8 SECONDS

I picked this movie up because I’ve loved Luke Perry since 90210, as well as my fascination with cowboys. Not one for watching much TV, I finally got a chance to watch it, and by then I’d forgotten it was based on a true story and how it would end.

8 SECONDS is a good movie, well acted and played out with a story behind the story, one that needed to be told. To get a glimpse into the rodeo world was fascinating, as well as the life of Lane Frost.

What an amazing journey, though so profoundly sad.

FOUND IN TRANSLATIONS

FOUND IN TRANSLATIONS is a story of one girl's journey from being a selfish, self-centered young woman to finding meaning and purpose through a mission trip. She's forced to look beyond her own needs. Before her trip even begins, nothing goes as planned. Kim learns quickly that being inflexible isn't going to cut it. She must adapt, and quickly, to the changes she has no control over. She learns a swift lesson in, our plans are not always what God has planned, and for good reason. The importance of listening to God's whispers and following them out, even when we can't see past our own plans. Mission trips can do that to a person.

LETTERS TO JULIET

Even though I didn't feel the character of Charlie was well acted - a little stiff - I LOVED the movie. What a great story. The character Sophie, on the other hand was well acted. The story was plotted out well, keeping you on your toes. Though the ending is what really did it for me. There's nothing like an amazing ending, and LETTERS TO JULIET did it well.

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR and MOONLIGHT AND MISTLETOE

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year-

This movie sounded great, something I'd really like. And though the plot was good, the acting of the heroine ruined it for me. Not sure if it was the actress or just the way she performed her part. Either way, I was not impressed with her acting and it totally took away from the story. I got what her character was suppose represent but it was almost like she was a spoiled, snotty brat...with a smile on her face and in her voice. It just didn't it. It seemed forced and unnatural.

On the other hand, the actor that played the hero was great. I liked his character and felt his acting was done well. Smooth, natural, a character you can fall in love with. Which is really too bad that one character/actress had to ruin it for the entire movie.

Good thing I'd purchased this movie in a two pack, along with "Moonlight & Mistletoe" Now that's a movie I could watch over and over.


Moonlight & Mistletoe-

Moonlight & Mistletoe on the other hand was a wonderful movie. Great acting. Great storyline. It was a cute story done well that will warm your heart and having you smiling. The romance was subtle and of so sweet.

THE COWBOY'S FAMILY

The more I read Brenda Minton's writing, the more I love it. Just when I thought her stories couldn't get any better, then comes along another. THE COWBOY'S FAMILY was amazing. The writing. The characters. The plot. Not only does she have the amazing ability to write a remarkable story, she has the ability to deliver marvelous lines.

There are books that read fast. And books that don't read well. And then there are books that read slow but not because they can't hold your attention but because they are so wonderfully written you want to savor every word, and every minute inside the pages with the characters. That is what Brenda's writing is to me.

As an aspiring writer, I marvel at her writing. I often shake my head as I reread a line several time, it's so brilliant. She has a way of delivering amazing lines, and adding faith that's so natural, never forced or awaked. I hope to one day deliver such amazing words. You can bet I'll be searching the bookshelves for the next Brenda Minton book.

Yee Haw! Love them cowboys!

SECRETS UNDER THE MIDNIGHT SUN

Secrets Under the Midnight Sun is a wonderful story for young readers, ages eight to twelve. Freddie gives you a subtle glimpse into one’s life of abuse and the devastating effects. Elisa touches on how secrets can destroy families and those that are keeping them. An elementary or middle school student could read this story without feeling they were reading something beyond them, yet comprehend on a safe level what Freddie is going through.

For those that have not experienced what Freddie has, they can get the idea in a nonthreatening way. For those that know of someone going through what Freddie went through, they can gain some understanding and compassion. Maybe even talk them into revealing their secret to a trusted adult. For those that are going through what Freddie went through, it can be the light at the end of the tunnel, letting them know they are not alone. That in spite of the consequences, some secrets should never be kept.

I felt for Freddie and what she was going through and I loved her spirit and courage. I loved how she looked to God, though I was saddened by her mother’s denial and how she handled the situation to a degree. I felt for her sisters and brother, and yes, even for her father who will have to answer to God one day, and for all he missed out on and lost. Those that abuse, often have been abused themselves.

Elise took a sad situation and could have made Freddie angry, turn from God and head down a path of destruction. Instead, she had her turn to God and trust Him enough that she finally saw things as they really were. In spite of it all, I saw an amazing future for Freddie, and that’s the message of hope I believe Elise will conveyed to her young readers.

I’d love to see a book like this as required reading for younger students. To think of the lives that could be changed in hearing Freddie’s story. This is what we need that reveal the things no one ever dares talk about so people can find help and heal and possibly put an end to the horrible cycles of abuse.

A BOYFRIEND FOR CHRISTMAS

What a wonderful story. Great acting. Great storyline. One you'll want to watch again and again. What a cute idea played out perfectly. A touch of love. A touch of a fairytale. A touch of humor. This heartwarming story has it all with just the right dose of everything you need for a good romance.

MONTANA HEARTS

Being the cowboy lover I am, when I spotted this book on the shelf at the store I couldn't resist. Never having read a book by Charlotte Carter before, I was taking a chance but after reading the synopsis I was hooked.

Montana Hearts was well written with a wonderful storyline and characters you're sure to love. A very sweet story, played out at just the right pace. I especially loved the ending. Though you could imagine how it would end, the author threw in a few twists with a unique ending. Very cute. I loved it.

GOD'S PROMISES FOR MOTHERS

I wasn’t too thrilled with this devotional. I’m more into contemporary writing then straight out of the Old King James Bible, version. So, if you like that type of writing, then it’d be a good choice for you but if you’re like me, then no. I enjoy a devotional like Joyce Meyer’s would write.

COWBOYS AND ANGELS

After running across this movie on Amazon, being the cowboy lover I am, I just had to have it. The acting was good, and the overall movie was good. The underline message was good as well but I felt it was a little too subtle. A little disjoined, a little confusing. It felt like there was something missing to the connection between the Angel,the cowboy and the other woman.

In the end they kind of threw you for a loop, not leaving you with an “ah, ha” moment but confusion. I mean I got it but it was rather blunt, not carried out very well. I felt they should have played it out a little better to get across the point they’d been trying to convey that hadn’t been clear up until that point. At any rate, it was a good movie, just not great due to the way it was played out in the end.

LAST CHANCE CAFE

I rarely watched TV and only recently discovered I had Lifetime with my new cable provider along with being able to tape shows. When I discovered by chance that a movie was on earlier, LAST CHANCE CAFÉ and that I'd missed it, I was mortified. I simply couldn't wait another month until it was to be on again. I just had to order it online (eventhough I had to order it from Lifetime), knowing it would be a movie I'd watch over and over, again.

I'm a HUGE Linda Lael Miller fan, and have read many of her books, fifteen or more. One of them being LAST CHANCE CAFÉ, which I loved. Oh, what a great day it was to discover one of her books has been made into a movie. I would love to see all of them become a movie...well, almost all of them.

Just as I loved the book, the movie was good as well. Loved the storyline. The acting was good though I wouldn't say great. There were some really great scenes, so true to Linda's writing.

THANKSGIVING GROOM

When I pick up a book with the name BRENDA MINTON on it, I know I’m in for a treat. Just as I’ve come to love about Brenda’s books, the characters and the story that unfolds in THANKSGIVNG GROOM had me turning the pages, wanting to know what happens next. What great characters!

I have to admit that the cover of a book speaks volumes to me, being a visual person and all. I also have to admit that I wasn’t too enthused with this particular cover. Funny how things have a way of taking you by surprise, though. I knew the exact moment in the book that the cover was created for and it was so perfect it changed my whole view of it. It was a very profound moment for it had become alive.

I loved Tuckers, as well as Penelope’s story. Brenda has an amazing way of portraying stubborn, hardheaded characters, yet you can’t help but fall in love with them. She also has a way with delivering some really great lines that leave you in awe of her writing.

I must say the ending really did it for me. The way it all came together, and what Tucker did (Sorry, you’ll have to read it to find out.) stirred up many emotions. Very touching.

Can’t wait for her next book.

EAT PRAY LOVE

I guess there is a spoiler in my review but I don’t really know any way around it to get across what I’d like to convey. Sorry about that. I usually don’t put them in my reviews.

Every since I saw the cardboard standup at the movie theater, I wanted to see EAT PRAY LOVE. I didn’t make to the theater when it was out and waited patiently in hopes that my local library would get it in. And they did. I waited three weeks on a waiting list and when I got the call it was my turn, I went in to pick it up immediately and planned to watch it that night.

I must say I was a bit disappointed in this movie. I was really expecting something profound. Yet as often as the case, I heard the book was really good by a few people. Still, having watched the movie I can’t say I’m eager to read it. A positive note, the acting was good.

I for one am a deeply committed person, so right off the bat the main character leaving her husband the way she did, didn’t sit well with me. As the story unfolded, I kept waiting for something, something that never happened.

The flashbacks of her husband put in my mind she’d come to her senses and discover she really did love him, and needed to give her marriage the work, commitment and chance every marriage deserves. It bothered me greatly that it never materialized.

I totally get that people often make the wrong decision, and that one needs to discover who they are, their purpose in life and all that. In EAT PRAY LOVE, honestly, the only connection to the title I came away with is EAT. She did indulge in eating. As far as PRAY, I was thrown for a loop on the whole praying thing. As a Christian, did I miss something? Or was the PRAY part, praying to a picture of a woman. That was a little disturbing to me to say the least. As far as LOVE, well yeah, she quickly went from one guy to another with a hint of LOVE. Is it me or did she basically jump into another relationship like she confessed she had from the marriage she’d just ran away from?

So in the end I was sorely disappointed in this movie. I felt the title was misleading, leading you down a path far from what the title suggested.

Maybe a better title would be EAT MEDITATE AND HAVE A FLING.

THE MAN I WANT TO BE - CHRIS YOUNG

Okay, so I’ll admit it. There are times I purpose a CD for one song in hopes that I’ll like enough of the others on it to make it worth my wild. Once I receive the CD, I’m often so enamored with that one particular song that I can’t stop listening to it, thus never getting to the others on the album…or I only listen once through, not really absorbing each one for it’s uniqueness. There are those times when a song hits you right away and you fall quickly in love with it and other times where it takes hearing it a few times before you become hooked.

Mind you, this does not happen all the time but with this particular album, it did. So I specifically purchased it for GETTING YOU HOME. Months later I have the radio on in my car, something I rarely do (always listen to CD’s), and an amazing song comes on, VOICES. It didn’t take long to recognize the amazing, soothing, deep rich voice of Chris Young. Immediately it hit me that I may very well have that song.

When I got home I punched in CHRIS YOUNG on Amazon, and just as I thought, he only has two CD’s out and I have them both! What a great surprise that was. Since then, I’ve listen to the entire album over and over, loving ALL of it.

Funny how things work out sometimes.

YULETIDE COWBOY

YULETIDE COWBOY is a very charming story. How could one not fall in love with such a sweet and caring man such as Chance Turner? I liked the storyline for Lynn as well as Chance. Woman fleeing abusive situations is a great topic to bring to light. I was also intrigued by the whole rodeo preacher. Something I had never thought about, yet thoroughly enjoyed getting a glimpse into. As always, Debra Clopton has a way of drawing you into her stories and having you fall in love with her characters.

ABBIE ANN

Once again Sharlene MacLaren has swept me away in ABBIE ANN. A large novel at 500 pages, reads smoothly, taking you on an amazing journey that you never want to end. What wonderful characters! I thought the first two in the series HANNAH GRACE and MAGGIE ROSE, had amazing characters with remarkable stories. I shouldn’t have doubted for a minute that I would love Abbie Ann and Noah any less or their stories.

Besides Sharelene’s wonderful writing and storytelling, she has an astonishing way of weaving in layer upon layer of drama and twists. She delivered wonderful lines that had me laughing, as well as heartwarming moments that made my eyes well up with tears. And all done so smoothly and naturally that you forget you’re reading fiction.

I was totally amazed at the details to boat building throughout the story. I’d have to guess a lot of research went into ABBIE ANN. Just one of the things I love so much about Sharlene’s writing is the depth and growth of each characters story.

I can’t wait to receive the next book of Sharlene’s I recently ordered, LONG JOURNEY HOME. Hurry up, Amazon!

CATCH AND RELEASE

Love this movie. What a great story, with great acting. I caught a glimpse of this movie on a Youtube put together video of several scenes from different movies. I was intrigued and with a little investigation, discovered my library had a copy. I went the next day to borrow it. Once I started it, I soon realized I had watched it some time ago, yet couldn't get myself to turn it off. It's one of those movies you can watch more than once. I just may watch it again, one day.

MAGGIE ROSE

Once again I’m am blow away by Sharlene MacLaren’s amazing writing. I loved HANNAH GRACE, so when I’d finished, it had me wanting for the next in the series, MAGGIE ROSE. I was certainly blessed when I’d won a copy of HANNAH GRACE on Sharlene’s website. I had yet to read her work and now can’t seem to get enough of it.

MAGGIE ROSE was an amazing story, incredibly written. Loved the plot. Love the Characters. Luke’s Spiritual journey, and life lessons he encountered. Very powerful, moving, and thought provoking. Maggie and Luke weren’t the only ones with tears in their eyes as this wonderful story came to an end. Brilliantly done, I must say.

Now on to the third and final book in this remarkable series, ABBIE ANN. Can’t wait to see where Sharlene takes ABBIE ANN...and me, in what is sure to be another great novel.

REMEMBER ME

Well I must say I am in love with Rob Pattinson all over again. I loved him in Twilight, and I loved him in REMEMBER ME. Wow, what an amazing movie. Great story! Great acting. For whatever reason I had not remembered what the ending was about. That came as a total shock. Here I was going along loving this story, totally engrossed in it, and yet had no idea where it was heading. The idea was never a thought or a possibility. It was as if I was given two stories in one. It made me want to go back and watch it again with new eyes. But then again, I don’t know if I could handle it, knowing what happened in the end.

Very powerful and moving.

Definitely a movie to REMEMBER.

THE WRITER'S JOURNEY

THE WRITER’S JOURNEY is quite a monstrous book in size as well as the information it contains. I must admit it took me some time to get through it. Although I don’t regret reading it I must say in many ways it was way beyond my comprehension. So much information that I had a hard time deciphering it all. The examples were extensive which had its advantages as well as its disadvantages.

I would have to say what I took away from this book is the sense that characters are quite complex, thus are humans. I now have a different perspective on the structure of a novel, and even more so the importance of it. This book also put to words the feelings an amazing movie or book can provoke. Why, how, and the importance of it.

At one of my writing meetings, we watched the concepts of this book being taught by the authors on DVD. Though I was only able to watch the first half, I must say it was easier to comprehend then the book. I would highly recommend the DVD’s verses the book.

BIG TIME RUSH

When my girls first started watching BIG TIME RUSH it didn’t take long for their songs to seep into my soul. They were catchy, uplifting with great vocals. There CD wasn’t out yet with no indication of when it would be but we just had to get a hold of their songs. So we purchased several off of itunes to tie us over. But once we discovered the CD would be released, we signed up right away for it.

What a great CD. Something the whole family can enjoy. Who would have thought that only a few weeks later we’d get to meet them!

Check out my other blog post to hear about our experience meeting BIG TIME RUSH.
http://kymmcnabney.blogspot.com/

THE EXONERATED

SHOCKING…HORRIFYING…UNTHINKABLE

As much as I was disturbed by this movie for so many reasons, I was also very disturbed by a few reviewers’ comments. I agree, the movie was not presented in the most entertaining way but really, that was not the point, nor its purpose. How can one be so shallow as to not have compassion and sympathy for these individuals and what they endured?

I’ve volunteered in the prison and jail ministry for several years. No matter how much society wants to deny it, these cases are not rare, unheard of, or fabricated. They happen all the time! What often goes on in the systems can be like a horror movie played out, messing with people’s lives on all kinds of levels. Destroying one individual at a time, often taking many innocent people with them.

One thing this movie brought to lights is not only is the system often unjust, the people working in it are often evil, filled and hatred. There are innocent lives being shattered, as well as the affects it has on their loved ones.

How often do people point fingers, condemn, and judge! But never stop to think of their loved ones. They are often the innocent and hurting. We all have a father and a mother, grandparents, many of us siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, best friends. Whether or not someone is guilty or innocent, they often have loved ones out there that did nothing wrong to deserve the hurt by every cruel word and action directed towards the one convicted.

This movie elicited so many emotions it’s hard to even put them into words. Each story unique, tugging at my heart. To think what these individuals endured! How their families suffered! And for what?!?!? They were all innocent! But the revelation of that fact could NEVER reverse the damage that had been done from a wrongful conviction!

But through it all, God did show up! These men and this woman are extraordinary, faithful, inspiring individuals.

When the movie ended I was speechless, motionless for some time. I clenched my eyes shut and sat in silence, tying to soak it all in.

How? – How could people be so cruel?


Why? - Why do we allow such things to happen?


Evil? - How can one allow Satan to enter their lives and inflict so much pain and injustices?


God? - God has nothing to do with Evil…that’s all Satan. God allows us free will, and with that free will many men have chosen to follow Satan instead of God, therefore allowing evil to attempt to devour the world and destroy God’s people He loves so dearly.


When I was finally able to pull myself together, I did the only thing I could after such an experience. I reached for my Bible. I closed my eyes and opened it up. The pages before me…the end of Matthew, chapter 12 and be beginning of chapter 13. The bold heading that stood out and grabbed my attention reflected that of the movie. Once again God had not failed to comfort me in my time of need, giving me His word to find peace. At least enough to allow me to eventually fall asleep.


I pray that people from all over will watch this movie. That it will move their hearts the way it did mine, giving them the knowledge and compassion to realize we are in no position to judge and condemn. Yes, there are those that are guilty and should pay for their crimes. But there are also those that are wrongfully convicted. For those that are guilty, I just have one phrase those judging…What would Jesus do! And that’s not a question. The facts are all there in black in one. One just has to open the cover and read. Treat others they way you’d want to be treated. You reap what you sow. And the greatest of these is…love.


REVIEWERS COMMENT I FOUND VERY DISTURBING:
Pure talking heads here. Several wrongly convicted ex-cons, played by actors, tell their stories of woe. You've heard it all before. This is a stage play adaptation that's more play than movie. Maybe the play worked better. This got on my nerves.


MY COMMENT TO THIS REVIEWER:
Sorry to hear you missed the whole point. The words "no heart" comes to mind. I agree at first it was hard to stay focus. So many different stories and the way it was presented. But if you’d stuck with it, you might have been captivated by the individual’s lives, as well as discovered the horrifying truths and then maybe you would have discovered some compassion within.


MORE REVIEWERS COMMENTS THAT DIDN’T SETTLE WELL:
1) Anyone can tell these people's stories. I would be pissed if I have to pay to see this movie in the theater.
2) This HAS to be one of the BORINGEST if not The Most Boring movie I’ve EVER seen !!!Guess I could tag it A Waste Of Time?

COMMENT TO A REVIEWERS:
Sorry to hear you missed the whole point. The words "no heart" comes to mind. I agree at first it was hard to stay focus. So many different stories and the way it was presented. Sorry to hear you weren't captivated by the individual’s stories enough to discover the horrifying truths of then, allowing you to ascertain some compassion within.

If you chose to make the effort to locate and watch this movie, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.

Blessing,

Kym

A TAILOR-MADE BRIDE

Hold on to your bonnet, for once you start this amazing story you'll be taken on a whirlwind of an adventure. Talk about a quick read. I had the hardest time putting it down, my life easily forgotten but the house needed cleaning, the kids needed to be taken care of, meals needed to be made...

What amazing characters, you're sure to fall in love with. I loved Jericho and Hannah. It was as if they were real people. I loved every situation they were placed in, and how it played out. I caught myself rereading several lines, they were that good. It's hard to believe this was her first novel. Every scene was amazing. Every chapter ended in a way that leaves you no choice but to start the next. It wasn't long before I reached the end, wishing for it to go on, and on.

Make sure to check out Karen Witemeyer's website for the epilogue. You won't want to miss it.

THE BAND PERRY

After discovering the video on Youtube, IF I DIE YOUNG I wasn't sure if I liked the song or not, let alone Kimberly's' voice. The next time it popped up, I was drawn to it and gave it another try. And another, and another, and before long I decided I really liked it, along with Kimberly's unique voice. Not able to get enough of this great song, I just had to purchase it from itunes.

I later started watching/listening to HIP TO MY HEART, and once again wasn't too sure what I thought about it. This time it didn't take me long to decided I like it, too. Only problem was, I couldn't seem to get enough of it.

With a quick search, I discovered they were releasing a new CD in October. Okay, I'll wait to purchase another song off of itunes. Patience. Patience. I must say it was worth the wait. What a great CD. Love all the songs! Music and lyrics. I love everything about them.

HEAD IN THE CLOUDS

HEAD IN THE CLOUDS has my head in the clouds, dreaming of meeting my Gideon. What a wonderful story.

Probably the first half of the book I took my time, reading slowing, absorbing every word. After that point, I could no longer hold back and flipped through the pages, rapidly. If the cover doesn’t draw you in, then the title surely will. But if that isn’t enough, if you dare to read between the covers, the first page is bound to capture you.

As an aspiring writer, I savored every word. HEAD IN THE CLOUDS was brilliantly written, with an amazing storyline that will take you on an adventure you never want to end. How could one not fall in love with Gideon Westcott, as well as Adelaide Proctor? Every character was alive, bringing you into their world in such a way you forget they’re not real.

Karen was able to give Gideon a strong faith in such a natural way it flowed throughout the book, never seeming forced or jarring. Adelaide’s was also presented in the same way. Two wonderfully strong characters that seemed to compliment one another.

There was never a dull moment in HEAD IN THE CLOUDS. What there was is a wonderful placement of action, and romance at all the right times. Always believable, keeping you turning the pages. Right up to the very end.

It’s hard to believe this is only her second book. I can’t wait to get started on her first, A TAILOR-MADE BRIDE. Karen has definitely been added to my “favorite authors” list.

Funny thing, I had forgotten I signed up to be an influencer for this book. In September I went to the ACFW Conference in IN, and spotted HEAD IN THE CLOUDS and purchased it, along with A TAILOR-MADE BRIDE. When I arrived home, guess what was awaiting me? A copy of HEAD IN THE CLOUDS from the publisher! So even though I originally signed up to be an influencer, I don’t consider myself one because before that became a reality, I had purchased it on my own. I was that drawn to the story!