40 TO LIFE

40 TO LIFE is a well-written book and a great read. One you'll have a hard time putting down and will remain with you for a very long time. The impact from the message of forgiveness in this book and how it plays out in our lives alone is reason enough to read it.

Involved in gang life, Ray Slewinski is provoked into a random shooting of an innocent man. He now faces a forty-year sentence in Chicago’s infamous prison system. A system that will try to break him, but God has a different plan altogether.

You can't help but get emotionally involved in Ray’s life. The message of forgiveness is so powerful on so many levels. Everyone should read this book to get a glimpse into the prison system, the mind of an inmate, and the insight to God's incredible forgiveness He offers to all of us.

Don't miss out, and pick up a copy today. If God leads you, check into the prison ministry at Willow Creek. You’ll be blessed more than you could have ever imagined.

Hebrew 13:3 "Don't forget about those in prison. Suffer with them as though you were there yourself. Share the sorrow of those being mistreated, as though you feel their pain in your own bodies."

THE PRINCESS AND THE COWBOY

This was my first read by this author and I enjoyed it. It was well written, a great story, with loveable characters. I'll be looking for the other three books in this series: The Hunt for Cinderella. I can't wait to read about the other three brothers.

CROSSING OCEANS

Title: Crossing Oceans
Author: Gina Holmes
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (May 1, 2010)
Pages: 400



If I could use only one word to describe CROSSING OCEANS, it would prove to be a difficult task. What first came to mind was, WOW! But quickly after that came amazing, powerful, inspiring. There are books that others recommend, or you stumble across, that you could have done without, and then there are those that you truly feel blessed you were chosen to experience. A story that moves and grips you in such a way that it’s bound to take a place in your soul for eternity. And CROSSING OCEANS is one of those.

From the first words to the last, each one was brilliantly orchestrated. As an aspiring writer, I long to write such a compelling story. The writing and storyline will keep you plastered to your seat as you absorb each and every word. The characters were honest, real, and three-dimensional. As much as I wanted to race through the pages, I found myself taking my time, never wanting to finish. Not only because it was an amazing story, but I feared how it would end.

CROSSING OCEANS will make you laugh and make you cry … over and over and over. You will fall in love with the characters as you embark on their journies that filled with trials and tribulations no family should have to endure. Yet through it all, there is a lesson to be learned. One of love and sacrifice, regrets, forgiveness and growth.

Forgive and forgive often.

Love and love well.

Make each day count for you never know when you’ll be called to cross the ocean.

THE TOWN

At first glance this would NOT have been a movie I'd be interested in. Robbery, violence...no thanks. Once I discovered Ben Affleck was in it, that changed everything.

THE TOWN was nothing short of amazing. Great acting. Great action. A great story to be told. And there was even a bit of romance for the romantic at heart like me.

This movie will take you on a journey into the world of criminal life. One that many of us can't begin to phantom what's entailed. It was equally scary on a realistic level as well as painfully heart breaking. What some people are born into is nothing short of horrific.

Doug is trapped in a world he realizes he no longer wants to be a part of. The only problem is he's not allowed to depart from it. Along the way he makes a few discoveries, falls in love, and wants a new life...to make something of himself.

It's heart wrenchingly sad to see one trapped in a life they no longer want to be a part of. Though very much the bad guy, your heart will bleed for Doug, as you cry out for him to survive so he can have an opportunity to change his life around.

This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat. There wasn't a thing I'd change, it was so well thought out with outstanding acting, and a remarkable message of hope and love that will have you thinking of THE TOWN well after it's ended.

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE

The movie was really good, as was the book. Though like in most situations, I recommend reading the book before seeing them movie. You won't regret reading or seeing, this one.

The book is a great read, one that will keep you turning the pages and will stay with you the rest of your life, altering the way you view life.

THE COWBOY AND THE LADY

THE COWBOY AND THE LADY automatically grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go until about the hundredth page. Very powerful! I couldn't put it down, needing desperately to find out what was going to happen next.

About the middle of the book the writing/story settled down. There were something’s, as a writer, I would have done differently. The abruptness of the main characters hatred and love for one another, constant changing was a little over the edge. But still, it was we written and a good story. If Ms. Palmer could have carried out the intensity she had from the first half, I would have easily marked this book as one of my top favorites.

I had to wonder what became of, Tess. She appeared to be such a powerful character that would have been a great source of tension between the main characters. She up and vanish without a fight, never to be seen again. It would have been nice to see it played out before her abrupt disappearance.

This story was a good learning tool for me as an aspiring writer. I see the gapes/missing pieces to my own writing reflected in this story. It also gave me hope. Hope that if Diana Palmer can go from this to where she is today, then one day I can, too.

INTO THE WILD

I read this book years ago and had a hard time getting through it. But I kept going because I felt a need to read the details of how it happened. In the end, I was glad I did.

Recently, I saw the movie at the video store. I was immediately drawn to it. For a book that didn't read so well, very slow paced, it somehow managed to have stick with me. I debated whether or not to rent it. In the end, my curiosity won out. I couldn't imagine how they could fit the book into a two hour movie.

I was glad I watched it. The movie gave the book a whole new meaning. This was a very sad story, yet one that needed to be told. One that will stick with you forever.

SINNERS LIKE ME - ERIC CHURCH

To think only a few weeks ago, I'd never even heard of, Eric Church. I happened across one of his videos on Youtube, and decided to check it out. Liked what I heard, and watched a few more. The next day I purchased the CD.

I was hoping to like at least half the CD, but every song is great. Great beat, AMAZING words, and a wonderful soothing voice.

The next time I go to the store, I plan on picking up his other CD. Can't get enought.

THE BACK-UP PLAN

I had wanted to see THE BACK UP PLAN when it came out in the theaters but never made it. When I discovered my library had it, I quickly put it on reserve. The movie wasn't quite what I was expecting, though it was a cute. Great idea, I just wished they would have played out the initial meeting/romance more before jumping into being a couple faced with becoming parents. A little too unbelievable for me. They had some great ideas they could have expounded on but didn't. It all seemed a little too rushed to me. But regardless, it was a cute movie with great acting.

THE RANCHER'S REUNION

Wow, wow and WOW! Right from the very first page I was captivated. But it didn’t stop there with one great line after another. I was so blown away by the amazing writing, I had to write the author and let her know that though I was only on page twenty, I couldn’t put it down.

This was the first book I read by Tina Radcliffe, and it certainly won’t be the last. Really, what amazing writing, wonderful characters and a fantastic storyline. There wasn’t one thing I could find wrong between the covers.

THE RANCHER’S REUNION was one of those books you can’t put down and NEVER want to end. You are sure to fall in love with the characters as you venture with them through the pages.

KAYDIE

After receiving KAYDIE, I discovered it was book two in the Montanan Skies series. When I realized book one, MACKENZIE, was about her search for her sister KAYDIE, I knew I had to quickly purchase it so I could read it first (See my review on for MACKENZIE).

KAYDIE is a sweet romance set in the Montana Territory in the late 1800’s. Penny Zeller has some great lines, my favorite being the one about a servant. Very unique. I smiled as I reread it over several times. The characters had well thought-out past that will take you on a journey of hope, and forgiveness as they slowly learn to trust in the Lord and allow themselves to love, again.

KAYDIE, as well as MACKENZIE, have well planned storylines. Ones that will have you turning the pages, wanting to know what will happen, next.