Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Movie Review: Sound of Freedom (In Theaters Now)

 About the Movie:










SOUND OF FREEDOM, based on the incredible true story, shines a light on even the darkest of places. After rescuing a young boy from ruthless child traffickers, a federal agent learns the boy’s sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. With time running out, he quits his job and journeys deep into the Colombian jungle, putting his life on the line to free her from a fate worse than death.

Buy tickets today to see SOUND OF FREEDOM in theaters starting July 4th!


Watch the Trailer:




My Thoughts:

With action, suspense, and heart, SOUND OF FREEDOM recounts the true story of a child rescue mission led by Timothy Ballard, a Homeland Security Agent normally responsible for catching pedophiles. Essentially, the movie addresses the horrific reality of child trafficking with the intention of raising awareness, giving a voice to victims, and pushing back against evil.

SOUND OF FREEDOM earns a rightful PG-13 rating and may be triggering to those with a history of sexual assault. The viewer knows the sad happenings that occur without viewing explicit content. Sexual obscenity stays off the screen, but the movie isn’t over sanitized. The characters’ emotional pain potently reflects the physical and mental agony they endure. Mild profanity, in both Spanish and English, occurs.

SOUND OF FREEDOM features a racially diverse cast, and every actor/actress nailed their roles. I did notice that Tim’s hair/beard color changed/darkened at certain points and found that a bit distracting. I loved that a substantial portion of the dialogue was in Spanish (staying true to the location/situation) with subtitles.

Although SOUND OF FREEDOM comes from Angel Studios (known for THE CHOSEN), it is not a typical faith-based movie. God is mentioned a handful of times, but there’s no attempt at religious evangelization as the story’s focus stays on the victims/survivors. The low level of spirituality is unlikely to irritate most viewers and invites everyone, regardless of faith status, to experience this powerful movie.

In conclusion, SOUND OF FREEDOM tackles the heartbreaking reality of child trafficking with a powerful story and artful discretion. This movie has hovered in my mind since the first time I viewed it, and it continues to sit with me. I’ll never regard the word “chicken” in the same way. The movie possesses a strong call-to-action but shies away from specific direction of how to help survivors, leaving viewers with the responsibility of research and decision. I wish the movie had depicted follow-up care of the survivors as the rescue of a trafficked person is only the first step of a hard journey to healing and health. Still, SOUND OF FREEDOM is a good start for bringing attention to the dark business of human trafficking. Five stars for this movie.

 


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


More about SOUND OF FREEDOM:

  • Sound of Freedom is a powerful new film from Angel Studios (The Chosen, His Only Son) based on an incredible true story!
  • Angel Studio’s goal for Sound of Freedom is for two million people to go see the film in theaters the week of July 4 to remember the two million children who are trafficked every year. #2MillionFor2Million
  • If the price of the ticket is keeping you from going, generous fans have Paid it For ward tens of thousands of free tickets for you to be able to see the film opening week. You can get a free ticket at angel.com/freetickets 
  • Together we can propel a movement that will save millions of kids around the world.


Giveaway:



One reader of this post will receive two free tickets to see SOUND OF FREEDOM. US only. Giveaway ends 07/07/2023 at 11:59 P. M. EST.

Enter by leaving a comment on this post that includes your full name and email address.


Saturday, July 1, 2023

June 2023 Reading Recap and July 2023 TBR

My June 2023 Reads: 

  1. The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A bit of a slow start for me, but once I got caught up in the mystery, relationships, and history, I couldn’t put it down.

  2. A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Loved everything about this book!

  3. The Art of Victory by Martha Keyes - ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ - I was in the mood for a light read, and this book fit the bill. It had humor, romance, and a Jane Austen feel. Loved it.

  4. Jane Austen's Little Book of Wisdom by Jane Austen - ⭐⭐⭐½ - Review to come.

  5. June Bug by Chris Fabry - ⭐⭐⭐½ - An emotional story that I enjoyed, but I didn't think it was as well done as other books by Fabry.

  6. Ned by Susan May Warren. - ⭐⭐⭐½ - Read my review.



Expected July 2023 Reads:
  1. A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White.

  2. An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White.

  3. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. - Currently reading. This is a LONG book!

  4. The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox. - My local book club's selection for July.



What will you read this month?

Friday, June 30, 2023

Book Spotlight: Charting the Course by Leslea Wahl

Charting the Course JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Charting the Course by Leslea Wahl, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Charting the Course

Title: Charting the Course
Series:
Finding Faith series
Author:
Leslea Wahl
Publisher:
Vinspire Publishing
Release Date:
June 27, 2023
Genre:
YA Christian Adventure

Stuck on a ship with her estranged father for this high school reunion – not a merry way to spend the holidays. But could an onboard mystery and a cute boy be the course correction Liz needs? 

Set amid the beauty of the Caribbean islands, Charting the Course delves into the topics of fractured families, generational high-school dramas, taking responsibility for your actions, and focusing on faith to keep us anchored. The twists and turns in this high-seas adventure will keep the reader bracing for the next wave of intrigue.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon



Also Available

Into the Spotlight


Excerpt


“Merry Christmas! And welcome to the most magical ten days of your entire life!”

I stare at the perky blonde lady in her crisp white uniform.

Maybe the longest ten days of my life. Or the most annoying ten days of my life. But I can pretty much guarantee that the next week and a half will not be the most magical.

I respond with a slight smile—she has no way of knowing that ever since my parents’ divorce, holidays have lost their magical appeal. Shuffling between Mom’s home in Minnesota and Dad’s place in Illinois, pretending all is well, does not make for precious memories.

And this one will be particularly straining, ten days alone on a cruise ship with my dad—and his old high school classmates. What a stupid time for a class reunion. Who would want to spend ten days, over the holidays, with the teenage acquaintances you’ve spent decades trying to forget? Apparently, my father.

About the Author

Leslea Wahl

Leslea Wahl lives in beautiful Colorado and is the author of several award-winning teen novels. She strives to write stories that encourage teens to grow in their faith through fun adventurous mysteries. Leslea is often inspired by her family, their travels, and real-life adventures. She particularly enjoys including the furry, four-legged members of her family in her novels. Besides writing Leslea also reviews faith-based novels on her website and is a founding member of CatholicTeenBooks.com.

Connect with Leslea by visiting lesleawahl.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each win signed copies of Charting the Course, Into the Spotlight, and Where You Lead by Leslea Wahl!

Charting the Course JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 26, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 3, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Author Interview: Unassailable by K.J. Rowe



About the Book


Book: Unassailable

Author: K.J. Rowe

Genre: Teen/Young Adult

To be picture perfect on the outside can cause people to think you have it all together on the inside. Which is exactly the case for Hope Meyer.

Stuck in a dead-end job with no vision for her future, parents arguing at home and newly-single under terms she bitterly objects to, Hope puts on a brave front in the face of friends. Only, she’s not as subtle as she thinks. Called out on her pretense by a close friend and, drawn into a mission project that causes her to question everything she’s been led to believe, Hope finds herself floundering.

Until recently, the perfect hair, manicured nails, a wardrobe straight out of a fashion magazine and a handsome suitor by her side had defined her. Now seeing those things as insignificant, and understanding why her boyfriend left, Hope turns to her youth minister for help; with one burning question in mind:

Who was she?

Set on a path of self-discovery, Hope finds her day to day both unraveling and piecing together like a jigsaw as her perception begins to alter.

Will she embrace how God defines her and ultimately learn what true happiness is?

Click here to get your copy!


About the Author


Since I could hold a pencil, I’ve be writing.

In primary school, I wrote stories about my pets, my own version of princess stories, a classroom crush…

In high school, I wrote stories about horses, adventures, my sister…

However, as strong as the writing hobby was, I still pursued a career in Veterinary Nursing.

It wasn’t until God intervened and moved me out of the city and into a small country town to be a farmer’s wife, that he resurfaced the writing desire – and gave me the stories. So was born my debut series, each book holding a part of my own testimony, Casts of Silver.

It is my prayer that you enjoy the journey these stories take you on, and that they challenge, encourage and inspire you.


Author Interview with K.J. Rowe


Q: How long did it take you to write this novel?

K.J.: Approximately 18 months.


Q: What do you hope readers take away from this novel?

K.J.: To be aware of just how much people who don’t know Jesus, are watching those who claim they do. We are the bible they are reading…


Q: How many bookshelves are in your home?

K.J.: 2 in the lounge room, 1 in the kids room and 1 smaller one in our bedroom.


Q: What are you reading now?

K.J.: ‘Becoming a Woman of Simplicity’ By Cynthia Heald. It is the chosen book for our bible study group this quarter and it is a lovely, thought provoking, peaceful read.


Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your novel?

K.J.: My website: www.kjrowe.com would be the best place to start :D


More from K.J. Rowe

Since I could hold a pencil, I’ve been writing.

In primary school, I wrote stories about my pets, my own version of princess stories, a classroom crush…

In high school, I wrote stories about horses, adventures, my family members…

However as strong as the writing hobby was, I still pursued a career in Veterinary Nursing.

It wasn’t until God intervened, moved me out of the city and into a small country town to be a famers wife, that He resurfaced the writing desire and gave me the stories. So was born my debut series, each book holding a part of my own testimony, Casts of Silver.

It is my prayer that you enjoy the journey these stories take you on and that they challenge, encourage and inspire you.


Blog Stops


Simple Harvest Reads, June 17 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, June 18 (Author Interview)

Through the Fire Blogs, June 19 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 19

Texas Book-aholic, June 20

Blossoms and Blessings, June 21 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 23

Artistic Nobody, June 24 (Author Interview)

Splashes of Joy, June 25 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Book Reviews, June 25

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, June 26 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 27

Beauty in the Binding, June 28 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 29

Guild Master, June 30 (Author Interview)


Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, K.J. is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon voucher and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Link for giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/2659b/unassailable-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Book Spotlight: A Wyoming Summer

QUICK FACTS
  • Title: A Wyoming Summer
  • Series: Timeless Western Collection (Book 4)
  • Authors: Carla Kelly, Christine Sterling, & Heather B. Moore
  • Genre: Historical Romance, Western Romance, Inspirational Fiction
  • Publisher: Mirror Press (June 20, 2023)
  • Length: (330) pages
  • Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook
  • ISBN: 978-1952611322
  • Tour Dates: June 19 – 30, 2023

BOOK DESCRIPTION


A Wyoming Summer is the fourth book in the Timeless Western Collection, a bestselling anthology series from Mirror Press. The book features three novellas from acclaimed historical romance authors whose stories ask if true love can survive the changing seasons?

“Ellen Found,” by Carla Kelly

Set in location of Old Faithful Inn, 1903-4. Working in a discouraging café, Ellen escapes an awful situation in rough and tumble Butte, Montana, and goes to work as second in command to a wary cook in the shell that will become Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone Park. She meets Charles Penrose, head carpenter on the massive project of Old Faithful Inn, which is being finished in a harsh Wyoming winter. Will it really open June 1, 1904? Can Ellen start to trust the other workers? What will she learn about the other employees? And Charles. He's a widower with a young daughter there, too. Like Ellen, he wants more.


“The Widow of Daybreak,” by Christine Sterling

Doris Whistler is learning how to survive in a town taken over by outlaws. When the leader of an infamous gang murders her husband, her choices are to tuck tail and run, or stand her ground and make Daybreak as promising as its name. It proves to be a difficult task with the good citizens in fear of the corrupt mayor and godlessness that abounds. What she doesn't expect is the support of a traveling lawman who believes in her and the tiny town she loves so much.


“May I Kiss the Bride,” by Heather B. Moore

Viola Delany is not happy about being sent to the middle-of-nowhere, small town Wyoming. Yes, it will be good to let the gossips find something else to talk about other than her failed engagement. And yes, it will be nice to spend the summer with her Aunt Beth. But as Viola sits on the train heading for Wyoming, wondering how she'll ever occupy her time in such a small town, none other than a real-life cowboy sits across the way. She can't help but take peeks at him, noting that the condition of his unpolished black boots and scuffed rawhide jacket seem to be authentic . . . All right, so he might be tall, dark-haired, and handsome if a woman doesn't mind green eyes and a dangerous-looking scar, but this man certainly has nothing to do with her. Besides she'll never see him again. What are the chances he's traveling to the same middle-of-nowhere small town?


ABOUT THE SERIES

Since 2015, Mirror Press has been presenting the Timeless Romance Collection, a curated anthology of novellas and short stories featuring bestselling authors from the contemporary and historical romance genres. The collection has hit the USA TODAY bestselling list and charted at #1 at Amazon.com. Learn more about the series and other anthologies published by Mirror Press at their website.


ADVANCE PRAISE


5 STARS – “…my new favorite of the Timeless Romance Anthologies.”— Maria Thomas, Goodreads

5 STARS – “Another wonderful collection from the Timeless Romance Anthologies...A perfect read for your summer enjoyment that just might have you planning some trips to Wyoming or another western historical feeling location. ”— Julie Carpenter, Goodreads

5 STARS – “A clean, fun, well-written collection by three talented authors.”— Lorieah, Goodreads


PURCHASE LINKS




AUTHOR BIOS




Carla Kelly started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars. She like writing about warfare at sea and ordinary people of the British Isles, rather than lords and ladies. In her spare time, she likes to read British crime fiction and history, particularly the U.S. Indian Wars. She is a former park ranger, and double Rita Award and Spur Award winner. She currently lives in Utah, has five interesting children and four grands. Carla’s favorite authors include Robert Crais and Richard Woodman.






Christine Sterling is a USA Today best-selling author who writes small-town inspirational romances with a touch of humor. Most of her stories take place in the plains of Nebraska or Colorado, but she will write wherever there are cowboys needing to find love. Her favorite stories involve tight-knit families, and you will often find that her characters cross over in many of her stories.

She lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, four dogs, and one spoiled cat, aka The Floof. She can often be found in her garden with a notebook and a cup of tea.






Heather B. Moore is a USA Today best-selling and award-winning author of more than seventy publications, including The Paper Daughters of Chinatown. She has lived on both the East and West Coasts of the United States, as well as Hawaii, and attended school abroad at the Cairo American Collage in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. She loves to learn about history and is passionate about historical research.





Monday, June 19, 2023

Book Spotlight: Dedicated to the One I Love by Beth K. Vogt

Dedicated to the One I Love JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Dedicated to the One I Love by Beth K. Vogt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Dedicated to the One I Love

Title: Dedicated to the One I Love 
Author:
Beth K. Vogt
Publisher:
White Glove
Release Date:
June 20, 2023
Genre:
Contemporary Romance

She doesn’t believe in love anymore. He doesn’t either.  

They’re perfect for each other. 

Beloved romance novelist Kylie Franklin walked away from her pen-name career as bestselling and award-winning Veronica Hollins the day her husband died. Her loyal readers are eager for the final book in her sensational series. But Kylie’s given up on love, both fictional and in real life. Behind her back, Kylie’s agent contrives a way to get her writing again. 

Joe Edwards has made a name for himself with his popular military suspense novels under the pen name Tate Merrick. Yet he can’t quite break onto the bestseller list. What his books need, his publisher suggests, is some romance. Joe flat refuses. However, his publisher is determined and hires Veronica Hollins to save the day—and his career. 

Veronica and Tate quickly realize they’re Kylie and Joe, good friends who connected online via a popular word game and their mutual love of trivia. Surely they can wrangle their alter egos into this literary collaboration. But as the deadline looms, their differences threaten the romance developing off the page.  

From a Christy Award-winning author comes this charming mash-up of hidden identities, literary tug of war, and falling in love when you least expect it.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop


Excerpt


Despite what some people thought—specifically her mother, her best friends, and her agent—Kylie was fine. Just because her cat Remington kept her on schedule didn’t mean he ran her life—what was left of it.

Remington leaned his furry body up against her legs as Kylie sat at the kitchen counter, his purr a soft vibration of comfort.

“Come on, Rem.” Kylie abandoned her tepid cup of Irish Breakfast tea, tucked her phone in the side pocket of her leggings, scooped the cat into her arms, and headed for her office.

She paused in the hallway before entering through the open door. Her favorite books were color-coordinated on the built-in white shelves—writing books and fiction of every genre. Copies of her novels, in order of publication. Awards and favorite photographs with her agent, editor, and other author friends hung on the walls that were painted a lush periwinkle—her favorite color—thanks to her husband.

Her laptop sat in the center of her desk. Nothing else. No open books, pages of notes, no bowl of salted popcorn with a glass of cold ginger ale, no ice—nothing that hinted at the creative mess caused when she was in pursuit of “The End” for a story.

Kylie released Remington, who strolled away without a backward glance, and sat behind her desk. Opened her laptop. Closed her eyes as it powered up. Offered a silent prayer for inspiration. Waited . . . waited . . .

No spark. Nothing.

About the Author

Beth K. Vogt

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She’s authored 15 novels and novellas, both contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Beth is a Christy Award winner, an ACFW Carol Award winner, and a  RITA® finalist. Her newest contemporary romance novel, Dedicated to the One I Love, releases June 20, 2023. Her novel Things I Never Told You, book one in her Thatcher Sisters Series by Tyndale House Publishers, won the 2019 AWSA Golden Scroll Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people.

Connect with Beth by visiting bethvogt.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Etsy Gift Card, a print copy of Dedicated to the One I Love, a box of typewriter themed gift note cards, Novel Teas Book Lover Teas, and a 24 oz insulated Tervis Floral Tumbler!

Dedicated to the One I Love JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 19, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 26, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours