ wife after the success of his book “A Christmas Carol.”  It conveys how Catherine might have felt extra pressure to enjoy Christmas and make it special. It was neat to see things from her point of view, and she was very relatable. The book has themes of family, faith, love, and service. I enjoyed following Catherine on three journeys through her memories (which mirror those taken by Scrooge and the three ghosts in “A Christmas Carol”). The message of Christmas and its true meaning was so beautifully shared. Catherine also learns to take the good with the bad, to not take things for granted, and to share the beautiful light of Christmas with the world. I loved the message of finding joy where it already exists and to keep Christ at the center. The book itself is beautiful, with illustrations throughout, and includes “A Christmastide Calendar” and “Victorian Christmas Traditions and History” in the back. This sweet and easy read will be sure to bring joy to your heart!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content: loss of a child; mention of ghosts from “A Christmas Carol.”

TW: loss of a child.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

$10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway and Review--A Fun Fall Movie Filled with Heart! --"Grow" Movie Review

 

GIVEAWAY: One winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. US winners only. Enter via the raffle below.

$10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Fall plans just got bigger. #GrowTheFilm is in theaters October 17! Tickets are on sale now. More Info

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Link to trailer: click here

Downloadable Kids Activity Book:click here

Watch this fun fall film with your family - Grow is only in theaters starting October 17! 

Buy tickets today to see Grow in theaters starting October 17! 

A story of love that grows. At the heart of GROW is the touching bond between a prickly aunt and her spirited niece. Their journey shows that sometimes the family we need grows where we least expect it. 

The most colorful cast of characters. From curmudgeonly farmers to over-the-top rivals, every character feels like they’ve stepped out of a cozy, autumnal fairy tale. Charlie’s pumpkin “Peter” isn’t the only thing full of personality—the whole town bursts with quirky charm.

Pumpkin spice in film form. GROW is perfectly timed for fall and Halloween season: cozy, funny, and a safe, whimsical alternative to scary movies. 

“Wild gardening” meets whimsy. Charlie’s affinity for plants will inspire kids—and kids at heart—to dance to their plants and care for the environment. 

Synopsis: In the Pumpkin Capital of the World, stoic farmer Dinah Little (Golda Rosheuvel) begrudgingly takes in her spirited niece, Charlie (Priya-Rose Brookwell). But Charlie isn’t an ordinary child—she has a special knack for connecting with plants that quietly reflects her own longing to feel just as seen and loved. As the town prepares for the annual pumpkin-growing contest, Charlie sets her sights on winning. With the help of quirky Arlo (Nick Frost), plot and pumpkins thicken as rival growers pull every trick in the book. Will Charlie and Dinah’s unlikely entry stand tall against the fiercest competition the town has ever seen? As her pumpkin grows, so does her bond with Dinah, and together they learn the real prize is joy, laughter, and family. 

My Review: "Grow" is a fun fall family film that is heartwarming and full of humor. The movie is filled with great characters, including eccentric neighbors and a curmudgeonly aunt. I especially love the main character, Charlie, and that she magically connects with plants, dances and uses music with them. It is neat that the movie focuses more on the light side of the season, instead of the darker aspects. There is one lighthearted trick-or-treating scene, but most of the story revolves around a pumpkin growing contest and a pumpkin festival. I was especially moved by the family bonds, messages of hard work and the pro-adoption message. Charlie learns (regarding pumpkins and life in general) that it does not matter what the surface looks like, it is the inside that matters. She is also told to not waste time worrying about what others think. It was wonderful watching her bloom and grow in her new situation with her aunt, who takes her on when her mom leaves. The whole movie is delightful and whimsical and takes place in a small, rural town in England that is obsessed with pumpkins and the pumpkin growing contest. I highly recommend this family friendly, charming comedy, perfect for fall.

Content: This movie is rated PG. Some examples of the content:  kids engage in fighting; a few sexual references; potty humor; a woman threatens a man with a gun; someone stabs a pumpkin, and it looks like blood (like from a horror movie); people drink alcohol.

TW: a parent leaves and a child must live with their relative; the child wants to find her missing mother; possible alcoholics; kinship foster care.

Many thanks to US Pumpkin Distribution, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

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Witty and Clever Novellas! --"Mercury Raine: Ghost Broker" and “Mercury Raine: A Whisper in the Wind" by Sarah Eden—Review

 

My Review:"Mercury Raine: Ghost Broker" by Sarah Eden is the first installment in the “Mercury Raine” novellas. It is so witty, clever, and fun! This novella is short, fun and will leave you smiling. Ms. Eden’s writing is wonderful. "Mercury Raine: Ghost Broker" is perfect for spooky season, with its cast of benign ghosts and Mercury, the resident Ghost Broker. I loved getting to know the different ghosts and their personalities. The writing reminded me of a P.G. Wodehouse novel. I love that it has secrets and the possibility of romance. I do not want to give a lot away, but I will let you read this delightful novella for yourself. I definitely recommend this hilarious novella that was quick, easy to read and left me wanting more!

Content: I give this a G rating. Some examples of the content: ghosts.

TW: orphan.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

My Review: “Mercury Raine: A Whisper in the Wind" by Sarah Eden is the second installment in the “Mercury Raine” novellas. I loved the first novella and was excited to read more about Mercury and the different ghosts. I enjoyed this one even more than the first! It was great to see familiar characters and get to know them more in “Mercury Raine: A Whisper in the Wind.”  I loved Aventine Manor, where the novella takes place. It was also fun to see more of the possible love interest and how that played out (I love their interactions). The mystery was great, and I am so impressed by the witty writing. I cannot wait to read more of this series!

Content: I give this a PG rating. Some examples of the content: mention of alcohol.

TW: past child abuse; possible PTSD.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

An Awesome Young Adult Romantasy! –“Sonnets and Serpents” by Elizabeth Lowham--Review

 

My Review: Sonnets and Serpents by Elizabeth Lowham is an awesome young adult romantasy! I love that it is closed door, which we need more of in this genre. Even though it is closed door, the main characters have an awesome chemistry and enemies-to-lovers romance that you will be rooting for. The story and setting are so clever and unique. I love that the author created a language and even illustrated the cool map in the front of the book! The world building is impressive, and the shapeshifting and magic is so creative! Even though it is book two in the “Casters and Crowns” series, it can be read as a standalone. Silas is a scholar and shapeshifter who must learn that life is about more than lessons. He is a skeptic when it comes to romance. Of course he meets Princess Eliza, a hopeless romantic who loves nothing more than reading her book of love sonnets. This unlikely pair teams up, due to forced proximity, to help Eliza find her beloved Henry and break their curse (which can only be broken by true love’s kiss). The plot moves slowly at first, but then it hooks the reader. The characters learn that love is not just an emotion, but also a choice. I love that we also have a character who is bipolar. I love the message about not being broken or lesser. The book also comes with impressive, sprayed edges! I definitely recommend this book to people looking for clean romantasy!

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: mention of demons; a character curses, but the words are not written; brief death of a pet in the past.

TW: mention of abusive husband; mention of human trafficking; father tried to kill his son in the past; an unwanted kiss; a character has bipolar disorder.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

The Family Event of the Fall!--"Grow" Movie Trailer

 

This looks like such a good family movie! I'm excited to see it.

Tickets for #GrowTheFilm are on sale now! Don't miss THE family event of the fall!🎃 Get your tickets today! growthefilm.com

Watch the trailer here

Buy tickets here

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A Beautiful Expository Study Bible! --"Alexander Maclaren Study Bible"--Review and Giveaway

 

Alexander Maclaren Study Bible

Uplifting, Clear, and Christ-Centered Insights from the “Prince of Expositors”

Few preachers in the nineteenth century rivaled Alexander Maclaren. Called the “Prince of Expositors,” Maclaren was considered one of the best preachers of his era, acclaimed for offering remarkable biblical insights in a poetic style.

The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible invites you to learn from his powerful insights as you explore the Scriptures. Study notes drawn from his more than 1,500 published sermons illuminate every chapter of the Bible. Passage outlines based on his sermons guide you in systematic study of key texts. Short notes encourage you to apply the Bible to your life and see Christ’s relevance to all Scripture.

Features include:

• Book introductions exploring each book’s background and key themes with insights from Maclaren’s work
• 1,400 study notes that cover every chapter of the Bible
• 380 Christ Connection notes showing the relevance of Christ to all Scripture
• 380 Life Application notes to help you live out the Bible’s principles
• 209 Passage Outlines based on Maclaren’s sermon outlines
• 8 essays addressing major doctrines of Scripture, personal devotion to Christ, and how to properly apply the Bible to your life
• Comprehensive concordance and index of features
• Bottom of page study notes
• Center-column cross-references

Who was Alexander Maclaren?

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, on February 11, 1826, Alexander Maclaren was the pastor of Union Chapel in Manchester England from 1858–1903. Heralded as the “Prince of Expositors,” he is considered by many to be one of the best preachers of the nineteenth century, The popularity of Maclaren’s published sermons rivaled that of Charles Spurgeon, helping him develop global acclaim for remarkable biblical insights delivered in a poetic style. Maclaren’s works continue to be read and studied due to their timeless relevance, verbal beauty, and profound freshness.

My Review: I am so excited to talk about the most important book of all with you today—the Bible. I am sharing about this gorgeous Expository Study Bible. It is an Alexander Maclaren Study Bible and has a beautiful leather cover. Alexander Maclaren is heralded as the “Prince of Expositors” and was one of the best preachers of the nineteenth century (a contemporary of Spurgeon) who provides Biblical insights in a poetic style. Being a former student of a Bible college with a degree in Biblical studies, it is important to me to have a good, theologically sound study Bible when studying and reading Scripture. This is such a great tool for someone who just wants to read their Bible for devotions or someone looking for more theological insights to lead a class or Bible study. It is a New King James Version and there is an introduction to each book of the Bible by Maclaren, talking about the author, key verse, time, and themes. I appreciate that throughout this edition there are mini “Christ Connections,” which show the relevance of Christ to all Scripture, and “Life Applications,” which help apply the words of Scripture to our daily life. In every chapter of each book are study notes from Maclaren’s sermons which helped me dig deeper and learn more about my faith. I found that the study notes are a great companion to Scripture reading during my prayer and quiet time. In the back are a helpful index, concordance, and maps. There are several more features that are listed above. I highly recommend this uplifting, clear, and Christ-centered Bible to any Christian!

Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Purchase your copy of the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible today on Amazon!

Link to purchase: here

Thomas Nelson Page: here

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