127 HOURS

I have to admit I've had the book BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE for a few years and have yet to read it. When I discovered it was made into a movie, I knew I'd eventually see it.

Aron Ralston, played by James Franco, is an energetic young man who loves adventures in the great outdoors. With only his backpack and a few supplies, he traipses off alone without telling a soul where he's gone. Before long, he finds himself trapped in a crevasse at the Utah's Canyonlands National Park with his hand wedged between the wall and a boulder that had fallen when he had.

In the five days Aron is trapped, he documents what he believes to be his final days with a camera. After several attempts to escape, he makes the unthinkable decision to free himself the only way possible.

127 HOURS is definitely a movie to be seen. Although not filled with action or suspense, it was done well considering the situation. After all, how much can one do with the focus on someone being trapped like Aron was. If you have a weak stomach, you may want to look away when he decides to end his entrapment.

This inspiring movie is an eye-opener with a lesson to be learned along with a nice ending that gives a glimpse into Aron's current life.

THE SWITCH

THE SWITCH is a fun and surprisingly touching movie. The plot is one that could have gone in the direction of a wacky comedy or a dramatically serious love story. THE SWITCH pulled off a wonderful combination of the two.

Kassie Larson, played by Jennifer Aniston, decides he wants to be a mother. The only problem is she's not in a relationship. But that doesn't deter her. Who needs a man ...well a husband that is? So she decides to use a sperm donor.

Wally Mars, played by Jason Bateman, is not happy with his best friend's decision to mother a child from a man she doesn't know. In denial of his feeling for Kassie, he doesn't interfere with her plans to get pregnant ... well, not intentionally.

At Kaissie's "getting pregnant party," Wally has a little too much to drink, resulting in "the switch". It's not until seven years later that the discovery is made. Wally has a choice to make. Reveal his secret or let the woman he loves marry the wrong guy.

TEMPLE GRANDIN

A love for animals and a neighbor with an autistic daughter drew me to the movie TEMPLE GRANDIN. Claire Danes did an amazing job portraying Temple Grandin. A must see for anyone who knows an autistic person. Not only will you gain knowledge and an understanding of the challenges of an autistic person and the key people in their life, but you'll be inspired as well.

God is faithful in bringing good out of the trials and tribulations of our lives if we so chose to live life with open eyes and ears and a willing heart. And that's exactly what Temple Grandin did.

TEMPLE GRANDIN will keep you on the edge of your seat, anxiously waiting to see what will happen next. You' be saddened by the hurtful words and actions of others as well as rejoicing in her spirit and determination.

Temple was diagnosed at an early age with autism and recommended to be institutionalized but her mother Eustacia, played by Julia Ormond, wouldn't hear of it. Temple wasn't deterred for long by the negative words of others instead she grasped on to the positive ones from her mother, Aunt Ann, played by Catherine O'Hara, and one of her teachers, Dr. Carlock played by David Strathairn. Her life is a great example of how words can destroy or build up. Never underestimate the power of words.

Temple went on to not only graduate from high school but from college as well, earning a doctorate and becoming a bestselling author, as well as a pioneer in the humane treatment of livestock. I highly recommend this movie. It's one that's sure to have an impact in the way you view others with "disabilities" as well as inspire you to reach for your own dreams.

GIVE THE LADY A RIDE

Give the Lady a Ride by Linda Yezak certainly took me on a ride. Having only recently gone to my first ever bull riding event, the cover intrigued me. One of the signs of a great book is its ability to draw you in right from the start. With Give the Lady a Ride, the opening line accomplished this, and continued to hold me captive from the very first word to the very last.

When Patricia Talbert discovers she's inherited a ranch, she and her best friend Marie hightail it to Texas to put the property on the market. Talon Carlson, the foreman of Circle Bar Ranch, is every bit a Texas cowboy as Patricia is a high-class social coordinator from New Yorker.

When Patricia unexpectedly shows up, Talon fights his attraction for her like a bull fights to throw his rider. Patricia is determined to sell the ranch, but Talon and his crew have something else in mind. With a growing attraction to Talon, Patricia is filled with indecision and offers him a challenge he can't refuse--teach her how to ride a bull.

If I were to highlight all the good phrases in this story with my marker, the book would be considerably marked up. If I were to then add highlights to the parts that were well written, interesting, fun, and well-paced, there would be no words left unmarked.

I was swept into this story with its vivid characters, so much so that they played out in my mind like those in a great movie. What a treat to not get just one great romance in a story but a touch of another with Chance, Talon's best friend and "brother" and Marie. I've always loved the opposites attract scenario and Yezak did an amazing job. She and Give the Lady a Ride are now on my favorites list.

SUGARLAND - STUCK LIKE GLUE

STUCK LIKE GLUE

Mmmm better...mmm better...
Absolutely no one that knows me better
No one that can make me feel sooo goooood
How did we stay so long together?
When everybody, everybody said we never would
And just when I, I start to think they're right
That love has died...

[Chorus]
There you go making my heart beat again,
Heart beat again,
Heart beat again
There you go making me feel like a kid
Won't you do it and do it one time?
There you go pulling me right back in,
Right back in,
Right back in
And I know-oo I'm never letting this go-ooo

I'm stuck on you
Whutooo whutooo
Stuck like glue
You and me baby we're stuck like glue
Whutooo whutooo
Stuck like glue
You and me baby we're stuck like glue

Some days I don't feel like trying
Some days you know I wanna just give up
When it doesn't matter who's right, fight about it all night
Had enough
You give me that look
"I'm sorry baby let's make up"
You do that thing that makes me laugh
And just like that...

[Chorus]
There you go making my heart beat again,
Heart beat again,
Heart beat again
There you go making me feel like a kid
Won't you do it and do it one time
There you go pulling me right back in,
Right back in,
Right back in
And I know-oo I'm never letting this go-ooo

I'm stuck on you
Whutooo whutooo
Stuck like glue
You and me baby we're stuck like glue
Whutooo whutooo
Stuck like glue
You and me baby were stuck like glue


Whutooo Whutoo

You almost stay out, too stuck together from the ATL
Whutooo Whutoo

Feeling kinda sick?
Just a spoon full of sugar make it better real quick

I say
Whutooo Whutoo
Whatcha gonna do with that?
Whutooo Whutoo
Come on over here with that
Sugar sticky sweet stuff
Come on give me that stuff
Everybody wants some
Melodies that get stuck

Up in your head
Whutooo whutooo

Up in your head
Whutooo whutooo

Up in your head
Whutooo whutooo

Up in your head
Whutooo whutooo
Whuthoo whutooo
Stuck like glue
You and me together, say, it's all I wanna do
I said

[Chorus]
There you go making my heart beat again,
Heart beat again,
Heart beat again
There you go making me feel like a kid
Won't you do it and do it one time
There you go pulling me right back in,
Right back in,
Right back in
And I know-oo I'm never letting this go-ooo

There you go making my heart beat again,
Heart beat again,
Heart beat again
There you go making me feel like a kid
Won't you do it and do it one time
There you go pulling me right back in,
Right back in,
Right back in
And I know-oo I'm never letting this go-ooo
I'm stuck on you

Whutooo whutooo
Stuck like glue
You and me baby we're stuck like glue
Whutooo whutooo
Stuck like glue
You and me baby were stuck like glue
Whutooo whutooo
Stuck like glue
You and me baby we're stuck like glue

MORNING GLORY

MORNING GLORY is a cute, witty, and fun movie. Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams) receives the big break she's been looking for when she lands a job as a producer of a TV show in New York City. The only problem is that she needs to find a way to increase the ratings or they'll all be out of a job, along with her reputation.

In an attempt to save the show, she hunts down the infamous Mike Pomeroy for the position of co-anchor (Harrison Ford). Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton) is not too keen on partnering with Mike, and sparks fly.

Each character is well thought out and acted. Though romance is on the milder side, it does bloom between Becky and Adam Bennett (Patrick Wilson) as she learns to trust him, and he teaches her that a life with all work and no play is no life at all.

SWEPT AWAY

In SWEPT AWAY by Nicole O'Dell, you not only get two great stories in one, you also get to choose the ending for each. How fun and educational is that? I loved the concept of picking your own scenario, but what I hadn't expected is the desire to read the other after you'd already made your decision.

O'Dell does a wonderful job in creating teenage characters with real life situations. Each story provides the reader with two choices and to discover the consequences of their decision. Both stories are perfect for pre and young teens.

In High Stakes, two best friends, Amber and Brittany are presented with a contest that puts their friendship to the ultimate test. When Amber is faced with the possibility for winning something she feels she deserves more than her friend, she puts their friendship and what's right on the line, and her lack of faith in God is evident in the decision she makes.

In Essence of Lily, running from her unhappy home life, Lily makes a decision that could ultimately change her life forever. She soon learns life's lesson that God is the only one that can fulfill the empty whole in one's heart, and that lying and our choices can lead us into situations we find difficult to get out of, and could ultimately change our lives forever.

BURLEQUE

BURLEQUE is a fun musical. Very entertaining. Cher and Christina Agulera did an outstanding job acting, dancing, and singing. BURLESQUE brought MOULIN ROUGE to mind, another great musical.

Most of the movie takes place in a night club that Tess (Cher) is determined to save. Ali (Christina Agulera) is new to town and determined to make it on the stage of Burlesque. The story is light and fun with a touch of romance.

Jack (Cam Gigandet), the bartender, comes home to find Ali, one of the waitresses, on his doorsteps. He offers to take her in. In time their growing friendship blossoms into an attraction that can't be denied.

TO WIN HER HEART

Karen Witemeyer has done it again. TO WIN HER HEART is the third book I’ve read by her. If I hadn’t been convinced by her first two books, A TAILOR-MADE BRIDE and HEAD IN THE CLOUDS, that she’s amazing writer and story teller, TO WIN HER HEART sealed the deal.

The prison ministry is a passion and calling from God that I’ve been blessed to serve in since 2004. Levi Grant’s story immediately drew me in. When I think of Levi, a gentle giant comes to mind. A man with a past, one who earned his living by fighting, and that landed him in prison. When he was incarcerated Levi was brought back to God and vows to never fight another again.

Eden Spencer, an only daughter of a wealthy man, had been betrayed by a man she was set to marry in a way that has her swearing off men. But when the new blacksmith arrives in Spencer, Texas, Eden discovers the huge man whose words are few, is not who she believes him to be.

You will fall in love with the characters as you are swept away into this amazing story of love, trust, honor, and redemption. Levi and Eden have unique challenges that are masterfully addressed.

I can’t wait for Ms. Witemeyer’s next novel. She has become an author whose latest books I snatch up without hesitation. Though the covers are always enticing, and the blurbs are intriguing, I no longer need to study them before purchasing. I know what awaits me when I curl up into a comfy chair and begin to drift into the world of her amazing storytelling.

TEN THINGS YOUR TEEN WILL THANKS YOU FOR...SOMEDAY

The Things Your Teen Will Thank You for...Someday, by William L. Coleman is a must read for every parent, whether your child is one or eighteen. This quick easy read is packed full of vital information. The book speaks of Christian values in parenting, yet the Christian perspective is sprinkled in light enough not to offend the nonbeliever.

I purchased this book because of a recommendation of my adult son. It would have been great if he, too, could have benefited from the knowledge I'd gained by reading these wonderful principles for parenting. Don't wait until your child is a teen to read this. There are many principles that apply to young children as well.

THE SHERIFF'S SWEETHEART

The Sheriff’s Sweetheart by Laurie Kingery, is sweet indeed. If you like an old time romance about a bad guy turned good, where the poor meets the wealthy, you’ll love this tender historical romance. It is well written with a great plot and characters you’ll get to know and love.

After taking a beating following a gambling game gone wrong, Sam Bishop decides enough is enough. An ad in the newspaper seeking marriage-minded bachelors has him heading for the small town of Simpson Creek, Texas. What he doesn’t expect to find is the beautiful Miss Priscilla Gilmore. It doesn’t take long for love to blossom. But life has a way of getting in the way, and the secrets Sam keeps from the woman and town he’s grown to love, may cause him to lose it all.

YOU LIE - THE BAND PERRY

YOU LIE by THE BAND PERRY

It ain't complicated
Well, I've grown to hate it
I never liked the taste of crow but baby I ate it
They tried to warn me
They said that you were ornery
So don't bring me those big brown eyes and tell me that you're sorry
Well you might as well throw gasoline on a fire
The way you lie

You lie like a priceless Persian rug on a rich man's floor
You lie like a coon dog basking in the sunshine on my porch
You lie like a penny in the parking lot at the grocery store
It just comes way too natural to you
The way you lie

That ain't my perfume
I bet she had a curfew
You told me you were out with the boys and baby I believed you
So why you lookin' so nervous
You know you're gonna deserve this
I oughta kill you right now and do the whole wide world a service
Well my daddy's gonna straighten you out like a piece of wire, like a piece of wire
The way you lie

You lie like the man with the slick black hair who sold me that Ford

You lie like a palm tree in the back yard after last month's storm
You lie like a penny in the parking lot at the grocery store
It just comes way too natural to you
The way you lie

Well, I'll tell you what I'm gonna do
I'm gonna drive into the big ol' muddy river
I'm gonna park my car in the middle of the mile-long bridge
And then I'm gonna cry well maybe just a little
Then I'm gonna slip off the ring that you put on my finger
Give it a big ol' fling and watch it sink
Down, down, down
There it's gonna lie
Until the Lord comes back around

Because you lie like a priceless Persian rug on a rich man's floor
You lie like a coon dog basking in the sunshine on my porch
You lie like a penny in the parking lot at the grocery store
It just comes so dang natural to you
The way you lie
The way you lie
Well it's what you do, it's who you are

THE DEEPEST WATERS

The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh will take you on a voyage back in time. Mr. Walsh does a wonderful job of making you feel you’re right there, many years ago, sailing on the SS Vandervere. I loved how Mr. Walsh incorporated slavery and how it played out.

John and Laura are separated at sea after only being married a short time. Laura believes John to be dead but stays strong. Meanwhile John is fighting for his life out at sea. His love for Laura and God is all that keeps him from giving up.

I enjoyed reading the author’s note on his research for The Deepest Waters. It was fascinating to learn what actually happened and how it inspired The Deepest Waters, reminding me of The Titanic.

LIFE AS WE KNOW IT

I loved Josh Duhamel is WIN A DATE WITH TAD HAMILTON so when I saw the previews for LIFE AS WE KNOW IT, I knew I had to see it.

LIFE AS WE KNOW IT was everything I anticipated and more-- a funny and sweet romance with a great storyline as well as great acting. It’s one of those movies where I wouldn’t change a thing and don’t want it to end. Definitely a movie I’ll watch more than once.

I loved the history between the two main characters and how it played out. The tension between Messer and Holly was fun to watch as was their growing attraction for one another.

It was a nice surprise to find Josh Lucas, another one of my favorite actors, playing one of the roles. I loved him in SWEET HOME ALABAMA where he played a character polar opposite as that in LIFE AS WE KNOW IT.

I CALLED HIM DANCER

As I sit down to write this review, I wrestle with whether or not I can do I CALLED HIM DANCER by G. Edward Snipes, justice. The first thing to usually capture my attention in a book is the cover. The second thing would be the title. I CALLED HIM DANCER failed in both those areas. But what did intrigue me was the blurb on the back cover. Despite the cover and title, it sounded like a story I’d enjoy

As I began to read it didn’t take long before I realize I was going to be taken on a wonderful journey. Some books can start out okay just to later dwindle. This was not the case with I CALLED HIM DANCER. Not only was the writing of this well-paced story good, it kept my interest. I smiled. I cried. My heartstrings were tugged, filling up with emotions.

Mr. Snipes does an amazing job with the characters, and the storyline. If I had to say something negative about the book, it would be that there isn’t a good place to set it down. The story is such an amazing one, and so well written you’ll find yourself saying, “Just one more chapter”. There was never a point where I didn’t want to read more to discover what was going to happen next. The ending had me captivated in a way no other book has done in a very long time. I feared how it would end, yet prayed it wouldn’t be so and play out the way I hoped it would.

Dancer’s story is a remarkable one. I CALLED HIM DANCER is packed with trials and tribulations, hope, love, perseverance, God’s calling, as well as His amazing grace and mercy. The message was profound, yet presented in such a natural way one would not walk away feeling preached to. The other characters were well thought-out with stories of their own that will draw you near to them as well.

Do not judge a book by its cover certainly pertained to I CALLED HIM DANCER, and I’m grateful for not having let it stop me from reading this masterful work of art. As an aspiring author, I yearn to write such a compelling story that is sure to touch many lives. I’ve been moved by this story in a way that I will never be the same.

PROUD RANCHER, PRECIOUS BUNDLE

When I spotted PROUD RANCHER, PRECIOUS BUNDLE by Donna Alward at the store, besides the cowboy on the cover, the authors name caught my eye as I'd read another of her books, A LONE COWBOY. In that book I was impressed by the unique challenge of the hero. I thought the well written book was a real page turner.
PROUD RANCHER, PRECIOUS BUNDLE didn't disappoint with the story

line, as well as the writing. I rarely read a non-Christian book anymore, and although this was not an inspirational novel, it contained very limited bad language and no sexual scenes. I'd love to see Alward switch over to Christian fiction. She'd sure to become one of my favorite authors if she did.

THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE

THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE has sat on my shelf for more years that I care to admit. I kept hearing what a wonderful little book it is, a must read for writers. Unfortunately for me that wasn't the case. On the most part I was lost. I couldn't really grasp the concepts. But what I did get out of it was worth the read. For the price and the number of pages, I recommend it to all who write.

SAVE THE DATE

SAVE THE DATE is not the typical Christian fiction I’d read. The Christian fiction I usually read is more conservative If I had to sum it up in a few words, it would be: modern, witty, fun, and in the end, charming and heartwarming. SAVE THE DATE is definitely a great choice for the younger generation. It was done tastefully and is really a need for today’s young people.

I loved the way Jones sprinkled in God’s message. There were many cute lines that will have you smiling. The last one hundred or so pages really took off for me. In the earlier pages I would never have imaged I’d be wiping tears away at the surprising and unexpected end. I was tempted to immediately read it again.

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.