Just Let Go

 This movie has been a hit in the theaters and Deseret Book is preparing to have it fly off the shelves! 

It's message of forgiveness is an important reminder because as we let go of our past, it allows us to move forward in life. Henry Ian Cusick stars as Chris Williams in the true story "Just Let Go". After surviving a drunk driving accident that killed his pregnant wife and two kids, Chris Williams struggles to 'just let go' and forgive the young man who caused it. 

Available in DVD and blue-ray

Movie Information :

Rated PG-13 for accident images and thematic material

Movie Run Time - 106 mins

Movie Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS4BHOT4Aik&feature=youtu.be

On a cold February night in 2007, a devoted father of four and
a seventeen-year-old drunk driver both received life sentences.
In one violent, devastating instant, both faced a drastically
different and uncertain future. But as Chris Williams sat
in his demolished vehicle, staring at the car that had just
caused the death of his wife, his unborn baby, his nine-year-old
daughter, and his eleven-year-old son, he committed to do
something extraordinary: he would forgive.

That decision launched Chris on a journey toward healing that
affected his family and friends, the young man who caused the
accident, and an entire community a community that would
face another deadly tragedy just a few days later.

My thoughts: JUST LET GO is a powerful movie of forgiveness and of starting over. It was very sad, and I cried during one part. It was nice that the dad did have a couple kids left and that he gave his daughter's stuff away to other little girls.  Very touching. It did have some surprises, a lot of heart-rending moments, and a powerful message of forgiveness that everyone needs to see. 

It's hard to rate a movie that's based on real life.  How do you judge someone's life? But the acting is good, the story well-told, and the actors seemed to play the roles well.  My family rated it somewhere between 3.5 stars and 5 stars so I'm going with 4.5.  

If I Run

If I Run

by Terri Blackstock    Mystery/Suspense Zondervan Get ready for the newest thrill ride from New York Timesbestselling author Terri Blackstock: If I Run! Casey knows the truth. But it won't set her free. Casey Cox's DNA is all over the crime scene. There's no use talking to police; they have failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she's arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn't matter anymore. But what is the truth? That's the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren't adding up. Casey Cox doesn't fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan's skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn't guilty, why did she run? Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan's damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet. Read the first chapter on Goodreads!    Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1ZEF914 Terri sent over this fun video where she talks a little about If I Run.  Link: https://youtu.be/X7WMZ94GGcs Casey Cox is running for her life . . . and she didn’t do it. But those who did aren’t about to take the fall. Casey has had to deal with more tragedy than one person should have to endure.  First, she finds her father hanging by the neck in the dining room.  Then her best friend Brian, who was investigating the “alleged suicide” on her behalf, is brutally murdered.  And Casey’s DNA is all over the crime scene. Dylan Roberts, a recently discharged Army CID investigator diagnosed with PTSD, is also interested in Brian’s death.  They practically grew up together.  The police force is limited in what it can investigate, due to budgetary concerns.  And Brian’s family wants answers.  With nothing but time on his hands, and a longing for justice in his heart, Brian takes up the investigation on the family’s behalf.  What initially began as a cross-country manhunt slowly evolves into a full-blown investigation, and for each answer that Dylan finds, more questions emerge.  And by the time the questions are all answered, the definition of “justice” has taken on a surprising aspect. Just when you think you’ve got Terri Blackstock “pegged,” she’ll pull the rug right out from underneath ya! The writing style and format of IF I RUN is unlike anything I’ve come across . .  .but it works!  As the story “weaves” its way back and forth between the two main characters, you will find yourself “woven in” as well.  And putting the book down after you’ve started reading?  Good luck with that. 5 stars for a riveting tale from Terri Blackstock

Meet the Author

Terri Blackstock has sold more than six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, andDownfall, as well as the Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, Restoration, and Moonlighters series.  Connect with Terri: website, Twitter, Facebook

Blog Tour Schedule
Landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/tblackstock

Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer . . . but her DNA is all over the crime scene, and she's now a fugitive. Don't miss Terri Blackstock's next page-turner, If I Run. Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than Dylan has, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. But as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.




Join Terri in celebrating her new book with a Fitbit giveaway and a special $4.99 digital pre-order deal!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of If I Run
• A Fitbit One™ or a Fitbit Flex (winner's choice)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on February 16th. The winner will be announced February 17th on the Litfuse blog.




Plus don't miss out on the special $4.99 digital pre-order pricing, now through February 15. Pre-order the book through your favorite e-book retailer; details here.

The Photograph 

Paperback, hardcover, ebook 

September 8, 2015

by Beverly Lewis

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
• ISBN-13: 978-0764212475

He studied the picture more closely, finding it curious that the young woman looked so boldly into the camera while wearing a white prayer Kapp shaped like a heart--the characteristic head covering for the Lancaster County Old Order Amish. 

Why would a devout girl have her picture taken?

When her sister Lily disappears only months after their widowed mother's passing, Eva Esch fears she has been wooed away from the People. Yet Lily's disappearance isn't Eva's only concern: She and her sisters must relocate once their older brother takes over the family farmhouse. Then Jed Stutzman, an Amish buggy maker from Ohio, shows up in Eden Valley with a photo of a Plain young woman. Eva feels powerfully drawn to the charming stranger--but the woman in the forbidden photograph is no stranger at all. . . .

My thoughts:  I fell in love with Amish fiction, as most fans did, by reading Beverly Lewis. I greatly looked forward to THE PHOTOGRAPH although lately Ms. Lewis has been more miss than hit with me.  This one has a unique plot. An Amish man falling in love with an Amish girl via a photograph and a children's book, but it worked. The hero and heroine were apart most of the book, only together a week, but he spent most of it trying to reconcile the girl in the photograph with the girl in real life.  

This book was rather flat, one dimensional. It took ages for me to read through this book when usually I can't put Ms. Lewis's books down. However, the ending was rather engaging and tied it together nicely. There are some familiar  characters from other books in this story though it does stand alone.  I would've loved to have loved this story as I have some of her others but I am only going with 3 stars. It isn't her best work.  

Gone by Dark 

Carolina Moon # 2

Paperback, ebook 

April 12, 2015

by Christy Barritt

• Series: Carolina Moon
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform 
• ISBN-13: 978-1511704120

Charity White can’t forget the horrific crime that happened ten years ago when she and her best friend, Andrea, spontaneously cut through the woods on their way home from high school. In the middle of their trek, a man abducted Andrea, who hasn’t been seen since. 

Since that fateful day, Charity has tried to outrun the memories and guilt of that one hasty decision. What if she and her friend hadn’t taken that shortcut? Why wasn’t Charity taken instead of Andrea? And why weren’t the police ever able to track down the bad guy?

When Charity receives a mysterious letter that promises answers, she decides to face her worst nightmare. She returns home to North Carolina in search of closure and a touch of the peace that has eluded her for the past decade. With the help of her new neighbor, Police Officer Joshua Haven, Charity begins to track down mysterious clues. They soon discover that they must work together or both of them will be swallowed by the looming darkness.

My thoughts: HOME BY DARK is rather creepy. It starts out rather Anne of Green Gable-ish with two girls hanging onto each other walking through the scary woods. But then it really does get scary as one of the girls, Andrea is abducted. Charity runs off to get help, but ten years later, Andrea hasn't been found and a cryptic message has Charity returning to the town that she thinks liked Andrea better than herself and blamed her for the disappearance.  It soon becomes apparent that someone is watching Charity and that she is actually in danger.  

I didn't relate to the characters, they were rather one dimensional, not real, but the crime and the scariness factors are top-notch.  This book is guaranteed to give nightmares long after you close it - and not because the ending is scary, but because of what transpires before you get there. If you like scary, creepy, nightmare inducing stories, this is your read.  3 stars. 

The Legend of the Easter Robin / A Royal Easter Story

The Legend of the Easter Robin: An Easter Story of Compassion and Faith 

Hardcover 

January 26, 2016

by Dandi Daley Mackall (Author), 

Richard Cowdrey (Illustrator)

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz 
• ISBN-13: 978-0310749646

This newly illustrated edition of The Legend of the Easter Robin renews the wonder and charm of the original and timeless tale written by Dandi Daley Mackall. With new vibrant artwork from New York Times bestselling illustrator, Richard Cowdrey, this holiday classic is brought to life for a new generation. The Legend of the Easter Robin tells the story of Tressa, whose grandmother reveals to her the story of a small robin who saw Jesus struggling and soared to help him. This Easter tale reminds Christians everywhere how much Jesus sacrificed for us and how much he loves us.

My thoughts:  THE LEGEND OF THE EASTER ROBIN is a very cute story about Easter, robins laying eggs, a loving grandma and a legend I never heard even though my ancestry is Pennsylvania Dutch / Amish. I enjoyed reading the story, and both of my girls, even though they are older than the recommended ages of 4 - 8 both enjoyed it.. There are beautiful pictures through-out.  A great gift for your favorite little girl at Easter. Also good for church libraries and schools.  5 stars. 

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A Royal Easter Story (The Princess Parables) 

Hardcover

January 26, 2016

by Jeanna Young (Author), Jacqueline Kinney Johnson (Author), 

Omar Aranda (Illustrator)

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Series: The Princess Parables
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz 
• ISBN-13: 978-0310748700

It is the most spectacular spring in history. The princesses—Joy, Grace, Faith, Charity, and Hope are busy with preparations for the annual Easter celebration and the castle is alive with activity.

Into the kingdom ride five new friends, young knights, who are as spirited as the princesses. In the new Princess Parables title, A Royal Easter Story, a challenge is presented and the boys and girls decide to race to the neighboring village where the annual Easter celebration and feast will be held. Along the way, the princesses must weather a scary storm and rescue another new friend. But in the end the lesson is clear … trust in the Lord and his love and you can overcome any obstacle.

My thoughts:  A ROYAL EASTER STORY is a beautifully done Easter story about princesses and Easter for girls. There is a Christian message, but it is not first and foremost, it is more about the princesses and finding a lost little girl. I enjoyed reading it, and both my daughters liked it. It is a good 

book for girls who like princesses.  I loved the glittery dresses on the cover. Very cute story. 4 stars. 

Big Dreams, Big Prayers Bible for Kids, NIV 

Hardcover – Deluxe Edition, ebook

January 26, 2016

• Age Range: 8 - 12 years
• Hardcover: 1344 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz; Special edition 
• ISBN-13: 978-0310744238

The Big Dreams, Big Prayers Bible for Kids, NIV includes the complete New International Version (NIV) of the Bible along with devotions, prayers, and highlighted verses to help kids pray and listen for God’s answers to their prayers. Features include:

• Presentation page for personalization and gift giving.
• Devotions about people who prayed and listened to God such as Abraham, Hannah, and Job.
• The Lord's Prayer explained for kids.
• The "hand" prayer model to help kids remember to pray for others and themselves.
• Highlighted verses great for memorization and meditation.
• Book introductions explain what each book of the Bible is about.
• Prayer journaling pages with space to record personal prayers and answers to prayer.
• Reading plans.
• Complete text of the New International Version (NIV).

Complete text of the New International Version (NIV)

My thoughts:  This colorful Bible is sure to appeal to both tween boys and girls. Perfect for carrying to Christian school, using for homeschool, taking to church, Christian clubs, youth groups, and camp, and even keeping on their bedside table for their personal devotions. This would be a good bible to tuck into your favorite child's Easter basket (when you start getting it ready.  There is also a plan of salvation included for kids to lead their friends to Christ, or for parents to use to help their child understand. The print is normal size and easy to read.  Recommended.  

Joshua’s Mission – Finding romance and grace in the midst of disaster and GIVEAWAY!!!

v

Vannetta is graciously giving away a copy of Joshua's Mission to a commenter. Please be sure to leave contact information or you'll be disqualified if we don't know you.  

Print or ebook, USA only. 

Joshua’s Mission – Finding romance and grace in the midst of disaster

Thank you for allowing me to visit your blog today. I’m very excited about the release of Joshua’s Mission (2-1-16), which is book 2 in my Plain & Simple Miracles series. This book is a Christian romance story, but some of you may wonder … how do you find romance in the midst of a disaster? And how is this sort of story about the grace of God? Great questions!

First a short description of the story. Joshua Kline travels from his farm in Oklahoma to offer aid to an Englisch town on the gulf coast of Texas after a category 4 hurricane has ravaged the area. What will Joshua find when he arrives in Texas? A budding romance? A call from God? A possible healing of his relationship with his brother? Joshua’s Mission is a story of love, forgiveness, and the grace of God that carries us through even the worst situations.

1.      Romance? I love writing romance. I adore happily-ever-after, and I can find those stories in just about any situation. Middle of a hurricane? No problem. While your brother is intent on finding trouble with the law? Yeah. I can do that. During a recovery mission? Absolutely! I think love is, literally, all around us. And sometimes, it’s when we have trouble in our lives that we’re most open to a new relationship.

2.      Grace? Disasters are a terrible thing. If you’ve ever experienced a first hand natural disaster, or been on site soon after one, you know what I mean. It’s heartbreaking to see people’s lives ripped apart. So how can we possibly have a story about grace in such a terrible situation?

The answer is in the way that we comfort one another. Christ told us to be His hands and feet, and during disasters we find people doing that very thing. We put down our cell phones, unplug from the internet, turn off the television, and we become involved with each other’s lives.

I had the awesome chance to experience this recently after we had massive flooding in central Texas. On May 25, 2015, the towns of Wimberley and San Marcos were hit by catastrophic flooding from the Blanco River. The river crested at an estimated 41.5 feet, nearly 30 feet above flood stage. Lives were lost. Homes were destroyed. But the people in the area pulled together. Volunteers showed up in droves. Donations came in. Rebuilding began. The experience I had helping one family certainly changed my outlook. As one of the men told my husband, “We had no idea where to begin, and then you all showed up. You gave us hope.” Wow. Grace in the midst of disaster.

3.      Fiction. Joshua’s Mission is a fictional account of a hurricane that hits the Texas gulf, but I was able to use first hand testimonies of hurricane victims in other areas, my own experience working on an emergency response team, and interviews with people in the area to weave together a story. There’s a little romance and a whole lot of grace.  I hope that you’ll give it a try.

Now I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever experienced a natural disaster or helped in a recovery effort? If not, maybe you know someone who has. Tell us your story.

Vannetta Chapman

Bio and Links

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her novel, Falling to Pieces, was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award winner for best mystery. Chapman was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time. She lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.

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Book Spotlight: Streams of Mercy

Streams of Mercy 

Jenna's Creek Series #1 

Paperback

June 25, 2004

by Teresa D. Slack

• Paperback: 302 pages
• Publisher: Tsaba House 
• ISBN-13: 978-0972548656

On the day of her father?'s funeral, seventeen-year old Jamie Steele discovers that her dad was once the prime suspect in the disappearance of a local girl. All too familiar with his hard fisted lifestyle and violent temper, Jamie has to find out for herself if he was capable of the crime everyone in their small town thinks he committed. The more she discovers about the disappearance of Sally Blake, the more convinced she becomes that her dad was involved. What will she do if he?'s proven guilty? Can she find the mercy in her heart to forget the past and mourn the father she lost? 

Book Spotlight: Gideon's Call

Gideon's Call 

Paperback, ebook, audio, audio CD

October 23, 2012

by Peter Leavell

• Paperback: 359 pages
• Publisher: Worthy Book Publishers
• ISBN-13: 978-1617951176

Tad, a very clever slave boy, comes of age as the American Civil War intrudes on the tropical sea islands of South Carolina. But his desire to better himself is obstructed by the color of his skin, until Northern soldiers force the evacuation of white plantation owners, setting 10,000 slaves free in a single day. These circumstances seem like a dream, but the newly freed slaves have no money, no education, no leadership, and little hope for the future. This is the story of how a boy grows into a man facing the horrors of war and unimaginable prejudice - fighting the urge to run from the shame of his family and his past - to become the leader and deliverer of thousands of freed slaves. Award- winning author Peter Leavell explores new territory in the familiar literary backdrop of the Civil War, forging an unprecedented tale of tragedy and triumph based on true events.

Biography

Peter Leavell, a 2007 graduate of Boise State University with a degree in history, was the 2011 winner of Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest, and 2013 Christian Retailing's Best award for First-Time Author. Peter and his family live in Boise, Idaho. For entertainment, he reads historical books, where he finds ideas for new novels. Whenever he has a chance, he takes his wife and two homeschooled children on crazy but fun research trips. Learn more about Peter's books, research, and family adventures at www.peterleavell.com.