Movie Review: Lifemark

Movie Synopsis:

David's comfortable world is turned upside down when his birth mother unexpectedly reaches out to him, longing to meet the 18-year-old son she's only held once. With the encouragement of his adoptive parents, David embarks on a journey of discovery that leads to a staggering truth from his past.

From exective produces Kirk Cameron and the Kendrick Brothers--creators of War Room and Fireproof--comes LIFEMARK, inspired by an incredible true story that celebrates the gift of life.

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Watch the Trailer:

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My Review:

Just from viewing the movie teaser for LIFEMARK, I expected to cry during the movie because adoption has a special place in my heart. LIFEMARK held my attention throughout the movie.  The mild comedy made me smile often, but the parent-child relationships and emotional healing were what I enjoyed the most. And yes, I cried at more than one scene.

LIFEMARK contains themes about trusting God, the importance of family, and the value of a life. The movie will appeal to the pro-life target audience but also aims to present adoption as the best option for women in crisis pregnancies. LIFEMARK is a brave foray considering the current social tensions over abortion rights.

Adoption, in LIFEMARK, celebrates the preservation of a life and the raising of a child. David’s adoptive parents are a loving family who have never withheld information about his birth parents. Furthermore, when David’s birth mother reaches out, his adoptive parents encourage David to respond to her. As the story progresses David agrees to meet his birth mom and both families embrace each other with great affection.

While this ideal picture of adoption entertains in the movie and gives hope for what adoption can be, not all adoptions go so well, even in Christian households. One character mentioned this at the end of the movie, but it is not a topic that LIFEMARK explores. Those who have experienced adoptive parents who are less loving or even abusive might find the movie’s rosy view of adoption unrealistic or triggering.

In conclusion, I liked LIFEMARK. The movie entertained and evoked emotion. It is a movie that I would watch again, though probably not with my children until they are teens. I have always hoped to adopt a child at some point in life and this story made my adoption-loving heart happy. I especially liked how the ending credits showed the actors with the family that inspired LIFEMARK.

Many thanks to WTA Media for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

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More about LIFEMARK:

• LIFEMARK is a story of hope, of overcoming the obstacles life throws at us, reveling in the art of faith, grace, and perseverance.


• This encouraging and inspirational film is based on a true story!


• Buy your tickets TODAY to see LIFEMARK in theaters starting 9/9! Tickets available at: https://lifemarkmovie.com/

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Giveaway:

One reader of this post will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. US only. Giveaway ends 09/13/2022 at 11:59 P. M. EST.

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Book Review: Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese

About the Book:

Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first-grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency's requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.

Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver. 

With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other.

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My Thoughts:

Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese sports an eye-catching cover that reflects the lovely story in its pages. The story held my attention from the beginning and I enjoyed Lauren’s journey, even in the hard moments. Though the story deals with tough issues – difficult life choices, family dysfunction, etc. – it maintained a light feel and pointed to the Christian’s true source of hope -- God.

Before I Called You Mine mixed women’s fiction with a contemporary romance. Both Lauren’s adoption journey and family relationships receive plenty of attention. The story explored various aspects of following God’s will for one’s life. However, on the romantic side, Joshua (Lauren’s romantic interest) stands as an amazing male lead. He’s supportive, respectful, and willing to do what’s best for others even if it hurts. In short, he reflects the character of the Jesus he follows.

Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese is a heartwarming novel that will appeal to inspirational fiction readers. It earned a permanent spot on my bookshelf.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson

About the Book:

Just when you think you’ve met your match . . . the charade begins.

Cassie Everson is an expert at escaping bad first dates. And, after years of meeting, greeting, and running from the men who try to woo her, Cassie is almost ready to retire her hopes for a husband—and children—altogether.

But fate has other plans, and Cassie’s online dating profile catches the eye of firefighter Jett Bentley. In Jett’s memory, Cassie Everson is the unreachable girl-of-legend from their high school days. Nervously, he messages her, setting off a chain of events that forces a reluctant Cassie back into the dating game.

No one is more surprised than Cassie when her first date with Jett is a knockout. But when they both go home and find three children dropped in their laps—each—they independently decide to do the right and mature thing: hide the kids from each other while sorting it all out. What could go wrong?

Melissa Ferguson’s hilarious and warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages—and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren’t nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.


My Thoughts:

If I had to describe The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson in one word, it would be adorable. I liked this book from the first page and went through all the emotions with it. I laughed, I cried, and I smiled again. While there’s laugh-out-loud humor, there’s also intense emotional drama that brought me to tears. Embedded in it all are themes about family, love, and self-sacrifice.

Adoption and fostering children play a large part in The Dating Charade. It was a pleasure to watch Cassie and Jett adapt to their new normal as foster parents. While I didn’t like some of their decisions/actions, the sweet romance and the promise of a happily-ever-after kept me interested. The ending felt a bit rushed, without Cassie and Jett really working to resolve/compromise on some of their differences of opinion. Still, I finished the novel with a smile on my face.

The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson will appeal to readers who enjoy inspirational contemporary romance. Attendance at church functions is depicted, but the book is not overly preachy. It’s a strong debut novel that I’ll keep to reread and I look forward to more of Melissa Ferguson’s work.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided an arc copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

The Waiting by Cathy LaGrow

Minka DeYoung grew up in circumstances that were simultaneously difficult and safe. Working alongside her parents and being unable to attend high school, Minka is innocent and shy. On a picnic one summer day in 1928, Minka slips away for a walk in the woods with another girl, only to be sexually assaulted by a stranger. Understandably confused and hurt, she later realizes that she is also pregnant. Sent away to hide the pregnancy and give the baby up for adoption, Minka falls in love with her beautiful baby girl, Betty Jane. Realizing that giving her to another family is for the best, Minka sacrifices her own desires and leaves the child for its adoptive parents. Almost eighty years later, she utters a prayer asking to see her daughter, but never expects that it will happen. Such a prayer seems impossible, but Minka's story exemplifies the truth that with God, nothing is impossible. Read more in The Waiting by Cathy LaGrow.

At times, The Waiting was difficult to read and I found myself on the verge of tears. It's not light, fluffy entertainment, but a remarkable true story that has the potential to change hearts with its themes of perseverance, faith and love.

The author expertly brings the reader into Minka's experience with vivid narration, intriguing historical detail and a heart-wrenching plot. Some details of the rape are given, but only the necessities that help the reader to understand the story. While it is unpleasant to read about and probably not appropriate for younger readers, it is not overly graphic. I enjoyed how much history was integrated within the story. Not just big events like wars and economic upheaval, but lesser known things like the doctor following the standard procedure of the day in dosing Minka with ether when she came to the pushing stage of childbirth.

The cover of The Waiting is stunning and the photos inside contribute positively to the reader's experience. To see Minka and Ruth (Betty Jane) together after reading their story is such a poignant image.

Readers who are looking for an inspirational, true story of perseverance and faith will enjoy The Waiting. This book is a keeper for me. It's not something I'll want to read again in three months, but I'm sure I'll read it again in the future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Maggie's Journey by Lena Nelson Dooley

Maggie Caine thought she knew who she was and where she came from. But after discovering that she was secretly adopted shortly after birth, she feels betrayed by her parents. Desiring to escape the tension and turmoil in her home and her heart, she requests to visit her grandmother in Arkansas. Maggie's father agrees to her petition with the stipulation that her Aunt Georgia and Charles Stanton, her father's young business partner, accompany her. Almost immediately Charles is taken with Georgia and Maggie feels out of place. But as Maggie's trip progresses and truths are revealed, Charles takes more of an interest in Maggie. However, Maggie must first discover who she is and what truly matters to her.

Maggie's Journey by Lena Nelson Dooley was a pleasant surprise to me. I'm not sure what I expected, but I got a book that is worthy of keeping. Maggie's Journey tackles the difficult issue of the natural desire that a person has to know his or her birth parent. Many readers, including myself, will be able to relate to this issue. The characters and plot were very well written. By integrating romance into the fictional plot, Dooley creates a novel that will entertain and touch the heart. I recommend to fans of Christian fiction.

Click here to visit the blog tour or read an excerpt from Maggie's Journey by Lena Nelson Dooley.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher as part of FIRST Wild Card Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."