Movie Spotlight & Giveaway: Once I Was Engaged

 

ONCE I WAS ENGAGED TICKETS ON SALE NOW

-Highly Anticipated Sequel to ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE opens exclusively in theatres on July 21-

 

SALT LAKE CITY – Advance tickets are now on sale for ONCE I WAS ENGAGED – the eagerly awaited sequel to the award-winning, smash hit ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE – the film opens exclusively in Utah theatres on Friday, July 21 before expanding to Arizona, Idaho, and Nevada on August 6 and nationally on August 13. Written and directed by Maclain Nelson, ONCE I WAS ENGAGED brings back all the original film’s favorite cast of characters, including Bree (Clare Niederpruem), Holly (Hailey Smith), Lane (Paris Warner), and of course, Carrie Carrington (Lisa Valentine Clark). And this film introduces a couple key new characters, including Curt Carrington; Carrie’s husband and Bree’s father, played by High School Musical’s Bart Johnson; and Thys Chesterfield, played by Studio C’s Tanner Gillman.

“Fans have been screaming for a sequel ever since we released the first film,” exclaimed Nelson. “And we are beyond excited for everyone to get back to the movie theatre and experience the next chapter in the lives of their favorite campers.”

The story takes place about two years after ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE. The young women and their leaders have grown up (some more than others), and Bree’s surprise engagement and the whirlwind of wedding planning brings them all back together – with hilarious and touching results.

“This movie is the warmest and funniest thing you’ll see this year,” quipped Lisa Valentine Clark. “Not to mention audiences get to see some men in the mix this time. We added the one-and-only Bart Johnson and the charming and hilarious Tanner Gillman. I’m not going to say they steal the show, but I’m not going to not say that either. You’ll just have to come see for yourself.”

Even though the story is a sequel to the first film, audiences will also get to see the original girls as their much younger selves for the first time. “I won’t give away too much, but old and new fans alike get to learn so much more history of the girls,” explained Clare Niederpruem, who plays Bree. “Audiences will absolutely adore them, and who knows, maybe there’s a prequel story to BEEHIVE that needs to be told.”

In the years since ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE was released, many cast members have been busy in the entertainment industry, especially Clare Niederpruem. ENGAGED signals her first return to being in front of the camera in quite a few years. “We’re so excited to celebrate at the premiere and mingle with the fans. We want this to be the party of the summer,” said Niederpruem who has become a sought-after director for feature films, TV movies and TV series, including an adaptation of LITTLE WOMEN and multiple TV movies for the Hallmark Channel

To see the trailer for ONCE I WAS ENGAGED and to see where the film is playing nearest you, visit: https://www.onceiwasengaged.com/

Giveaway
 

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Review: Fly Home to Me by Chalon Linton

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A traffic jam is the last thing Piper Holland has patience for. The dry cleaner’s will soon close, and she really hopes to wear her luxury silk blouse when she pitches her theme to the editors of the magazine she works for. But when she finally sees what’s caused the backup, she feels a pinch of guilt: a man in a military uniform is gallantly pushing a stalled vehicle off the road. Suddenly her rush to the dry cleaner’s seems incredibly unimportant. Fate offers Piper a chance to redeem herself, however, when the handsome good Samaritan crosses her path again.

Gabriel Orsini, a fighter pilot stationed at Luke Air Force Base, seems to be the perfect man, and an assignment at the magazine offers Piper the perfect chance to get to know him better. Her “Day in the Life: Hometown Heroes” article was tailor-made for the bighearted pilot. Before long, their interviews for the article enter date territory, and Piper realizes she’s falling for Gabriel. But her tragic past has taught her one thing: everyone leaves. And the transient lifestyle of a military man leaves her no doubt that Gabriel will eventually abandon her too. With her heart on the line, Piper must decide: is the risk of loss worth the possibility of forever?

My Review

This sweet and gentle romance follows Piper's healing journey as she comes to terms with how her losses and grief are affecting her relationships. Her parents and one of her brothers had been killed in a car accident several years previously, and the fear and anxiety she developed over losing those she loves influences her relationships with her remaining brothers, sister-in-law, best friend, and dating life. I appreciated that her process of awareness and change included long term work with her therapist as well as her deepening relationship with God through church and prayer. She is well put together and successful in her career, and Gabriel's sunny personality instantly draws her to him. Their rapport develops quite naturally and is refreshingly realistic. Gabriel is patient as she gets used to the idea of ditching her four-date rule and moving into a meaningful relationship. I felt like her constant worrying overshadowed the joy of their falling in love, and I found it a little difficult to connect to those feelings. The lessons she learns about reconciliation and letting go of her perceived control bring both depth and  light to her character and I was happy to see her growth by the end of the story. The pace of the book is on the slower side with plenty of details that bring each scene to life, allowing me to easily envision them in my mind.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

Don't miss the first book in the Flying in Love series . . .

 

 

 

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Pearl's Promise by Edwina Kiernan

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Pearl's Promise by Edwina Kiernan, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Pearl's Promise 

Series: Gems of Grace #2 

Author: Edwina Kiernan 

Publisher: Moliant Publishing 

Release Date: May 1, 2021 

Genre: Christian Historical Romance 

A duty-bound heir. A dejected spinster. An encounter that could ruin both their families' demands for their futures... 

Horrified to see the man she had always dreamed of marrying saying his vows to someone else, Pearl Acton’s devastation only seems to confirm one of her deepest fears - that she’ll remain unseen and alone, never mattering to anyone. 

And when her family falls on hard times and seeks to marry her off to a wealthy suitor as soon as possible, her other deepest fear seems inevitable - being trapped in a loveless marriage, just like her parents. 

Until an encounter with a quiet and soulful heir, Nicholas Dalton, sparks a fragile hope that perhaps Pearl might save her family’s fortune and marry for love. 

But when circumstances on both sides of their families take drastic turns, the promise of happiness seems irrevocably shattered. 

As Pearl and Nicholas each strive to uphold their family duties, they soon discover that things aren’t quite what they seem. But is it too late to escape their crushing obligations and forge a new path - together? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

 

Excerpt

 

Nicholas rose to his feet. “I shall away at once and send for Dr. Henderson. I shall return with him as soon as he is able to come.” He made haste toward the door. Mr. Smith stirred with intent to rise also.

            “No. Remain where you are. Rest awhile.” Nicholas paused. “Is there anything that you need before the doctor arrives?”

            “No, sir,” Mr. Smith said, weakly. “Sir, I—” He shook his head slowly. “I cannot thank you enough, sir. For your kindness.”

            Nicholas assured him there was no such need. As he stepped out into the chilly, fresh air, he was almost light- headed. Walking away, he glanced back, a heaviness on his shoulders that he didn’t know how to remove. What a woeful place poor Mr. Smith was forced to dwell in.

            As he turned the corner and saw Eirwen waiting patiently for him, a rush of comfort swept over him.

            “There now, old girl. We were right. Poor Mr. Smith is not well at all.”

            The mare looked at him as he spoke, with a deep, steady eye. Nicholas leaned his forehead against her neck and sighed. His mind raced with thoughts of Mr. Smith, of what might be done, and of his father, whose disapproval would be as severe as his manner.                       It still made him shudder slightly to remember the time not so long ago that he had overheard his father and Brooks discussing the tenants. Cretins, he had called them. Miserable parasites.

            The same indignance rose now in Nicholas’s chest as it had that night. He’d hovered outside the door, praying for the courage to go in and defend the people that his father seemed to have forgotten were so integral to their prosperity.     

Yet, he’d failed.

As he mounted his horse, the memory of injustice gave him new resolve.

            “Come, we must return and send for the doctor,” Nicholas said to Eirwen.

            With a dig of his heels, they were bounding back to the main house, Nicholas asking in silent prayer for guidance.

            One thing he knew: this time, he wouldn’t fail. 

  

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edwina Kiernan is a Christian writer, and author of the well-received Inspirational Regency romance novel, Ruby’s Redemption.

An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination, and research in hope-infused tales set in times past. Her latest novel is the second in the Inspirational Regency romance series, Gems of Grace. 

A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood. She still loves to learn, taking courses from places like Oxford University and the Beau Monde, for both fun and further education. 

When she’s not writing, Edwina loves spending time with her dashing husband and lively little son, reading and studying the Bible, getting lost in a captivating novel, and drinking more types of tea than most people realize even exist. 

 For free gifts, updates, and lots of classic and historical fiction goodness, join her mailing list at EdwinaKiernan.com

CONNECT WITH EDWINA: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Pearl's Promise and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 22, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 29, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.