Movie Spotlight: PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST #PaulMovie #FlyBy

In PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST, Luke risks his life to visit Paul, who is held captive in a Roman prison under Nero’s rule. Together, they struggle against a determined emperor and the frailties of the human spirit in order to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ and spread their message to the world.

Paul’s letters and writings were vital to the spreading of Christianity, and became a large part of the New Testament.  Our story focuses on how, despite persecution and peril, they shared Jesus’ message of love, redemption and forgiveness with a small community of believers who in turn, took it to the whole world.

Great pains were taken to maintain biblical accuracy.  Using scripture as the only reference, director Andrew Hyatt recreated the story of Paul on film, including the close relationship with Luke, whom at the end of Paul’s life, at his own peril, traveled in and out of the prison carrying Paul’s writings to the community of believers

In Theaters Nationwide the Week Before Easter-  Friday, March 23, 2018.

BUY TICKETS HERE


Check out more videos and behind-the-scenes here

The MPAA has rated the film PG-13 for some violent content and disturbing images

Running time is 1:47 min

Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC, Collide Media Group and Columbia TriStar Marketing Group, Inc. for providing tickets to see this movie on its release in exchange for this promotional post.  Opinions are 100% my own and not influenced by monetary compensation.

Giveaway: VEINS OF GOLD by Charlie N. Holmberg

Synopsis

Desperate to save her siblings from poverty, a young woman discovers magic fueled by gold . . . and a love for the man who wields it.

Abandoned by their father for the gold rush, Gentry and her siblings labor to survive alone in the inhospitable west. When bizarre natural disasters begin wreaking havoc on the land, Gentry discovers a world of magic. Desperate for help, she accepts aid from a mysterious stranger.

Winn not only sees the magic, but controls its hunger by feeding it gold—the very thing Gentry’s father left to acquire. But the earth’s unrest only grows worse, and Gentry’s fear leads her to a terrible choice: marry a wealthy man she does not love, or trust in Winn’s unpredictable power to save her family.

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Spotlight & Giveaway: The Protective Warrior by Cami Checketts

 

The Protective Warrior by Cami Checketts 

A daughter escaping, a Navy SEAL sent to protect her, and the beautiful island that might prove more dangerous than her father. Ally, daughter of the Duke of Gunthry, has spent her life terrified of her father and dreams of the day when she can escape his tyrannical rule. When her mum helps her escape to the beautiful island of Kauai, Ally thinks she’s found paradise and maybe more with the handsome River who keeps crossing her path. But there are unexpected enemies lurking in the shadows. And no matter how tough River seems, no one can withstand the army her father will send when he discovers her location. River Duncan is part of an elite security task force of ex-Navy SEALS. Little does he know his first assignment might prove irresistible to resist and protect. When he finds himself falling for the fun-loving Ally he plans to resign his position so they can join forces in their common goal of fighting human trafficking. River has never underestimated the enemy before, but is he fully prepared to protect and love Alexandria Gunthry? Will River’s protection and Ally’s love be enough to conquer a lifetime of fear and responsibilities? Or will they be forced to give up on their dreams in the face of her sadistic and powerful father? 

   

Praise for The Protective Warrior 

I’ve read pretty much every Cami Checketts book, and I think this is my favorite of all time ever!

I absolutely love the way Cami Checketts is able to sweep me away to an exotic location, completely immersing me in the story. She always adds an element of suspense that keeps me on my toes and I was almost looking over my shoulder while hiking the lush trails of Kauai this afternoon.

It doesn’t get any better than this! An excellent read from start to finish! I love this book!

Outstanding! One of my all-time favorites!

The Protective Warrior is the perfect balance of sweet romance and on-your-toes suspense. I loved it!

   

Excerpt

They reached the pebbled area next to the waterfall, she gave him a mischievous glance and then dropped her backpack, turned, and ran straight into the pool. Diving into the water, she swam toward the waterfall. The force of the water drove her back away from it, splashing water into her face.
River stared. This girl was nuts. He would think she was fun if he wasn’t responsible for her safety.
“Come on, chum,” Ally hollered to him.
River blew out a breath, dropped his backpack, and peeled off his shirt. No reason to be completely wet when he got out.
Ally’s eyes swept over his chest as he walked toward her and she gave him a coy grin. This girl was trouble. No wonder her parents had been so willing to pay top dollar for River to protect her. Hopefully it was simply protecting her from herself. If there was a stalker or someone bent on hurting her, this innocent creature would be done for.
He stepped into the water and shivered. You’d think all water in Hawaii was warm, but it was February and the source was coming out of a mountain. Bracing himself, he dove in and swam quickly to Ally. The spray from the falls was strong. It stung his face, but he’d been born to be in the water and it didn’t bother him.
“Isn’t this the bee’s knees?” she asked, all childlike exuberance.
“Yeah.”
They treaded water next to the downpour from the waterfall for maybe half a minute; then she grinned and splashed some water at him before swimming away. She stopped and stood in water about waist deep. Water streamed down her smooth, tanned skin and her wet hair looked like gold. Her tank top clung to her chest and abdomen. She was far too beautiful and apparently clueless of that fact.
In a dozen strokes River was next to her and stood on the uneven boulders that made up the bottom of the pool.
She glanced up at the greenery surrounding them and the water cascading down. “It’s so … invigorating.”
She stuttered a step and River moved forward to steady her. The rocks were slippery and unstable. “You okay?”
“Yes. Thanks for sharing this with me! Cheers!” She threw her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his lips. Her lithe body was warm against his chest and her lips were soft and seemed to mold perfectly to his. She pulled back, laughed, and dove under the water like some sea nymph.
River sat there, stunned. That kiss had been sweet and innocent yet warmed him all the way to his bones. She couldn’t really act like this with every guy she’d met; she wouldn’t have any of the innocence left that leapt from her bright blue eyes. Didn’t she realize how dangerous this was? Being alone with some guy she didn’t know was one thing, but flinging herself at him and kissing him?
Now where was she? He glanced around the small pool. Had the waterfall gotten a hold of her and pummeled her against the rocks?
He was coiling to dive in after her when she surfaced and wiped the water off of her face. “Isn’t this fun?”
River couldn’t take it any longer. He pushed through the water, grabbed her arm, and hauled her back onto dry ground.
“Are you daft?” she asked, her eyes finally wide with fear. Maybe there was an ounce of sense in that pretty head. “Let me go!”
River released her arm, but he stayed right in her face. “Are you completely insane?”

     

Author Cami Checketts 

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction. Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. She and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn’t snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing. 

Website * Instagram * Facebook

   

Nani Swimsuit Giveaway 

To celebrate the release of The Protective One we are giving away an adorable Nani Swimsuit of your choice ($80 value). Enter to win below.  

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Spotlight and Giveaway: Whitcomb Springs series

      

Welcome to Whitcomb Springs! This is a collection of short stories, and the occasional novella, written by multiple authors. The series is filled with stories of adventure, danger, romance, and hope, and is set in the fictional town of Whitcomb Springs, Montana Territory. The stories span the years of 1865-1885. Although each story may be set during a different time, they are stand-alone and may be read in any order. While the first stories will publish on March 15, 2018, this is an on-going project, so new stories may be published at any time by one of the participating authors. For a complete listing of all currently available and upcoming Whitcomb Springs stories, visit http://www.mkmcclintock.com/whitcomb-springs-series.  

 

 

“WHITCOMB SPRINGS” BY MK MCCLINTOCK 

In the spring of 1865, a letter arrives in Whitcomb Springs for Evelyn Whitcomb. The Civil War has ended and the whereabouts of her husband is unknown, but she doesn’t give up hope. With courage, the help of a friend, and the love of a people, Evelyn finds a way to face—and endure—the unexpected. “Whitcomb Springs” is the introductory, stand-alone short story of the Whitcomb Springs series set in post-Civil War Montana. 

   

Excerpt from “Whitcomb Springs”  

Whitcomb Springs, Montana Territory—April 25, 1865 

The letter fluttered to the table. Evelyn stared at the sheet of paper but could no longer make out the words as they blurred together. Surrender. She prayed this day would come, they all had, and after four tortuous years, the war was finally over.

There would be more capitulation on the part of the South, and too many families who would never see their men again . . . but it was over.

Separated, yet not untouched, from conflict, Evelyn Whitcomb lived in the same town her husband and their two friends founded one year before news of the Civil War reached them. By way of her sister, who lived in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania with their parents, they were kept informed as often as Abigail could get a letter through. Evelyn often wondered if she should have returned to Rose Valley to help with the war effort, much as her sister Abigail had done, yet she found the needs of Whitcomb Springs to be vast as the town continued to grow.

Many men and boys left, leaving their wives, mothers, and sisters behind to fight for a cause they didn’t fully understand, yet still felt it their duty to serve. Others remained behind to continue working in the mine and watch over those families with or without kin.
Evelyn read over Abigail’s letter once more, letting the words settle into her mind, for even now she struggled to believe it was over—that her husband might return home.

Dearest Evelyn,

For too many years now I have shared with you the horrors and travesties befallen many of the young men with whom we spent our childhood. News has reached us that on the ninth of April, Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse. Oh, sister, I dared not believe it was true when Papa brought home the news. He tells us not to become overly excited for there will surely be a few more battles waged until the news reaches both sides, but we can thank God that this war is officially over.

Your news of Daniel’s disappearance has weighed heavy on my mind these past months since we heard, and Papa has attempted to learn of his whereabouts, to no avail. We have not given up! There is much confusion right now on both sides and Papa said it could be weeks or months more before the men return home. Do not lose faith, sweet Evie.

Your most loving sister,
Abigail

 

Author MK McClintock 

MK MCCLINTOCK is an award-winning author of historical romance and westerns, who has written several books and short stories, including the popular "Montana Gallagher" series, the "Crooked Creek" series, and the "British Agent" series. She continues the search for a time machine that can transport her to nineteenth-century Montana or Scotland—either works. MK enjoys a quiet life in the Rocky Mountains where she spins tales of romance, adventure, and mystery set in bygone times. 

Website & Blog * Amazon * Facebook * Twitter

   

“HEALING FIRE” BY SAMANTHA ST. CLAIRE 

After the death of Nora Hewitt's husband, the citizens of Whitcomb Springs didn't see odds favoring the young widow for holding onto the ranch with only her ten-year-old son to assist. That changes when a gentle giant of a man offers a helping hand. Motivated by compassion and his own grieving heart, the blacksmith becomes a mentor for the troubled boy and befriends the attractive widow, scandalizing the town gossips. Propriety is wielded like a weapon to separate them, but Providence makes its own plans through fire, loss and redemption. 

 

Excerpt from “Healing Fire” 

Sawdust floated into drifts beneath the workbench, swirling in the cold Montana morning air. His breath a thin fog, Dominik Andris sang to himself as he ran his palm down the length of the cedar plank. Deep and resonant, the Austrian’s voice might have suited his appearance had it not been for its soft timbre. Broad-shouldered, square-jawed, and generally solemn in bearing, most people avoided him except when his skills as a blacksmith or undertaker were required.

Today, someone had need of him as the latter. A rectangular box stood propped against the back wall. Nearly complete, the box lid before him was carved in designs more suitable for a cradle. Dominik picked up a carving knife, dwarfed in his hands, and bent to correct a curve on the delicate vine tracing its way from one end of the lid to the other. He ran his fingers along its length, testing for burrs in the grain. His humming ceased and a line formed between his brows, a frown not directed to his work but to the reason for it.

As he straightened, he rubbed at the back of his neck and a little groan escaped his lips. He took a sip of cold coffee before crossing the workshop to the back wall where he picked up the box in one hand. The weight of it or the absence of weight, struck a painful chord. Just four feet in length, it was enough. Enough to hold the body of the child, the woman’s child.

 

 

Author Samantha St. Claire 

SAMANTHA ST. CLAIRE was born in 2016, the alter-ego and pen name of an author of historical fiction born a few decades earlier. She may have found her niche in western historical fiction, served up sweet. Never faint of heart, her signature protagonists face the hazards of the frontier with courage, wit, and a healthy pinch of humor. 

Website & Blog * Amazon * Facebook

 

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 4/8/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

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Facebook Party & Giveaway from Loving the Book Events

Welcome everyone, we are so excited to introduce you to all our new updates!!!  We have been working hard to redesign, remodel and rejuvenate Loving The Book and we want to share this exciting new look with you!

Join the Party for loads of games on March 15th

Today we are featuring a treasure hunt on the same Party and Blitz page and 

the grand prize for the 2-day event is a KINDLE FIRE!

Click here to join all the Fun and get a chance to enter to win loads of prizes at the Facebook Event

Connect with us on social media:

Enter the Giveaway here:

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Review: Ashes on the Moor by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When Evangeline is sent to live in a small mill town in Northern England as a schoolteacher in 1871, she finds herself struggling to fit in with an unfamiliar culture. Raised with the high-class Victorian values and ideals of a sophisticated upbringing, she is unprepared for the poverty she finds in the gritty factory town of Smeatley, where the locals speak with a hard-to-understand Yorkshire accent and struggle to thrive with few resources or opportunities.

Though she has no training as a teacher, she must prove herself successful before her grandfather will release her substantial inheritance to her and allow her to be reunited with her younger sister, the last remaining member of her family after a fever claimed the lives of her parents and brothers.

Evangeline's sudden change in circumstances is complicated when her aunt—a woman who values class distinctions more than her family relationships—forbids her from acknowledging any connection to her or to her grandfather, Mr. Farr—the man who owns nearly the entire town. For the first time in her life, Evangeline is truly alone.

Heartbroken, she turns to the one person in town who has shown her kindness—an Irish brick mason, Dermot, and his son, Ronan. Despite the difference in their classes and backgrounds, Evangeline and Dermot become friends, due in part to her ability to connect with Ronan, whose behavior requires special attention. The boy is uncomfortable around strangers and rarely even speaks to the other children in town. He often fixates on details other people ignore, and he adheres to specific, self-made rules that give his life order and structure; for example, Dermot's coat must be hung on a specific peg next to the door.

Evangeline attempts to prove herself a worthy teacher and earn the respect of her hard-to-understand students. Determined to find a way to introduce them to "proper English" while still honoring their unique language and culture, she enlists the help of a local family to write down familiar stories in the Yorkshire vernacular. Because of her efforts, the students and their families warm to Evangeline and she continues to look for ways to give the children a chance to become more than factory workers in the local cotton mill.

When the town learns of her upper-class status, Evangeline must work twice as hard to win back their trust--especially Dermot's. In the end, Evangeline and Dermot discover that, even though they come from different social spheres, together they can overcome social prejudices, make a positive difference in the lives of even the humblest people, and enjoy the strength that comes when two hearts find each other.

Ashes on the Moor is the inspiring love story of one Victorian woman's courage to fight against all odds, and the man whose quiet strength gives her the confidence to keep trying.

My Review

This book is evidence of just why I love this author's writing! Even though the tone in the beginning is despondent as Evangeline mourns her family and struggles with her new circumstances, it shows how much she grows and how time slowly heals. She does not seem particularly strong or skilled, but her compassion and newfound grit serve her well as she continues to make the best out of what she's been given. Dermot surliness brings out her sassy side and I loved seeing their relationship develop from neighbors to unlikely friends to sweethearts. Each person in the wide cast of characters from the community are vibrant and easy to picture, and I especially enjoyed the Yorkshire way of speaking and their interesting phrases and names for things. The setting was very much a big part of the book and it felt a bit like one of my favorite movies, North and South. I liked that it was set in a smaller town though, which gave it a more cozy feel and less industrial. I have a soft spot for stories with teachers that care so much for their students, and Evangeline's determination to do the best for her students, despite her lack of training, is admirable and endearing. I was completely immersed from the get go and was happy that the initial mood of desperation slowly gave way to hope as Evangeline lifts herself with the help of Dermot and discovers her own fierce nature and strength.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: The Innkeeper's Daughter by Michelle Griep

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A London officer goes undercover to expose a plot against the Crown

Dover, England, 1808: Officer Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambling gentleman to expose a high-stakes plot against the king—and he’s a master of disguise, for Johanna Langley believes him to be quite the rogue. . .until she can no longer fight against his unrelenting charm.

All Johanna wants is to keep the family inn afloat, but when the rent and the hearth payment are due at the same time, where will she find the extra funds? If she doesn’t come up with the money, there will be nowhere to go other than the workhouse—where she’ll be separated from her ailing mother and ten-year-old brother.

Alex desperately wants to help Johanna, especially when she confides in him, but his mission—finding and bringing to justice a traitor to the crown—must come first, or they could all end up dead.

My Review

I loved all the elements in this book! A hardworking innkeeper, a British spy, smugglers, gamblers, musicians, puppets... the unique details made it stand out from others with a similar theme. Johanna's circumstances are desperate, and she keeps coming up with ideas to bring in more funds, only to find that when her plans fail, the Lord has things in hand. The spiritual message is to trust God even when there seems to be no hope left- especially then. Both Johanna and Alex find themselves in situations that definitely put that to the test, and the steady pace of the plot kept me glued to the pages. I was surprised by some of the more gritty descriptions, but I appreciated the reality it portrayed and the sense of danger and desperation was heightened. I felt like I got to know the cast of characters quickly, from Johanna's mother and brother to Alex's mysterious colleague to the troublesome Mr. Nutbrown. I loved seeing the different elements weave together as the action built toward the exciting climax which was anything but predictable. The sweet friendship that blossoms between the skeptical Johanna and the protective Alex was the icing on the cake and the yearning there for something more brought another level of tension that slowly builds throughout the book.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)