tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362825492770762532024-03-13T07:04:27.106-04:00Read LoveDawn's adventures in reading, bookstore browsing, book buying, and all things bookish.Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-32151790968181076352014-02-01T18:45:00.002-05:002014-02-01T18:49:06.847-05:00Read Love Has Migrated To WordPress<div style="text-align: left;">
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I've migrated my blog over to WordPress.</h2>
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Come on over! Click on the link: <a href="http://dawnreadlove.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><i>ReadLove's</i> New Home</a></h3>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-5793005337879397542013-11-27T20:18:00.001-05:002013-11-27T20:18:33.323-05:00DVD Review: When Calls The Heart <div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30WpKTjrdrm1Cd1LhaT-5Jg1P2_OqcAps9QQWLU2OmWiP8DWL50tqD7hJHUrPZlvh_fNkLKo_hfZJ06VMd3sRd0Vvziy83HTWjiqkEN5OcSA_SbvFwCMhpPPxa8Wg4QGOn6ejNVcE3Lo/s1600/When+Calls+The+Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30WpKTjrdrm1Cd1LhaT-5Jg1P2_OqcAps9QQWLU2OmWiP8DWL50tqD7hJHUrPZlvh_fNkLKo_hfZJ06VMd3sRd0Vvziy83HTWjiqkEN5OcSA_SbvFwCMhpPPxa8Wg4QGOn6ejNVcE3Lo/s320/When+Calls+The+Heart.jpg" width="226" /></a><b>When Calls the Heart</b> directed by Michael Landon, Jr.</div>
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Release Date: November 19, 2013</div>
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Format: DVD, 89 minutes</div>
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Based On: The novel by <b></b>Janette Oke</div>
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<b>Starring:</b> Maggie Grace, Stephen Amell, Poppy Drayton, Daniel Sharman, Cherie Lunghi, and Christopher Villiers with Jean Smart and Lori Loughlin</div>
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<b>About the Movie:</b><br />
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This is a Hallmark Channel hit movie, based on Janette Oke's <i>When Calls the Heart</i>. It also serves as a pilot for a new TV series coming in 2014.<i> </i><br />
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<i>When Calls the Heart</i><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1385593069338_8401" lang="EN-AU"><i> </i>(DVD) is the story of Elizabeth Thatcher, a cultured young school
teacher in 1910 who, through the discovery of her aunt's secret diary, finds the
courage to leave her big city home to accept a teaching position in a frontier
coal mining town. And in the process, she also finds the potential
for love with a handsome Royal Canadian Mountie.</span>
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<b>My Review:</b></div>
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<b>When Calls the Heart</b>, directed by Michael Landon, Jr., is loosely based on Janette Oke's novel of the same name. I say "loosely" because, while the film includes much of the novel's plot, it serves largely as a vehicle to launch a new television series starting in January 2014 inspired by Oke's book. Additionally, in a turnabout, Oke and her daughter are writing a book based on the movie, focused on Beth Thatcher (the niece) titled <i>Where Courage Calls </i>that will release in the Spring of 2014.<br />
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It's not necessary to have read the book <i>When Calls the Heart </i>in order to enjoy the movie. This was actually my experience. Never having read the book, I sat down to watch the film, curious to find out what the story was about. The movie introduces a younger Elizabeth (Beth) Thatcher, who happens to be the niece of the novel's protagonist. Beth finds her Aunt's diary and reads about her adventures as a schoolteacher in the Canadian West. And Beth soon finds herself following a very similar path.<br />
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The movie's storyline alternates between Beth's timeline and Aunt Elizabeth's life. The two plot lines are woven together expertly and seamlessly, keeping your interest equally engaged.<br />
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I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and found the whole cast, especially Maggie Grace, captivating. The film is well-edited. Landon has trimmed any fat from the book and added new characters, while remaining true to the spirit of Oke's original work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQwnloI7l18EO-Z5aoseq8DEx7xKdEEdeix_sVGicFT9TeGZM73JKPN2XtX8H0_a09yOOHKU7T6mHm8Kt45nuNp9aUbeiGRHPvaNsIB9B38ryTlPKw98oqIR74o9zYBGk8tMcUywl_Ek/s1600/WCTH+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQwnloI7l18EO-Z5aoseq8DEx7xKdEEdeix_sVGicFT9TeGZM73JKPN2XtX8H0_a09yOOHKU7T6mHm8Kt45nuNp9aUbeiGRHPvaNsIB9B38ryTlPKw98oqIR74o9zYBGk8tMcUywl_Ek/s200/WCTH+book.jpg" width="128" /></a>I liked the movie so well that I immediately picked up a copy of the book. You can buy a special movie tie-in edition which has artwork and photos from the movie as well as a letter from Janette Oke.<br />
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When I read the book, I realized that some of the pieces of young Beth's story are borrowed from Elizabeth's tale in the novel. Aside from plot variences, the main way in which the book is different from the novel is that the novel spends a little more time on the history of the period, while also devoting more time to setting the scene before Elizabeth begins her teaching foray. The movie is trim and taut, and cuts straight to the chase. Each, however, is a joy -- heartwarming, funny, and inspirational.<br />
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<b>Verdict: 4.5 of 5 stars. Highly Recommended! </b>If you are a fan of the <i>Anne of Green Gables </i>films and TV series, you'll love both Landon's movie and Oke's book.<i> </i>I know I plan to continue reading the books while also keeping an eye out for the TV series which premieres January 12, 2014.</div>
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<b>About Janette Oke:</b></div>
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Janette Oke is a distinguished writer, having been honored with the President's Award by the ECPA and the Life Impact Award by the CBA as well as the Gold Medallion and the Christy Award.<br />
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Born in Champion, Alberta, Canada, Oke is best known for her award-winning <i>Love Come Softly</i> book series. Among her other series is the <i>Canadian West Series</i> of which <i>Whens Calls the Heart </i>is the first title.<br />
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<b><i>When Calls the Heart</i> Movie on the Web: </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/whencallstheheart" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Website" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaT5NKEOSt4_UDO1T7j-B1QOT0YhqDRJAcYjDIIqgaLV-IdpyfZOWH8Kih7AFKIyfQxzmzIdoNCXPLCNdMKHVLdbuTy97dPk1i3Jm8uiJg8jhwMG62kX-MgWOT9OELqWpbQmS4MYnivk/s1600/Website+Icon+2.png" /></a><a href="http://www.edifymedia.com/heart" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Trailer" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMZ2YntHh1bZfj1rdQ2Zjc5ADnNCTJ9cnQ3R9nF5dZ4JpcRUdjFCrR4G2KjD23_H3-zbYqj-C6LNxjUfO3vQXOYc4qHd3N21FFccXnN1K6vO8GbJkc9Qc6iuJOkn2OLlbu1bGTguaXf8/s1600/Trailer+or+Video.png" /></a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/whencallstheheart" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Upcoming TV series on Facebook" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTqBlEXLaImt1nwz_gh1n5XmPytgU6rwpQ506neMVkjQa8sa2x1Tms3K_KA8qEgme-LK9YE8cvwmAulnQrrOQwTr8LRKdsW-Jeuebr0zhBM9p9NGHuC8Q3Ic-EZwMwQlhJZ8XO1f3hwA/s1600/Facebook+Icon.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYMydRZSuXE9pHo0ENdMfcuItFPmhyiujiqwiXZIjeOgEeX5ETBENJXLccmzJ0Zx0yunRtj5ujnPJ27mIz-n8lZ6mmb3_pk73i5fja0jJdLCzNqQLoP8UyVQUuCel90810z3MwknkKTw/s1600/Website+Icon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the above DVD for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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." </span></div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-19684586753849831382013-10-28T17:46:00.001-04:002013-10-31T07:14:15.291-04:00Read Love Giveaway: One Way Love by Tullian Tchvidjian<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqcJ8cbwxnCUJNDK1vkC-1zf3YaJHZpTVjDSnG7YHwEkadx1-_wKm35xpXsjcQMjpIb1B5i99Y29mcyxQN5BqCoDGsY7xv0M2Hex-SOAK7AzeoJXoh5dY4LIWvK7OBWgqimCl_bhltQY/s1600/One-Way+Love.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqcJ8cbwxnCUJNDK1vkC-1zf3YaJHZpTVjDSnG7YHwEkadx1-_wKm35xpXsjcQMjpIb1B5i99Y29mcyxQN5BqCoDGsY7xv0M2Hex-SOAK7AzeoJXoh5dY4LIWvK7OBWgqimCl_bhltQY/s1600/One-Way+Love.png" /></a></div>
I recently reviewed Pastor Tullian Tchvidjian's most recent book entitled <i>One Way Love</i>.<br />
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My sponsor has provided one copy for me to giveaway!<br />
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If you'd like to enter to win, please do so by Thursday Oct. 31st. Entries will close at 4:30 pm ET and I'll choose a name via random number generator.<br />
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Review of <a href="http://readlove-dawn.blogspot.com/2013/10/read-love-review-one-way-love-by.html" target="_blank"><i>One Way Love</i> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Nj6bAzCF68tGaDEqy2HR3ZDlcTstTIdeWAhzFpXoSx4/viewform" target="_blank"> ENTER TO WIN</a></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqcDhddyI-zBMxkDd2qs8nrK0LkWVN9IUxhGaTsQYXtngKeS-yISYQbYVq6k5p_y_aPHinREhH-EN9zpsqokDWrA-RK6wkfdRgWUwTqNdvi1sg08GKakvvuWAMGHFRENgKmVK631lfOg/s1600/Tullian1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqcDhddyI-zBMxkDd2qs8nrK0LkWVN9IUxhGaTsQYXtngKeS-yISYQbYVq6k5p_y_aPHinREhH-EN9zpsqokDWrA-RK6wkfdRgWUwTqNdvi1sg08GKakvvuWAMGHFRENgKmVK631lfOg/s400/Tullian1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-88843522759745800402013-10-18T20:03:00.001-04:002013-10-19T11:47:04.903-04:00Read Love Review: One Way Love by Tullian Tchvidjian<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Way-Love-Inexhaustible-Exhausted/dp/0781406900" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bsB-IoG-pHWgkz0L92ckA5chmH1SFWwavdMmPhoIlZDhikM0VFEKQ_xykK0mZ6VvXkxoDG4L8_oMdLg5ahpKoO3HxwWA3tr1JUlkjWt6rpkhkGYNIkxInqb6EqJL6EF1m-ldnf_-Jlk/s400/One-Way+Love.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Way-Love-Inexhaustible-Exhausted/dp/0781406900" target="_blank">(click on book cover to buy at Amazon.com)<b> </b></a></td></tr>
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<b>One Way Love: Inexhaustible Grace For An Exhausted World </b></h2>
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by Tullian Tchvidjian</h2>
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<b>Description from Amazon.com:</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">R<i>eal life is long on law and short on grace—the demands never stop, the failures pile up, and fear sets in. Life requires many things from us—a stable marriage, successful children, a certain quality of life. Anyone living inside the guilt, anxiety, and uncertainty of daily life knows that the weight of life is heavy. We are all in need of some relief.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Bestselling author Tullian Tchividjian is convinced our exhausted world needs a fresh encounter with God's inexhaustible grace—His one-way love. Sadly, however, Christianity is perceived as being a vehicle for good behavior and clean living—and the judgments that result from them—rather than the only recourse for those who have failed over and over and over again. Tchividjian convincingly shows that Christianity is not about good people getting better. If anything, it is good news for bad people coping with their failure to be good. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>In this "manifesto," Tchividjian calls the church back to the heart of the Christian faith—grace. It is time for us to abandon our play-it-safe religion, and to get drunk on grace. Two hundred-proof, unflinching grace. It’s shocking and scary, unnatural and undomesticated … but it is also the only thing that can set us free and light the church—and the world—on fire.</i></span><br />
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<b>My Review:</b></h2>
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Those who know me well know that Tullian is one of my favorite religious leaders and speakers. I enjoy watching Coral Ridge Presbyterian services online, and I read and heartily enjoyed Tullian's recent work <i>Jesus + Nothing = Everything. </i>So, when offered the opportunity to read and review this new book, I jumped at the chance.<br />
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What did I think? I <i>loved </i>it. Why? Let me tell you. It's neither a self-help book nor a pretentious, stuffy theological treatise. Make no mistake, Tullian is well-educated and trained, and the theology is sound. However, this book is written for the modern, every-day person, not just for pastors and theologians. <br />
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Tullian's introduction presents an exhausted, broken world filled with frustrated, hurting people. And in this book, he explores two questions: "What is the cause for our exhaustion?" and "What is the cure?"<br />
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In short, the answer to the first question is that "we are trying to save ourselves" through good works and performancism (defined by Tullian as "the mindset that equates our identity and value directly with our performance"). In discussing performancism, Tullian defines and discusses law, both "big-l Law" and "little-l law." The first, being God's biblical law, and the second being society's laws and expectations.<br />
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The answer to the second question ("What is the cure?") is, to oversimplify, Jesus -- grace.<br />
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Tullian's examinations of law and grace, as well as discussions of justification by works versus justification by faith brings the reader to a greater understanding of grace. Before you think, "Oh, this is going to rationalize lazy Christians," pause and reconsider. As Christians, we all intellectually understand what Christ did for us. The gospel was preached to us as the Good News that brought us to the Lord. But, unfortunately, once we get to Jesus, we tend to forget what He did for us. Instead, we begin to try to earn our way to Heaven. Tullian's book uses both real-life examples -- many from his own life -- and biblical support to illustrate what grace, or "one-way love", looks like. Of course, grace cannot be fully understood in an intellectual manner; rather, it is felt or experienced.<br />
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Tullian has experienced this one-way love, and is passionately dedicated to declaring the gospel to the world. Because we continually forget what Jesus did for us, he preaches grace and the message of the gospel again and again.<br />
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Reading this book can be a liberating experience. It will remind you that "It is finished!" So stop running on that hamster wheel. Stop trying to fix everything and everyone, including yourself. Lean instead on Christ who succeeded that you might be free to fail.</div>
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<b>About Tullian Tchvidjian:</b><b> </b> </h2>
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While you may not be familiar with Tullian Tchvidjian, Senior Pastor at <a href="http://www.crpc.org/" target="_blank">Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church</a> in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, chances are you know his grandfather, the Reverend Billy Graham. In additon to his pastorial duties, Pastor Tullian lectures at Knox Theological Seminary and is the founder of <a href="http://liberate.org/" target="_blank">LIBERATE</a>.<br />
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<b>Pastor Tullian and <i>One Way Love</i> on the Web: </b></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Below, view a sermon on the topic of the book:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvYYPvq8Aqc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyzSvVuGw83j8-bMob9mnhvASXmh108b-QQlZaZNpgl7wLmNJQPaPRNnsJqJrrzh9knOY0PLTuj130HnuayUSQ2cQDMgQyOsQQ6t9bMn57IjMORqpJ_NYC8qmiAw-OchnBHWt5GPU6Yw/s1600/Youtube_64.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please disregard the butchering of his name by the gentleman who introduces him. His name is pronounced TULL-ee-an cha-VIDG-in. (As Tullian says, it rhymes with religion.)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/PastorTullian" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GXUx8jCxEdd2MIV73buBQrBawEbsUeqQB1FWGzgayNi4-6y0U4RnFQgwajkAcAsB9yWslR_oWR5AC2_N8lgo1IgQ5khIlzh9OqVh_7VVlktWAdIF1l_uL3XGZ87yQ4Dt4Ir8_7zPzTc/s1600/Twitter+Icon.png" /></a><a href="http://onewaylovebook.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaT5NKEOSt4_UDO1T7j-B1QOT0YhqDRJAcYjDIIqgaLV-IdpyfZOWH8Kih7AFKIyfQxzmzIdoNCXPLCNdMKHVLdbuTy97dPk1i3Jm8uiJg8jhwMG62kX-MgWOT9OELqWpbQmS4MYnivk/s1600/Website+Icon+2.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDvu9xTnF6yBqXQNWGqlOcLEHM8sZjL0lvtSgAMOMDDbERrNXyxFK-5IQYZL2Dc8MlC9gN0MW0OVZmGU_BkzpFkspbfcHVmIjH9SX4T4ZiVHonriobFRTBTx8dzvN-RPy4IBh0i9X-QM/s1600/Goodreadsicon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDvu9xTnF6yBqXQNWGqlOcLEHM8sZjL0lvtSgAMOMDDbERrNXyxFK-5IQYZL2Dc8MlC9gN0MW0OVZmGU_BkzpFkspbfcHVmIjH9SX4T4ZiVHonriobFRTBTx8dzvN-RPy4IBh0i9X-QM/s1600/Goodreadsicon.png" /></a></div>
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Excerpts available here:</h2>
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<a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tullian/2013/05/29/introduction-to-one-way-love/" target="_blank">Introduction</a></div>
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<a href="http://onewaylovebook.com/pdf/One%20Way%20Love_Chapter%20One.pdf" target="_blank">First Chapter</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the above book for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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." </span></div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-49258737740552655122013-09-03T20:00:00.000-04:002013-09-03T20:16:33.373-04:00DVD Review: Camp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHGdVT_5pNp56oc6yKtZ6iwgbBf4aRJgNVMUp2fbeMIPFMUhZ6J1lO6YG3g-x0JaROUrkjUkbxyC2hz7uo2uqk5TEePn985_re8Mr7Nlav3h_btz1yC70ny7fdatjFqHzm9n4tmgCiTw/s1600/Camp_DVD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHGdVT_5pNp56oc6yKtZ6iwgbBf4aRJgNVMUp2fbeMIPFMUhZ6J1lO6YG3g-x0JaROUrkjUkbxyC2hz7uo2uqk5TEePn985_re8Mr7Nlav3h_btz1yC70ny7fdatjFqHzm9n4tmgCiTw/s320/Camp_DVD.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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<b>CAMP</b> - Written and directed by Jacob Roebuck</div>
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Release Date: August 27, 2013</div>
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Studio<b>:</b> Word Films</div>
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Format: DVD, 111 minutes</div>
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<b>Starring:</b> Michael Mattera, Asante Jones, Grace Johnston, Matthew Jacob Wayne, and Miles Elliot</div>
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<b>About the Movie:</b><br />
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<i>CAMP<b> </b></i>centers around the unlikely pairing of Eli (Miles Elliott), an angry young boy whose life has been dominated by hurt and heartache, and Ken (Michael Mattera), a self-centered investment advisor. When the two spend a week together at camp, they learn a lot about one other and what it means to love and trust.</div>
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<b>My Review:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2vcJjz-ejEhpqJ6wPp2PGxMsE3ZQp0NUU8nRYFkXt75M8LOBbNvMm1rV5AKOFoOGys7PtcYk-xUy0YTkcZuPiSLc8tEwIpVR4fr8MibAmJy9QvfneovWoSCc7M_gb49I5LlATliY2Nw/s1600/4+Hearts+-+CD+-+DVD.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2vcJjz-ejEhpqJ6wPp2PGxMsE3ZQp0NUU8nRYFkXt75M8LOBbNvMm1rV5AKOFoOGys7PtcYk-xUy0YTkcZuPiSLc8tEwIpVR4fr8MibAmJy9QvfneovWoSCc7M_gb49I5LlATliY2Nw/s1600/4+Hearts+-+CD+-+DVD.png" /></a></div>
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This weekend I had the privilege of viewing a special film entitled <i>CAMP</i>. Written and directed by Jacob Roebuck, the film is inspired by Roebuck’s own experience volunteering at a camp for abused and neglected children.<i><b></b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>Each of <i>CAMP’s </i>early scenes introduces us to a different major character. These scenes are well-shot, and effective in providing enough exposition without delaying the action. Additionally, these introductions give us a good sense of who these people are.<i><b><br /></b></i><br />
First, we meet Eli who is wandering near the train tracks, throwing rocks through glass panels. When he is caught in the act, he runs home, but not before stumbling and cutting himself. When he gets to his house, we find out how rough his family life is. His mother does nothing to help him with his cut, but instead seems to find him an annoyance who gets in her way. After she leaves for the evening, his father (presumably split from or unmarried to his mother) shows up. At first glance, it seems like Dad is a good guy. But we soon find out how quickly he can turn violent. Cue the ambulance that takes Eli to the hospital.<i><b></b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>As the ambulance speeds away into the night, the camera switches focus to a Porsche driving in the opposite direction. This turns out to be Ken, a self-centered investment advisor with a single-minded goal – making money. Looking to impress a wealthy prospective client, his assistant comes up with a scheme to win her business: Send Ken to a camp for troubled kids that the wealthy woman sponsors.<i><b><br /></b></i><br />
Finally, we meet Tammie who runs the camp. She receives a last minute email asking if there is room for one more camper – Eli. Since there isn’t time to get another counselor, she is about to say no when she gets a phone call from Ken’s assistant.<i><b></b></i><br />
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As I’ve said, we’ve already experienced an emotional reaction to Eli, Ken, and Tammie before any of the camp action takes place. So now the stage is set and it’s off to camp we go!<br />
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I was unfamiliar with the actors, which I found preferable as the movie’s world more quickly became its own reality. This film quickly stops feeling like a movie and starts feeling like real life. This is due in large part to the fact that these characters and their experiences are inspired by and informed by the life experiences of real campers and counselors. Having a basis in reality makes the scenes ring true. And the solid acting of the whole cast supports both the film’s perceived realism as well as the viewer’s depth of emotional connection and response.<i><b></b></i><br />
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God is lightly touched on in the film. Nothing heavy handed, and nothing in any way preachy. This is significant and purposeful because Royal Family Kids camps do not proselytize. Similar to Salvation Army, the group is Christian-based and the camps are run by Christian staff and volunteers, but campers are not asked to adopt any religion.<i><b><br /></b></i><br />
<i>CAMP </i>turned out to be enjoyable and touching. Although it covers weighty issues, there is plenty of humor interwoven to keep things from getting too moody. It becomes a real joy watching all the children interact with the loving counselors. You even find yourself rooting for Ken to do right by Eli and break through the protective walls of mistrust that Eli has built around himself. There are a couple of really emotional scenes between him and Eli that will turn on your tears. It breaks your heart that children have to suffer. But this is not a heartbreaking film; rather, it’s a heartwarming story that will inspire you to make a difference in the lives of children.<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i><b>Verdict: 4 of 5 stars. </b>A joy to watch. Think Disney summer flick with more substance. <i>CAMP</i> does more than just entertain, it inspires. Recommended for ages 12 and up (minor language and violence).<br />
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<b>About Royal Family Kids, Inc.:</b></div>
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Royal Family Kids, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is the nation’s leading network of camps for abused, neglected and abandoned children. By mobilizing local churches to sponsor a one-week camp for abused and neglected children ages 7-11 in their local community, RFKC gets caring adults involved in the lives of children who need them most. Each camp has two very simple goals: make positive childhood memories for the kids and let them experience unconditional love from an adult. Many volunteers who go to camp are inspired to become mentors, become foster parents and even adopt children who need a loving, caring family.<b><br /><br />For more information about Royal Family KIDS Inc. CLICK <a href="http://thecampmovie.com/pages/rfk.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </b> </div>
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<b><i>CAMP</i> on the Web: </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/CAMP/332470995886" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTqBlEXLaImt1nwz_gh1n5XmPytgU6rwpQ506neMVkjQa8sa2x1Tms3K_KA8qEgme-LK9YE8cvwmAulnQrrOQwTr8LRKdsW-Jeuebr0zhBM9p9NGHuC8Q3Ic-EZwMwQlhJZ8XO1f3hwA/s1600/Facebook+Icon.png" /></a><a href="http://thecampmovie.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaT5NKEOSt4_UDO1T7j-B1QOT0YhqDRJAcYjDIIqgaLV-IdpyfZOWH8Kih7AFKIyfQxzmzIdoNCXPLCNdMKHVLdbuTy97dPk1i3Jm8uiJg8jhwMG62kX-MgWOT9OELqWpbQmS4MYnivk/s1600/Website+Icon+2.png" /></a>
<a href="http://www.thecampmovie.com/video/trailer2mobile.mp4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMZ2YntHh1bZfj1rdQ2Zjc5ADnNCTJ9cnQ3R9nF5dZ4JpcRUdjFCrR4G2KjD23_H3-zbYqj-C6LNxjUfO3vQXOYc4qHd3N21FFccXnN1K6vO8GbJkc9Qc6iuJOkn2OLlbu1bGTguaXf8/s1600/Trailer+or+Video.png" title="Trailer" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYMydRZSuXE9pHo0ENdMfcuItFPmhyiujiqwiXZIjeOgEeX5ETBENJXLccmzJ0Zx0yunRtj5ujnPJ27mIz-n8lZ6mmb3_pk73i5fja0jJdLCzNqQLoP8UyVQUuCel90810z3MwknkKTw/s1600/Website+Icon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the above DVD for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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." </span></div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-32284389648102466682013-09-02T18:57:00.000-04:002013-09-02T18:57:25.315-04:00Read Love Reviews: The Boy on the Bridge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIY6uT1XNYEZeqSZdJtuMOb22u-5S-mWxMqOekwBsb335uUXsqqt9OB1ElDAkLO9ED43YOHWJQKdseWXEOvTDNECQjhH5Ty3hQz3qdyNuZZRmlSRV03AFhyphenhyphenJOZLsQeh42Mxkdv8OA2q4/s1600/BoyOnTheBridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIY6uT1XNYEZeqSZdJtuMOb22u-5S-mWxMqOekwBsb335uUXsqqt9OB1ElDAkLO9ED43YOHWJQKdseWXEOvTDNECQjhH5Ty3hQz3qdyNuZZRmlSRV03AFhyphenhyphenJOZLsQeh42Mxkdv8OA2q4/s400/BoyOnTheBridge.jpg" width="261" /></a>
<b>The Boy on the Bridge </b>by Natalie Standiford
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Pub. Date: July 30, 2013</div>
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Publisher: Scholastic Press</div>
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Format: Hardcover</div>
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Age Range: Young Adult<b> </b><br />
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<b>Description from Amazon.com:</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Laura Reid goes to Leningrad for a semester abroad as Cold War paranoia is peaking in 1982. She meets a young Russian artist named Alexei and soon, with Alexei as her guide, Laura immerses herself in the real Russia--a crazy world of wild parties, black-market books and music, and smuggled letters to dissidents. She must keep the relationship secret; associating with Americans is dangerous for Alexei, and if caught, Laura could be sent home and Alexei put under surveillance or worse. At the same time, she's been warned that Soviets often latch onto Americans in hopes of marrying them and thus escaping to the United States. But she knows Alexei loves her. Right?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Review:</b></span></h2>
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I must admit, I immediately worried that this story would be similar to <i>Anna and the French Kiss</i>, which I kind of loathed.<i> The</i> <i>Boy on the Bridge</i> started off fairly well, with Laura describing life as an American studying abroad in Leningrad. Feeling isolated and lonely in her dreary life in Russia, Laura meets Alexei, or Alyosha, as he prefers to be called, when, on the bridge near her dormitory, he rescues her from the torment of aggressive gypsy beggar women. The implied violence of these women made for a scary scene. But alas, the scene with the gypsies and their swaddled "babes" was perhaps the first and final time there was palpable tension in <i>The Boy on the Bridge. </i><br />
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To be fair, this is not a bad book. The plot moves along nicely, while the uncertainty of Alyosha's motives sustains enough mystery to help keep the pages turning. Though not dense with historical detail, young readers will learn a thing or two about life in totalitarian Russia under the Communist regime of the Soviet Union. Apart from mentions of things like the popular diet drink, Tab, and music like Neil Young, the American kids don't seem all that different from modern day characters.<br />
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The real weaknesses of the book are these: Laura falls nearly instantly in love with Alyosha, as does he with her; there is never any real tension -- I am never honestly afraid for Laura (it seems the worst that could happen is that she will be sent home) or Alyosha (who faces the larger danger); the narrative description is not adept enough to successfully convey the beauty and allure of the Russian setting or of its historical landmarks. I was intrigued to find out that much of the novel is informed by the author's real-life experiences during a semester abroad. Upon visiting the author's website and seeing pictures of such places as Dom Knigi (House of Books), Nevsky Prospekt, and The Summer Garden, I was struck by what seemed a huge lost opportunity. She never described <i>those </i>places.<br />
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Overall, while <i>The Boy on the Bridge </i>is a fast, effortless read, it will not be particularly memorable or moving. For all the professed love that takes place on the page, little emotion is felt by the reader. I feel like we never knew who Laura was. And what little we know of Alyosha makes us pity more than admire him. What could have been a poetic, aching tale just falls flat.<br />
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<b>Verdict: 3 stars of 5. </b>Lacking in depth of character. Emotionally deficient. Descriptively wanting. While you'll understand the harsh Russian conditions and the desperate hope and hunger for freedom that many citizens carried, you won't feel more than a vague sadness. And that's a shame.<br />
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Not recommended for purchase. If you are inclined to read it, borrow it from the library.</div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-34204515560320021952013-06-10T20:18:00.000-04:002013-06-10T20:22:26.847-04:00DVD Review: The Confession<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>The Confession</b> directed by Michael Landon, Jr.</div>
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Release Date: September 13, 2001</div>
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Studio<b>:</b> Sony Pictures Home Entertainment</div>
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Format: DVD, 88 minutes</div>
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Based On: The novel by Beverly Lewis<b> </b></div>
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<b>Starring:</b> Katie LeClerc, Sherry Stringfield<b>, </b>Adrian Paul, Cameron Deane Stewart</div>
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<b>About the Movie:</b><br />
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This is a sequel to the Hallmark Channel's hit movie, <i>Beverly Lewis' The Shunning</i>, and is based on the second novel of "The Heritage of Lancaster County" trilogy. Raised by an Amish family, Katie Lapp (Katie Leclerc, TV's "Switched at Birth") always felt the call of another life. Now, her quest to find her birth-mother, Laura Mayfield-Bennett(Sherry Stringfield, TV's "ER"), has drawn her into world of the "Englishers."Along the way, two very different men try to help her overcome a devious scheme to steal her rightful inheritance. Business-minded but kind-hearted Justin Wirth (Michael Rupnow) reaches out to discover Katie's hidden secrets, while her childhood companion Daniel Fisher (Cameron Deane Stewart) sacrifices his own happiness for her future. Katie's heart is divided between two worlds as love reveals the truth in the moving saga based on the hit novel from New York Times bestselling author Beverly Lewis.</div>
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<b>My Review:</b></div>
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<b>T</b><b>he Confession</b>, directed by Michael Landon, Jr., continues Beverly Lewis' emotional story of Katie Lapp. It will make more sense if you have seen the first film, <i>The Shunning. </i>You need not have read the novel on which the film is based, though. In fact, you might enjoy the film more if you haven't done so. For, as in the first film, the script makes wholesale changes to the novel. For instance, Katie's Mennonite cousins are completely absent, while she instead has an eccentric roommate in New York with whom she waits tables. I won't detail all the changes, but the get go, I found them dizzying. Hubby, who has only seen the films, was not distracted as I was and seemed to enjoy the movie more.</div>
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Katie Leclerc does a great job playing Katie Lapp, making the cast
change seemless. She looks enough like Danielle Panabaker that you
forget it's not the same actress. By the same token, Shelly Stringfield
is very good as Laura Mayfield-Bennett, and Adrian Paul is appropriately
rotten as Mr. Bennett.</div>
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The movie is a completely different experience from the book. Depending on how you feel, this may be a good or a bad thing. At least it will make for more of a surprise if you already know the book!<br />
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Unlike the first film, Hickory Hollow has no time to charm you. The majority of the movie is set in the city. I did remember that I didn't approve of the changes with Katie's family and how her shunning was minimalized by the filmmakers. I guess they want to keep her parents on screen, but there was much of the internal drama with Katie's mother that went unexplored. Still, the film is limited based on the need to maintain continuity with the changes that had been made to the original film.</div>
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It was harder to find an emotional connection this time than in the previous film. While I cried a couple of times in the first movie, I shed no tears this time. To be sure, I was a little more than rattled by all the creative changes. The secondary Hickory Hollow storylines from the novel lend a lot of emotional heft, and their removal deprives the film of needed depth. The scenes we do have with the Lapps are pretty much throwaway scenes. Still, a film has only so much time, so I understand the desire to focus on the Katie/birth mother thread.<br />
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Like any sequel, not as much time is spent getting to know the character. And that's a shame, because I like Katie so well. But, Leclerc does her justice, and the film does succeed at showing Katie's innocent heart and her confusion and crisis of identity. Though it doesn't end on cliffhanger (or does it?) It doesn't really offer any more closure than the first did. I guess you'll just have to wait for number three!</div>
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<b>About Beverly Lewis:</b></div>
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Born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Beverly Lewis is the New York Times Best-Selling author of more than eighty books. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Lewis to write many Amish-related novels. The first of these novels, <i>The Shunning</i>, has sold over million copies. In 2007, Lewis was honored with a Christy Award for her novel <i>The Brethren</i>.</div>
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<b>The Confession movie on the Web: </b></div>
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<a href="http://hallmarkchannel.com/theshunning" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaT5NKEOSt4_UDO1T7j-B1QOT0YhqDRJAcYjDIIqgaLV-IdpyfZOWH8Kih7AFKIyfQxzmzIdoNCXPLCNdMKHVLdbuTy97dPk1i3Jm8uiJg8jhwMG62kX-MgWOT9OELqWpbQmS4MYnivk/s1600/Website+Icon+2.png" /></a><a href="http://www.edifymedia.com/theconfession" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMZ2YntHh1bZfj1rdQ2Zjc5ADnNCTJ9cnQ3R9nF5dZ4JpcRUdjFCrR4G2KjD23_H3-zbYqj-C6LNxjUfO3vQXOYc4qHd3N21FFccXnN1K6vO8GbJkc9Qc6iuJOkn2OLlbu1bGTguaXf8/s1600/Trailer+or+Video.png" /></a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ConfessionMovie?fref=ts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTqBlEXLaImt1nwz_gh1n5XmPytgU6rwpQ506neMVkjQa8sa2x1Tms3K_KA8qEgme-LK9YE8cvwmAulnQrrOQwTr8LRKdsW-Jeuebr0zhBM9p9NGHuC8Q3Ic-EZwMwQlhJZ8XO1f3hwA/s1600/Facebook+Icon.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the above DVD for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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." </span></div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-53482844703099147632013-05-20T14:22:00.000-04:002013-09-02T14:26:49.374-04:00Giveaway Winner: Ring The Bell DVD Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">A</span> winner was chosen for the <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: blue;">Read</span> Love</span></b></i> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ring The Bell DVD Giveaway! </span></div>
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I want to thank everyone who entered and read the review!</div>
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<b>And the Winner is:</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Erica C.</span></b></span><br />
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Congratulations, Erica!</div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-44258826081789191222013-05-04T14:09:00.002-04:002013-09-02T14:25:11.372-04:00DVD Review and Giveaway: Ring the Bell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Ring The Bell</b> produced by Mark Miller<br />
Directed by Thomas Weber</div>
Release Date: April 9, 2013<br />
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Studio<b>:</b> Arc Entertainment</div>
Format: DVD, 96 minutes<br />
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<b>Starring:</b> Ryan Scharoun, Ashley Anderson McCarthy, and Casey Bond with Steven Curtis Chapman, Mark Hall (with Casting Crowns), and Matthew West.<b></b></div>
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<b>About the Movie: </b><i>Ring The Bell</i> shares the story of a slick, big city sports agent Rob Decker who seems to have it all. But on his latest mission to sign a high school baseball superstar, Rob becomes stranded in a small town where the simplicity of life -- and the faith of the people -- stands in stark contrast to his own fast-paced, win-at-all-costs mindset. Torn between these two worlds, will Rob have the courage to let faith transform his life? This heartwarming story of redemption is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family.</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclosure
of Material Connection: I received the above DVD for free in the hope
that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend
products I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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." </span><br />
<b></b><br />
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<b>My Review:</b></div>
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Admittedly, I jumped at the chance to view and review <b><i>Ring The Bell </i></b>in large part because of the guest appearances and the film's music. It's no secret that I <i>love</i> Christian music (I'm part of the CD review staff at NewReleaseTuesday.com). When I found out this movie included Steven Curtis Chapman, one of my all-time favorite artists, and Mark Hall with Casting Crowns, I knew I had to see it.<br />
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Other than the music artists, I didn't know anything about the film. I could tell it was about baseball, but beyond that I had no clue. Unfamiliar with the cast, and unsure what we would experience, hubby and I sat down with a pizza and pressed play.<br />
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<b><i>Ring The Bell </i></b>starts a little slowly. While the opening set establishes the character of sports agent Rob Decker, the staging seemed lackluster and the acting stiff. Still, the scene fulfills its purpose of quickly showing the viewer what kind of man Rob Decker is: a guy so focused on success -- in his mind, money, wealth, and power -- that he never calls his mother, and he nearly fires his best employee for refusing an assignment because the employee wants to see his kid's first baseball game.<br />
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So begins our story. That employee having refused the assignment, Rob himself goes off to a small town to try to lure a talented high school ball player away from his verbal commitment with a college. When his fancy sports car broke down, I groaned, as it seemed like I was in for <i>Abel's Field </i>part two. However, once Rob reaches his destination -- <i>Middletown </i>--<i> </i>the film picks up. It's really the town, and the people living there, that shapes the film. <br />
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As far as the actors go, it took me a while to warm up to main star Ryan Sharoun as Rob Decker. What really makes a film successful is its characters. And for characters to come alive, they need to feel real. When I watched <i>Abel's Field, </i>I forgot I was watching a story. I lost myself in trying to get to know the people on the screen. That never quite happened with Rob Decker. It did happen, to some degree, with the more compelling characters of Daisy Cooke and her brother, Scooter. So I guess it's only natural that the film's message is imparted through their words and lives. (The message also gets delivered through Mark Hall's altar call at the Casting Crown's concert.) It's at their boys' home, The Cooke Boys Ranch, where Rob Decker finds there is more to life than work, and more to the world than his own desires. <br />
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The biggest surprise was Casey Bond who plays Scooter. Casey is a former professional baseball player and this is his first feature role. He took a scene that was heavy and didactic, but made it feel personal and homey. Ashley Anderson McCarthy does the same with her portrayal of Daisy. She is so sweet and likeable that coming from her the story's little homilies never become heavy-handed.<br />
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My main issue with the film, beyond the bumpy beginning and seemingly unnecessary contrivance of the car breaking down, is that change comes a bit too quickly and too readily for Rob. While he does have missed opportunities, delays, and doubts, it might have been more effective if the film had verbalized some of his internal struggle. The actor is given little with which to emote other than reacting to others' words and lives. It would have been nice to get a bigger glimpse into his own head. I can only assume that the filmmakers wanted people to be able to identify with the character, so they kept the film's focus and its story smaller and tighter. While there is nothing wrong with that, the film lacked somewhat in drama -- you could see where it was headed and how it would get there.<br />
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Predictability aside, <i>Ring The Bell</i> is an enjoyable, family-friendly film with a heartwarming story and message. You'll want to watch it to find out why ringing the bell is reason to celebrate! <br />
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<b>Verdict: 3 stars of 5.</b> While the movie is enjoyable, humorous, and moving, you'll probably not cry or shout for joy. But you might sing out loud because the soundtrack is great! It includes <b>"The Well,"</b> performed by Casting Crowns and written by Mark Hall and Matthew West, and several songs by Dream Records group Crave (including the title track, <b>"Ring the Bell"</b>). Another welcomed inclusion is a brief section of the band Caleb's song, <b>"To The Ends of the World."</b></div>
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For more information see</div>
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<b>Ring The Bell on the Web: </b></div>
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<a href="http://youtube.com/ringthebellthemovie" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wdM5HaLVr2kdR0eVZwnUpP9QU6jsflFvhN39jbKNl2QeV_ySJl9MPLNI5-KVKM256R08VCU3N2DOYlZ0ZH5DgfiSmL8kDbKLUuLaFxIxInXbxAG1EPg0S8i-tx_FNsf2MhJhUmN2vHc/s1600/Youtube_64.png" /></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RingTheBellTheMovie" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTqBlEXLaImt1nwz_gh1n5XmPytgU6rwpQ506neMVkjQa8sa2x1Tms3K_KA8qEgme-LK9YE8cvwmAulnQrrOQwTr8LRKdsW-Jeuebr0zhBM9p9NGHuC8Q3Ic-EZwMwQlhJZ8XO1f3hwA/s1600/Facebook+Icon.png" /></a>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-79368667593890292222013-03-07T11:57:00.000-05:002013-04-21T11:59:53.061-04:00Giveaway Winner: Abel's Field DVD Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHSIDr4-eAY-TNsaV8iLR4fC_sY3YtM2Q-TiPuumZT_r7qDtsCD9VJzta8ZAil12yM1qFRy6z512bVYN3Mkmxz7p4HgvW7FEFB20X4lB3SeVtgjp59jJRqCF3m00TNJEqxLVRZEvRHVY/s1600/Giveaway+graphic.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHSIDr4-eAY-TNsaV8iLR4fC_sY3YtM2Q-TiPuumZT_r7qDtsCD9VJzta8ZAil12yM1qFRy6z512bVYN3Mkmxz7p4HgvW7FEFB20X4lB3SeVtgjp59jJRqCF3m00TNJEqxLVRZEvRHVY/s400/Giveaway+graphic.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">A</span> winner was chosen for the <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: blue;">Read</span> Love</span></b></i> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Abel's Field DVD Giveaway! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want to thank everyone who entered and read the review!</div>
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<b>And the Winner is:</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Lori W.</span></b></span><br />
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Congratulations, Lori!<br />
Lori had this to say about the DVD:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"I did enjoy watching</i><br />
<i>this with my husband and feel like it really is a good family movie.</i><br />
<i>I'll be passing it along to my sister-in-law so she and her family can</i><br />
<i>watch it as well." </i></blockquote>
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<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-21116547010017184842013-01-27T12:53:00.000-05:002013-10-30T16:10:36.301-04:00DVD Review: Abel's Field<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Release Date: January 22, 2013<br />
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Studio<b>:</b> Sony Pictures Home Entertainment</div>
Format: DVD, 104 minutes<br />
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<b>Starring:</b> Kevin Sorbo, Samuel Davis, Richard Dillard, Nicole Elliott, Catie Duff, Ellie Duff<b>.</b></div>
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<b>About the Movie: </b>Left motherless by tragedy and abandoned by his father, high school senior Seth McCardle (Samuel Davis) faces enormous pressure as he strives to support his little sisters. At school, he endures the daily bullying of the football team. But fighting back only finds him singled out for punishment and assigned to an after-school work detail under the supervision of the reserved groundskeeper, Abel (SOUL SURFER'S Kevin Sorbo). Much to his surprise, Seth discovers that Abel may be the only one who truly understands his struggles. As dark times lure Seth toward desperate measures, the reluctant Abel may be the one person who can point him back toward the light.</div>
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<b>My Review:</b></div>
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I thoroughly enjoyed watching <i><b>Abel's Field</b></i> starring Kevin Sorbo and Samuel Davis. I've enjoyed Sorbo's work since the TV series <i>Andromeda</i>. As Abel, he is a man of few words. Impressively, though, he makes good use of silence. You get the sense early on that Abel has secrets. And Sorbo's acting compels you to want to find out. As the film progresses, you'll find that when Abel does speak, he has something valuable to impart.<br />
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This is the first I've seen from Samuel Davis who plays Seth. But from the opening scene, I wanted Seth to succeed. Davis gives Seth a very balanced telling, with just the right amounts of tenderness and tension. You understand that he's a good kid going through tough times, and you hope he'll make the right choices. But, as you watch the story develop, you're never sure what the outcome will be.<b><i> </i></b><br />
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<b><i>Abel's Field </i></b>successfully tells a story with Biblical undercurrents in a manner that never feels forced, stretched, or heavy-handed. The larger story, as well as the characters' personal stories and their relationship with one another, unfolds at a natural pace. The movie takes its time but never drags. The focus is always where it needs to be -- on the main characters. As such, the cast and the scope of the film is limited. However, this does not imply that interest is limited. Rather, it means that there are no wasted scenes or extraneous noise to distract from what matters most. You get to focus solely on Seth and Abel. And they'll keep your attention. <br />
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I think you'll enjoy the film. It is safe for family viewing, with no foul language or other explicit yuck. That doesn't mean it's not intense, though. It's fairly heavy. Which is a good thing. It's never too shiny happy or sugar-coated. And that's another of the film's strengths. The realism and finesse with which the story is told help the film's messages land on listening ears and open hearts. You never feel like clichéd platitudes are being shoved down your throat.<br />
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Thematically, the film deals with personal choice -- about how, even when life seems to be dictating things for us, when it comes to our actions, we always have a choice. Other prominent themes are friendship, honesty, and faith. As Seth and Abel interact, it's clear that each has his own pain and struggles. A little at a time, each chips away at the other as the two come to trust one another. Each man, young or time-worn, guides and teaches the other as they journey together, and separately, toward peace.<br />
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<b>Verdict: 4 stars of 5.</b> Great music adds to the film. Hubby and I give it two thumbs up!</div>
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Fore more information see</div>
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<b>ABEL'S FIELD on the Web: </b></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AbelsField" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTqBlEXLaImt1nwz_gh1n5XmPytgU6rwpQ506neMVkjQa8sa2x1Tms3K_KA8qEgme-LK9YE8cvwmAulnQrrOQwTr8LRKdsW-Jeuebr0zhBM9p9NGHuC8Q3Ic-EZwMwQlhJZ8XO1f3hwA/s1600/Facebook+Icon.png" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/AbelsField" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img a="" border="0" href="" imageanchor="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GXUx8jCxEdd2MIV73buBQrBawEbsUeqQB1FWGzgayNi4-6y0U4RnFQgwajkAcAsB9yWslR_oWR5AC2_N8lgo1IgQ5khIlzh9OqVh_7VVlktWAdIF1l_uL3XGZ87yQ4Dt4Ir8_7zPzTc/s1600/Twitter+Icon.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.abelsfield.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMZ2YntHh1bZfj1rdQ2Zjc5ADnNCTJ9cnQ3R9nF5dZ4JpcRUdjFCrR4G2KjD23_H3-zbYqj-C6LNxjUfO3vQXOYc4qHd3N21FFccXnN1K6vO8GbJkc9Qc6iuJOkn2OLlbu1bGTguaXf8/s1600/Trailer+or+Video.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclosure
of Material Connection: I received the above DVD for free in the hope
that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend
products I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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." </span></div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-33664998101353011652012-11-12T09:18:00.001-05:002012-11-12T09:18:13.239-05:00Blog SurveyHi, there! I'm thinking about getting this thing going again, but need your feedback to make it work.<br />
<br />
Please take my survey and give me your thoughts.<br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QFLYHLD">Click here to take survey</a>
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<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-57363242748170842672012-02-27T19:09:00.002-05:002012-02-27T19:09:27.749-05:00Stay Tuned...If you read my post about my blogging slump, stay tuned. I haven't pulled the plug on blogging quite yet. I've put too much work into this to just stop. I'll post again soon. For now, I'm enjoying reading without the pressure of writing reviews and maintaining a blog. <br />
<br />
I've appreciated other bloggers sharing their thoughts. So...<br />
<br />
If you're familiar with my blog, please let me know how you think I'm doing.<br />
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If you've had similar struggles and thought about quitting your blog, please share your experiences with me, too.Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-90450744197513490902012-02-19T14:09:00.001-05:002012-02-19T16:08:57.920-05:00Stress, Sickness, Slumps, and other StuffOkay, so for the past couple of weeks <span style="color: blue;"><i>Read <span style="color: red;">Love<span style="color: black;"> </span></span></i><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">has been virtually inactive. I've been dealing with the stress of working a new job with a shorthanded crew while battling sickness and taking antibiotics. While I managed to show up every morning with a smile on my face, I would come home drained and exhausted. I continued my reading, albeit very slowly at times. All oft this meant I had little energy to give thought to writing and blogging.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">I've got four titles still awaiting review, and I'm at a loss trying decide whether I will post reviews for them. Honestly, I feel like the time I would spend writing the reviews is time that I could instead spend turning the pages of a new book. The time I have to read is valuable, and while I enjoy writing and blogging at times, it has begun to feel like a chore. Blogging has become something I have had neither the inspiration nor the motivation to do. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">I feel like the book blogosphere is vast. While I respect those who dedicate much of their time to maintaining their blogs and making regular posts, I also feel that the majority of bloggers are looking only to their own self-interests and are concerned primarily with their own popularity. I have never felt any community. Maybe I've shot myself in the foot by choosing not to do things like "Follow Friday" or "In My Mailbox," and I'll not get into why. But I chose to try to do my blog in my own way. And I've tried to reach out to others to bring some community to my blog, but it has been to no avail. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdS5nnyNYtG9jQNaPT39XHfKOC_AQlwnHkb1M0SGPDBfXuU5E2lofQaEP5zvnkJld_oDdgtXFlTehUKSFRsTLc6z3y-Re_cfqxDV2t5HhNFItwPAdyhsBz0qs_f2C3mQ98_uUt0jgNIk/s1600/cds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdS5nnyNYtG9jQNaPT39XHfKOC_AQlwnHkb1M0SGPDBfXuU5E2lofQaEP5zvnkJld_oDdgtXFlTehUKSFRsTLc6z3y-Re_cfqxDV2t5HhNFItwPAdyhsBz0qs_f2C3mQ98_uUt0jgNIk/s200/cds.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Another thing I'd like to get back to doing is listening to music more often. I have numerous unopened CDs that have been waiting to be enjoyed. I'm not one who can read a book with music playing in the background. I prefer quiet reading time. Or if I'm going to play music, it has to be something I know so well that it can fade into the background. New music just demands my attention too much to be played while reading. I want to catch up with all the music I've bought. It sits wrapped and waiting, just like all the books sitting on the shelf clamoring to be read. Who knows what happiness might be waiting for me inside those shrink wrapped plastic boxes?! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">I've discovered that Owl City is my current music of choice when I need to be cheered up. It's impossible to play Owl City and not walk away happier than I was coming into it. So, thank you, Mr. Adam Young. You are a dear!</span></span></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">I understand this is all completely random, and I am fully aware that no one may ever read this. And that's okay. I just had to say it. And I'll have to take some time to decide if blogging is an appropriate way to explore my love for reading. In the end, all I really want is to enjoy reading and try to read consistently and regularly. If blogging can help me, maybe I will continue. If blogging hinders my reading, perhaps I'll stop. Time will tell. For now I think I'll take a walk...</span></span></span><br />
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<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-75574826206179748212012-02-12T00:00:00.000-05:002012-02-12T00:00:02.433-05:00Sunday Inspiration (23)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,<br />it does not boast, it is not proud.<br />It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,<br />it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs; Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.<br />It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 (NIV)</span></blockquote>
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<br />
<center><i> </i><div style="border: 2px solid black; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 500px;">
<i style="color: #cc0000;">Sunday Inspiration</i> is a weekly feature hosted here @ <i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: blue;">Read</span> Love</span>.</i><br />
It began from my desire to share a nugget of encouragement or wisdom.<br />
I didn't intend for it to be a community thing, but due to positive feedback,<br />
I'm giving it a try! (Thanks, <a href="http://that-book-blog.blogspot.com/">Kate</a>)<br />
<br />
Participation is welcome! <br />
Your quote need not be faith-based, but it should be positive and uplifting. </div>
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</script>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-18471667667084763872012-02-05T11:20:00.000-05:002012-02-05T11:22:31.473-05:00Sunday Inspiration (22)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"</i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">I remind myself that all these toys were never intended to possess my heart, that my true good is in another world and my only real treasure is Christ.</span></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;">C.S. Lewis, <i>The Problem of Pain</i></span></blockquote>
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<br />
<center><i> </i><div style="border: 2px solid black; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 500px;">
<i style="color: #cc0000;">Sunday Inspiration</i> is a weekly feature hosted here @ <i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: blue;">Read</span> Love</span>.</i><br />
It began from my desire to share a nugget of encouragement or wisdom.<br />
I didn't intend for it to be a community thing, but due to positive feedback,<br />
I'm giving it a try! (Thanks, <a href="http://that-book-blog.blogspot.com/">Kate</a>)<br />
<br />
Participation is welcome! <br />
Your quote need not be faith-based, but it should be positive and uplifting. </div>
</center><i></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><br /><br />
</span></div>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=Dawno&postid=05Feb2012"></script>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-81408742776490857382012-02-02T19:43:00.000-05:002012-02-02T19:48:28.091-05:00Read Love Reviews: Mockingjay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7NNxKoVPwJpCpA25VZF8SF_TX5DX7LZ4lTJDm62b5B4dnDM_QYuYSGp2J2Esp8ilwQxs2qL3QnZFKA6VA65PRW4TxXSzZrUEgtUtaAfXy_kRvRcsDXXzi_Tatmf2eFlgtSSWzPVI048/s1600/Catching+Fire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b>Mockingjay </b>by Suzanne Collins<br />
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Pub. Date: August 24, 2010<br />
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.<br />
Format: Hardcover, 390pp <br />
Age Range: Young Adult<br />
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Series: Hunger Games #3<br />
ISBN-13: 9780439023511
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<i>Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either.</i></div>
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<i>Mockingjay. </i>What a book! Suzanne Collins has crafted one of the most intelligent and and readable series that we've seen in recent years. She utilized each piece in the trilogy to develop and bring the series to completion. Nothing is wasted. While she might have been tempted to stretch the series out for sales, it's clear she stayed true to her vision as she steered the story to an end. Much respect to Ms. Collins!</div>
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No bones about it, <i>Mockingjay</i> is a dark novel. You'll be emotionally spent when you finish it. And that's as it should be. Collins has successfully demonstrated the crippling and devastating effects of war. Civilian or soldier alike, no one escapes unscathed. No one remains unchanged. If you read <i>The Hunger Games</i> hoping for more exploration of the ramifications of war and violence, you'll be satisfied to see that <i>Mockingjay </i>is both ambitious enough and honest enough to confront the stark reality head on. Nothing is sugar-coated or glossed over. This unflinchingly realistic portrayal of war and revolution shows that even the victors sacrifice more than anyone should. </div>
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If you are looking for sunshine and happy endings, you'll be disappointed. This is no fairy tale, and Collins would be doing you a disservice to serve up any other ending than the one that she provides. Because it stays realistic, this series feels more adult. It becomes elevated beyond a story. The characters start to live and breathe and rise off the page. Your heart will break for them as they love, fight, struggle, and survive (or die). Survival will not come easily or cleanly; it will not be free from trauma and after-effects. In this sense, the books succeed masterfully by showing the reader vicariously what war is like. Hopefully, most of us will never need to learn first hand the horrors of war. Collins has taken the subject and presented it in a way that effectively shows us the atrocities of war in order that her readers can learn something the easy way rather than through experience.<br />
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These books will inspire intelligent conversation about war and violence, truth and lies, and the influence of television and the media in disseminating information to manipulate the masses. Additionally, the series should inspire discussion about love and hope, compassion and kindness. By nature, man is capable of committing the most egregious acts of violence and hatred. But at the same time, we are capable of much beauty and love. And these novels show the complexity and fullness of humanity and how extreme circumstances can bring out both the worst and the best in us.</div>
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</div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-46752913532964343602012-01-23T19:04:00.000-05:002012-01-29T13:49:26.155-05:00Read Love Reviews: Catching Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Pub. Date: September 1, 2009<br />
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.<br />
Format: Nook book, 275pp <br />
Age Range: Young Adult<br />
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Series: Hunger Games #2<br />
ISBN-13: 9780545227247
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<i>Suzanne Collins continues the amazing story of Katniss Everdeen in the phenomenal Hunger Games trilogy.<br /><br />
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with
fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by
defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should
be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their
families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion
among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the
faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants
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Suzanne Collins did it! She wrote a sequel that is every bit as good as <i>The Hunger Games</i>. Possibly better. It's everything I can do not to dive into number 3 right away. I would if I could, but my dear husband has ordered the hardcover series box set after reading my paperback copy of book 1. So rather than order the Nook version, I will wait a few days for the books to arrive.<br />
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I enjoyed seeing more of Panem and getting to know the other districts better in this installment. The overall setting really came to life.<br />
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Some have commented that the first part of <i>Catching Fire</i> is slow, but I didn't find it to be so. I enjoyed catching up with what life after the Games had been like for Katniss. We get to see more of her family and friends in District 12. Overall, Suzanne Collins continues to develop her characters. Katniss is more self-aware. It's nice to watch her grow and learn from her experience. She's still the same feisty girl, but she becomes more savvy about how her actions affect others. In addition to our heroine, you'll get to know all the principles better and meet some new folks, too. </div>
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Once again, there are scenes that will touch you, scenes where you will laugh and scenes where you will cry. And the whole time, you'll be totally immersed in the story. Like book 1, the text is tight and doesn't bog down the plot or slow the pace. Collins' economy of words is amazing. She manages to keep the plot moving while at the same time maximizing scenes. For instance, though sometimes a character may not have many scenes or extended dialogue, Collins always makes the most of the words she does use. Additionally, I marvelled at just how much takes place in such a slim volume. The plot, as it unfolds, gets increasingly complex. By the midway point, the novel takes off. And once you've read that far, you won't put it down. And don't worry, the author will keep you guessing. Trust me, when I finished the book, my jaw just plain dropped!<br />
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I look forward to finding out how life will continue to evolve for Katniss and the rest of Panem. I know <i>Mockingjay </i>will be just as incredible as the other two books have been. Can't wait!</div>
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If you haven't read this series yet, what are you waiting for??! </div>
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<br /></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-7092031674840457942012-01-21T14:21:00.001-05:002012-01-28T18:55:03.491-05:00Read Love Reviews: The Hunger Games<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXZOZ44wY_s5J1nJtM-PwygRWUCP-LjbT-01X7otuIXyug2uvhimNoCJI-iIdTXiquzG8oJjseQ0ALW2otGite5iCU8UR0004nC3GB1G63Z4_et7DQvekTVAY64siM1SssNBHDbt897k/s1600/Hunger+Games.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXZOZ44wY_s5J1nJtM-PwygRWUCP-LjbT-01X7otuIXyug2uvhimNoCJI-iIdTXiquzG8oJjseQ0ALW2otGite5iCU8UR0004nC3GB1G63Z4_et7DQvekTVAY64siM1SssNBHDbt897k/s200/Hunger+Games.JPG" width="130" /></a><b>The Hunger Games </b>by Suzanne Collins<br />
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Pub. Date: <span id="yui_3_4_1_1_1327164460344_4462"></span>July 1, 2010<br />
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.<br />
Format: Paperback, 374pp <br />
Age Range: Young Adult<br />
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Series: Hunger Games #1<br />
ISBN-13: 9780439023528<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>In the ruins of a place once known as North America
lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve
outlying districts. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and
were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to
send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called,
"The Hunger Games," a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old
Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister,
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My first reaction after finishing <i>The Hunger Games</i> was this: <i>Why did I wait so long?!</i></div>
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I knew this series was all-the-rage, but sometimes that keeps me away. Hype can lead to expectations which can end in disappointment. I waited for the paperback release. And even then, it sat on my shelf. So if you are reading this review to decide whether or not to read the book...you can stop right now. Stop. Drop what you are doing. Get thee to a bookstore or library. Get a copy in your hands. Let the reading commence!</div>
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Although she certainly didn't create the genre, Suzanne Collins may be responsible for the Dystopian trend the YA publishing world is currently enjoying. Just as Stephanie Meyer ushered in a plethora of vampire/paranormal romance books, Collins paved the way for more post-apocolyptic page-turners. And it's no wonder, because with <i>The Hunger Games, </i>Collins crafted a nearly flawless book.</div>
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Panem is an interesting place. There are, or rather were, 13 districts in this post-apocolyptic world. The unlucky 13th was destroyed during a rebellion against the totalitarian government. Interesting choice, as I can't help but think of the 13 original colonies that were America's beginning. Could this world then be our future? Could we be controlled by a government that cares more for power than for its citizens?</div>
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Collins has made a society that feels realistic and plausible, which makes her fictional horrors perils worth consideration. The writing is not flashy or self-conscious. Collins
avoid common YA cliches and pitfalls and serves her novel best by
staying out of its way. As John Green (yes, THE John Green) wrote in the NY Times: <i>"...by not calling attention to itself, the text disappears in the way a
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Perhaps the biggest strength of the novel is its cast of characters. Many are vividly drawn and memorable. This is especially important in a series. Several of the secondary characters are compelling enough for you to care about them - whether it's to fall in love with them, laugh at them, cheer for them, or want to know more about them. One will even break your heart. </div>
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Katniss, our heroine, is a singular girl. She's strong, tough, and a little cold. But it's not surprising that a girl whose life has been a struggle for survival is sometimes lacking skills in the finer feelings. While detached and calculating she may be, heartless she is not. That's why it isn't difficult to love this smart, strong female lead. Her emotional inepitude makes her imperfect and that makes her more loveable. I won't go into the cast of characters beyond Katniss because you should really meet them on your own terms.</div>
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Lastly, <i>The Hunger Games</i> is well-plotted and perfectly paced. You'll find
yourself turning the pages, devouring the tale, and then reaching for
the next. Did I tell you to grab it? Let me revise that. If you are late getting the book like me, you're in a lucky spot. All the books in the trilogy have been published. Grab all three at once! You'll probably not come up for air until you've read the whole shebang!</div>
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A word to those leery about the subject matter. (I know you're out there -- Hi, Mom!) Yes, the premise is brutal. Kids fighting to the death for survival is grim. But let's be clear about something: <i>The Hunger Games</i> does not glorify violence. If you want to worry about your kids being influenced negatively by popular entertainment, worry about some of the stuff on television, worry about those crazy video games they play like Grand Theft Auto. Worry about those CDs with warning stickers. But please, don't let your fear keep your children from picking up this book. It's entertainment, yes. But it's not disposable or gratuitous. It is literature. They will learn something about themselves. Thematically, the book is about sacrifice, love, freedom, and humanity. In this fictional reality, just like in real life, adversity and struggle can bring out either the best or the worst in people. When tested, it is up to each of us to decide how we will respond. My mother, who disliked the premise of this book, happened to love <i>Lord of the Flies</i>. Newsflash, Mom: These two books really aren't that far apart. </div>
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</div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-51657578465195953722012-01-16T11:35:00.000-05:002012-01-28T18:55:18.341-05:00Read Love Reviews: Delirium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Delirium (Special Edition) </b>by Lauren Oliver<br />
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Pub. Date: August 22, 2011 <br />
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers<br />
Format: ebook, 480pp <br />
Age Range: Young Adult<br />
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ISBN-13: 9780062114037<br />
Source: Barnes & Noble<br />
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<i>Ninety-five days, and then I'll be safe.</i></div>
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<i>I wonder whether the procedure will hurt.</i></div>
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<i>I want to get it over with.</i></div>
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<i>It's hard to be patient.</i></div>
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<i>It's hard not to be afraid while I'm still uncured, though so far the deliria hasn't touched me yet.</i></div>
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<i>They say that in the old days, love drove people to madness.</i></div>
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<i>The deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don't.</i></div>
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Wow! I bought a digital copy of <i>Delirium</i> when it was offered at the bargain price of $2.99. And I'm glad I did!<i> </i><br />
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<i>Delerium </i>is YA Dystopian Fiction at its best. Who doesn't love Dystopia? There is nothing more appealing in fiction than an exploration, on some level, of what it means to be human. Dystopia puts our humanity -- our freedom of choice, freedom of thought, and in this case, our freedom to love, on the line. So we cling to our seats and hold tightly to the page as we hope to see the characters beat what feels like insurmountable odds. All in the name of human freedom. What's not to love, right?</div>
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As I mentioned, this time it's love that's on the line. In Oliver's world, love is seen as a disease, and once adulthood is reached, each citizen goes through a procedure to be <i>cured</i>. Lives -- schooling, careers, marriages -- are arranged and selected for you through testing and an interview. And finally, the most important part of the process, the cure, takes place. All to ensure individual and collective happiness. Ah, but <i>does</i> it?<br />
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Lauren Oliver creates a compelling world. I especially liked her use of epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter to give more detail and context to this world. There is nothing to specifically date the world of <i>Delerium</i>. I think we are to consider this our possible future or even an alternate present. Small details were mentioned that add to the worldbuilding: the internet has become the intranet, the U.S. borders were closed, and cell phone static is the result of government surveillance.</div>
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Oliver succeeds in her characters. From the beginning, you care about Lena. Her relationship with Hana is one of the best portrayals of best friends in my recent memory. Though much of this story, when not plot driven, is internal-dialogue driven, there were little tidbits thrown in to give Lena and Hana a history. Another secondary character that I like is Grace, who, although I can't tell you why, is perhaps the ultimate rebel. </div>
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Finally, the romantic element of the book feels natural and right. Oliver captures what it is like to fall in love; how love both disturbs and repairs our personal world. Above all, she illustrates why love is worth the accompanying risks and the potential pain.</div>
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Don't let the four-star rating fool you. I absolutely loved this book! But I give only whole star ratings, and it's because the writing and the prose are, as a whole, so strong and emotionally compelling that a couple of editing mistakes, one in continuity, and the other an impactful oversight in word use, keep this book from getting top marks.</div>
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Still, after finishing <i>Delirium, </i>I immediately pre-ordered the next installment, <i>Pandemonium </i>(February 28, 2012). I also pre-ordered <i>Hana, </i>a short story that releases the same day. I can't wait to read more about what happens to Lena (and Hana)!</div>
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</div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-44409803049158085612012-01-12T20:28:00.002-05:002012-01-28T19:10:29.833-05:00Read Love Reviews: Through My Eyes: A Quarterback's Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxN_ili7z3vEtI32ZgBDseqyEVnuy3shLu961Bpkq3rt8aEyzrC3rWzFdhempbBo0k3HrGNJhNk-ugsLMf2gVVpuxn2Mo1vrYvwhU9I6V512MmgrlCArp2PJZKpU7EH6h1uZhpWhX3Pg/s1600/Tebow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxN_ili7z3vEtI32ZgBDseqyEVnuy3shLu961Bpkq3rt8aEyzrC3rWzFdhempbBo0k3HrGNJhNk-ugsLMf2gVVpuxn2Mo1vrYvwhU9I6V512MmgrlCArp2PJZKpU7EH6h1uZhpWhX3Pg/s200/Tebow.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
<b>Through My Eyes: A Quarterback's Journey</b> by Tim Tebow <br />
with Nathan Whitaker<br />
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Pub. Date: December 6, 2011 <br />
Publisher: Zondervan<br />
Format: PDF, 216pp <br />
Age Range: 9 and up<br />
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ISBN-13: 9780310723455 (Hardcover print edition)<br />
Source: NetGalley<br />
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<b>Synopsis from BN.com:</b></div>
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<i><span id="freeText232814315256364476">Meet Tim Tebow: He grew
up playing every sport imaginable, but football was his true passion.
Even from an early age, Tim has always had the drive to be the best
player and person that he could be. Through his hard work and
determination, he established himself as one of the greatest
quarterbacks in the history of college football and as a top prospect in
the NFL.</span> </i></div>
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<i><span id="freeText232814315256364476">Now, in </span></i><span id="freeText232814315256364476">Through My Eyes: A Quarterback's Journey</span><i><span id="freeText232814315256364476">, he shares
the behind-the-scenes details of his life, on and off the football
field. Tim writes about his life as he chooses to live it, revealing how
his Christian faith, his family values, and his relentless will to
succeed have molded him into the person and the athlete he is today</span></i><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.</i></div>
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<b>My Review: </b><br />
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Before you judge Tim Tebow, I suggest you read this book. When I saw this was available at NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to read it. It is a "Young Readers" edition of Tebow's New York Times Bestselling autobiography,<b> </b><i>Through My Eyes</i>.<b> </b>Not having read the original, I can't tell you how this printing differs. However, I can tell you that the book is very easy to read, and if you are curious about what makes Tim Tebow tick, then you'll probably plow right through it. I certainly did!</div>
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I'm very glad to have read the book. All I knew about Tim Tebow prior to reading it is that he isn't afraid to speak about his faith. And when the football world was swept up by "Tebow Time" as he racked up comeback wins for the Denver Broncos this year, I began to take notice. I wanted to know more about this polarizing quarterback. I can honestly say that this book made me a fan. That's right -- I'm Team Tebow!</div>
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I learned a lot about Tim Tebow. For instance, I didn't know that he has dyslexia, that he was primarily homeschooled, or that he grew up on a farm. I enjoyed discovering how his background, his family, and his faith has shaped him. It was interesting to see how his father used life events as teaching points. Tim relates a story about a "controlled burn" on the farm that got out of hand. Daddy Tebow used the occurrence to teach his children a lesson about the damage that words can cause.</div>
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I learned that from his birth, Tim Tebow has been a determined survivor and competitor. Reading his related memories and stories -- whether it's about playing t-ball, enduring challenging work outs, or partaking in friendly family competitions -- it's clear that Tim has always had a strong will to be and do the best he can. </div>
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While he is strong-willed and determined, he is also sensitive and emotional. Without apology, he shares that he sometimes cries after a loss. He also relates his emotional phone call to then Alabama coach, Mike Shula, as well as his famous post-game promise after a devastating loss as a Florida Gator. Tim is an admitted people-pleaser. He shares a story about going to a theme park despite his inability to ride on amusement park rides of any kind without getting sick. Not wanting to let people down, he answered their calls to make an appearance and endured a roller coaster ride. Not without consequence, though! Poor Tebow.</div>
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Of course, any book by Tim Tebow would be incomplete if he didn't mention his faith. Each chapter of the book begins with a quote from scripture. The Bible verses are well-chosen and integrate with the chapters to illustrate a season in his life and support what he was learning. Tim talks about moments of personal faith decisions, explains why he prays during games (you may be surprised to hear that he does not hesitate to admit that God doesn't necessarily take sides), relates lessons he has learned, shares his passion for missions work and helping children and orphans, and generally gives clear insight into what motivates and inspires him.</div>
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Having read <i>Through My Eyes: A Quarterback's Journey</i>, it's easy to see how Tim Tebow has been able to successfully face the challenges that have come his way. Despite struggling at the conclusion of the 2011 NFL regular season, he surprised his doubters and nearly silenced his critics with a solid performance in a playoff win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was a performance that relied on his ability to throw the ball to move the chains, rather than on his feet and general athleticism. Don't count this guy out. Tebow has a never-say-die attitude, bolstered by his faith and his hard work, that helps him weather adversity and come out stronger. </div>
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To conclude, Tim Tebow is a hard-working young man of character, determination, and strength. In addition to these things, he is also compassionate and sensitive. I can't think of a better example for children to follow. Not only will this book be easy for children to read, but it will inspire them to dream and, just as importantly, it will encourage them to do the hard work necessary to make those dreams a reality.</div>
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</div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-22344870347503586032012-01-08T10:52:00.000-05:002012-01-28T18:55:40.245-05:00Sunday Inspiration (21)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Believers, look up -- take courage</i><i style="font-family: inherit;">.</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i> The Angels are nearer than you think."</i></span></blockquote>
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<i style="color: #cc0000;">Sunday Inspiration</i> is a weekly feature hosted here @ <i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: blue;">Read</span> Love</span>.</i><br />
It began from my desire to share a nugget of encouragement or wisdom.<br />
I didn't intend for it to be a community thing, but due to positive feedback,<br />
I'm giving it a try! (Thanks, <a href="http://that-book-blog.blogspot.com/">Kate</a>)<br />
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Participation is welcome! <br />
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</script>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-80762349015660776092011-12-28T19:19:00.000-05:002012-01-28T19:12:02.997-05:00Read Love Reviews: Paper Angels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Paper Angels</b> by Jimmy Wayne with Travis Thrasher<br />
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Pub. Date: November 1, 2011<br />
Publisher: Howard Books<br />
Format: pdf, 240pp <br />
Age Range: Adult<br />
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ISBN-13: <span class="greyText"><span itemprop="isbn">9781451606195 (for Hardcover)</span></span><br />
Source: NetGalley<br />
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<i>Kevin Morrell is a
forty-three-year-old husband and father who runs a successful design and
marketing firm that's crashed into the suffering economy. Attempting to
navigate the busyness of the mall at Christmas, Kevin is humbled when
he stumbles across the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Project. His wife
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<i>The name on the ornament is Thomas
Brandt, a fifteen-year-old still reeling from the implosion of his
family—from years of verbal abuse from an alcoholic father to a mother
who finally left him behind, only to find herself and her children
penniless and struggling. The only thing has allowed Lynn to survive is
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is the story about a man and a
boy one December. A man whose life is changed by a simple expression of
kindness, and a boy who takes that expression of kindness and shows the
true meaning of Christmas.</span></i> </div>
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<b>My Review: </b></div>
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<i>Paper Angels</i><b> </b>is clearly inspired by Country singer and Author Jimmy Wayne's own life. He was himself once a recipient of the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program. Having lived through hard times himself, he feels a personal responsibility to give back. Knowing Jimmy Wayne's music and background, I was curious to read this book, and thanks to NetGalley, I was able to do so. </div>
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I began reading on Christmas Eve and finished the day after Christmas. <i>Paper Angels</i> tells an important story. Readers will understand a little more about the Salvation Army and the organization's Angel Tree program. But more importantly, readers will be given an immeasurable gift. For this novel is a fitting book to read at Christmastime to remember what the Spirit of Christmas is all about. </div>
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The two storylines and two families intersect thanks to the Angel Tree. When Kevin pulls Thomas' angel off the tree at the mall, he begins to think about more than himself and his own troubles. Additionally, each time he goes to buy a gift for Thomas, Kevin has an encounter with someone from his past with whom he has lost touch. Through his giving to Thomas, and his interactions with friends, Kevin begins to learn how to be a better husband, father, and friend. And just as importantly, his faith, which been forgotten and nearly lost, is refound.</div>
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Thomas' storyline is the most compelling part of the novel. And Thomas is also the strength of the book. You'll want to read the story through to its conclusion just to find out what kind of Christmas and what kind of ending Thomas has. This young man is both giving and forgiving. He is compassionate and kind. He has his own struggles and troubles, but he overcomes them through faith and love. I won't give anything away, but Thomas has a heart of gold. And we can all benefit from reading this book at Christmas time and remembering that, even if our lives are difficult or stressful, there is always someone who is hurting and struggling more than we are. If we remember to look past ourselves and help others, we'll be rewarded more than we could ever imagine. I hope that those who read this book are inspired to be generous and give of themselves to make someone else's life a little bit happier. Not just at Christmas, but all year through.<br />
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</script>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-19288965254742639782011-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:002011-12-25T00:00:09.209-05:00Sunday Inspiration (20): Christmas Day Edition<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iEklUKSnFU/TvYEXh2aqqI/AAAAAAAAAWE/0cOegR-j8xk/s1600/Angel+Shepherds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iEklUKSnFU/TvYEXh2aqqI/AAAAAAAAAWE/0cOegR-j8xk/s400/Angel+Shepherds.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Good Tidings of Great Joy" by Walter Rane</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."</span></div>
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Luke 2:8-14, King James Version </h3>
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<i>Merry Christmas to All! Hallelujah the Savior is born!</i></h3>
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</div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741862524586480117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136282549277076253.post-14440085793885815822011-12-24T13:00:00.000-05:002012-01-28T19:14:13.243-05:00Read Love Reviews: The Christmas Bus<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sLEFXRFnezw/TvX3LsIuGqI/AAAAAAAAAVs/B0JxpmPYHbg/s1600/The+Christmas+Bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sLEFXRFnezw/TvX3LsIuGqI/AAAAAAAAAVs/B0JxpmPYHbg/s200/The+Christmas+Bus.jpg" width="128" /></a>
<b>The Christmas Bus</b> by Melody Carlson<br />
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Pub. Date: October 1, 2006 <br />
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group<br />
Format: Nook book, 134pp <br />
Age Range: Adult<br />
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ISBN-13: 9781441200921<br />
Source: Barnes & Noble<br />
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<b>Synopsis from BN.com:</b></div>
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<i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Welcome to Christmas Valley - Christmas Capital of the Pacific Northwest!<br />
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It's only two weeks before Christmas, and Edith Ryan is disappointed to
learn that none of her children are coming home for the holidays. Her
large house, which doubles as The Shepherd's Inn the rest of the year,
will feel so empty without them. And it's too late to open the inn for
Christmas reservations--surely everyone else has their plans made by
now. In a town where Christmas is a way of life all year long, going
through the holidays alone is just about enough to bring her to tears.<br />
<br />Suddenly, Edith knows what she has to do - she'll invite strangers to book
those rooms usually reserved for family during the week of Christmas.
When the guest list shapes up to include a cantankerous old woman and a
mysterious young couple with a broken-down hippie bus and a baby on the
way, Edith wonders if she made the right choice. </i></div>
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<b>My Review: </b><br />
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Barnes & Noble offered <i>The Christmas Book </i>as a free Nook book for a short time. Having read another of Melody Carlson's Christmas novellas, I decided to hop on the free offer before it was gone! (If you are reading this now, you're too late.) </div>
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<i>The Christmas Bus </i>is a nice little read to help get you in the Christmas spirit. It's not going to win awards for literary value, but it accomplishes what it sets out to do. </div>
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The novella, which reads a little like Jan Karon's Mitford, tells a heartwarming story of a small town called Christmas Valley. The hamlet capitalizes on the commercial side of Christmas to draw tourists. But in Carlson's tale, the characters learn a lot about the true meaning and spirit of Christmas. This story teaches about hospitality and generosity and serves as a gentle reminder to all of us to open our hearts at Christmastime.</div>
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While <i>The Christmas Bus</i> is for the most part predictable, Carlson succesfully creates a comforting, heartwarming tale. And she does throw in a surprising little twist at the end that I enjoyed.</div>
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If you are looking for a short, peaceful book to read in December, <i>The Christmas Bus </i>is a nice diversion and a relaxing way to sit a spell to escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.</div>
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Recommended for Christmas cheer!</div>
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