Where Hope Grows - REVIEWED

About the Movie (from the website)

.Calvin Campbell is a former professional baseball player sent to an early retirement due to his panic attacks at the plate. Even though he had all the talent for the big leagues, he struggles with the curveballs life has thrown him. Today, he mindlessly sleepwalks through his days and the challenge of raising his teenager daughter. His life is in a slow downward spiral when it is suddenly awakened and invigorated by the most unlikely person – Produce, a young-man with Down syndrome who works at the local grocery store.

Calvin slowly loses the chip on his shoulder as he begins to experience the world through Produce’s eyes. Faith, work, purpose and most importantly family, blossom into Calvin’s life as their friendship develops. The unlikely pair becomes intertwined giving Calvin’s life new meaning and purpose, but unfortunately leads to tragedy due to single decision echoed from Calvin’s past.

Where Hope Grows is a story of finding redemption through faith, hope and love.

My Thoughts:

Where Hope Grows is a sweet reminder that you never really know what others around you are walking through.  The character of Calvin Campbell (played by Kristoffer Polaha) is a barely functioning alcoholic whose life is changed by the unconditional love of a young man who serves as a grocer in the produce section of the local grocery store. (David DeSanctis)  It sounds rather unlikely to read it in a synopsis, but the truth that lies within the story is all too real, and the world would indeed be transformed if we all took a note from David DeSanctis’ character and loved others as Christ loved us.

This is a great family movie, because in addition to the realistic and much-needed faith message, there isn’t an attempt to make everything smooth and easy for the characters.  Broken lives, shattered homes, addiction – these are laid bare within the context of the movie, and the consequences become rather brutal.  The film has a strong redemptive message, as well as one that emphasizes the need for community and friendship.

I am eager to recommend this film to you and I am proud to have it in my movie collection!

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin - REVEIEWED

Through Waters Deep (Revell, August 2015)

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war.

Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges---and dangers---await them.

Sarah Sundin takes readers to the tense months before the US entered WWII. Readers will encounter German U-boats and torpedoes, along with the explosive power of true love, in this hopeful and 
romantic story.

Purchase your copy HERE.

My Thoughts:

“How many good things in her life had she missed due to fear?”  (p. 335)

Mary Stirling’s fear has a head on collision with faith and selfless bravery in Sarah Sundin’s latest novel, Through Waters Deep.  Working as a secretary in a Navy ship yard on the brink of the Second World War, Mary faces unexpected danger and an unexpected chance at romance!  Quite a combination when those two elements are intertwined with the imagination and writing of a skillful wordsmith!  If you enjoy the WWII era like I do, you will totally enjoy this novel!

Mary tends to bumble into a lot of her information even when she is purposefully trying to collect information for the FBI.  Sleuthing is not her strong suit, but the selfless way she pours herself into the task reveals a far greater strength than even she recognizes in herself.   Ensign Jim Avery begins to notice Mary’s strength and inner beauty, but not before both of them find themselves in imminent danger!

I wouldn’t have thought that saboteurs would be busy prior to a major World War, but in the context of this novel, the overall sensitivity and suspicion of one group of people toward another serves as the perfect catalyst for the mystery at hand!  The motives are also realistic for the time period, and the entire plot line is filled with realistic relationship struggles set against a backdrop of mystery and intrigue that is driven by fear.

Fear is something that Mary recognizes in herself, and it is brilliant to watch her character grow and change as she struggles to overcome the emotion that keeps her bound.  This is a finely written novel that begins the Waves of Freedom series! If you enjoy historical romances – this is the novel you have been searching for! 

About the Author:

Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, In Perfect Time, and the Wings of Glory series. In 2014, On Distant Shores was a finalist for the Golden Scroll Awards from both AWSA and the Christian Authors Network. In 2011, Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist's mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.

Where Hope Grows - releasing on Blueray and DVD August 25th! - Review to come!

DVD arrives on Digital HD August 11 and on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital) and On Demand August 25 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Receiving 5 out of 5 Doves from The Dove Foundation, Where Hope Grows is an uplifting tale of an ex-baseball player who finds salvation when he befriends a grocery-store clerk who has Down syndrome. Theatrically released in 2015, and written and directed by Chris Dowling (Rock Slyde), the heartwarming film features touching performances from a stellar cast including Kristoffer Polaha (TV’s “Ringer,” TV’s “Life Unexpected”), Billy Zabka (The Karate Kid), Brooke Burns (Shallow Hal, TV’s “Baywatch”), Kerr Smith (TV’s “The Fosters,” TV’s “Dawson’s Creek”), Michael Grant (TV’s “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”), Alan Powell (The Song) with Danica McKellar (TV’s “The Wonder Years”) and introducing David DeSanctis as “Produce.”

Calvin Campbell (Polaha), a former pro baseball player with a self-destructive streak, has his faith in God restored when he meets Produce (DeSanctis), an inspirational man with Down syndrome. As their friendship develops, Calvin is reminded that hope grows in the most unlikely places.

The Where Hope Grows home entertainment bonus material includes deleted scenes, plus two featurettes that look at the casting of “Produce” and a discussion of the “R-word,” along with an audio commentary from writer/director Chris Dowling and actor David DeSanctis.  The Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.

Watch a clip

https://www.wetransfer.com/downloads/e69f1ace3e7029cbbc0b1039d8f121b720150817192225/aad424

Once Upon A Summertime by Melody Carlson - REVIEWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing

Once Upon A Summertime 

by 

Melody Carlson

About the Book:  She's looking for her big break. She never imagined it would depend on a blast from her past.

Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a young woman starting out her career.

Then, out of the blue, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to reinvent herself and reinvigorate her career by moving to New York City. She applies for a management position at a stylish new hotel, The Rothsberg. But the city is full of surprises--not the least of which is discovering that Sean O'Neil, a once-upon-a-time crush, has applied for the very same position. 

This sweetly romantic tale of dreams come true takes you through the storied streets of New York City--and into the depths of the human heart. 

My Thoughts:

“I got the job.”  (p. 114)

Anna Gordon got a dream job in New York managing the housekeeping staff at a newly renovated hotel.  For once in her life, things seemed to be going in a direction that both fulfilled her and made her happy.  The fact that her childhood friend, Sean O’Neil is working with her – or, more accurately, that she will be working for him -  is an added bonus! 

Or is it?  What begins as a relationship with magical wings of serendipity and similar tastes becomes complicated by charming roommates and work related policy.  Anna finds herself balancing a series of awkward situations and even more awkward conversations.  At one point, her dream job ceases to look very dreamy at all.

Melody Carlson creates characters that are very realistic, and the romantic aspect builds naturally and believably.  I think one of my favorite scenes in the entire novel is the first full day Sean and Anna spend together in their new city home.  It was a totally enchanting day – even for me as the reader!  Now, I want to go to New York!  Once Upon a Summertime  is an enchanting and engaging book that revisits lots of “firsts” in life for Anna, as well as new beginnings.  This is the first in the Follow Your Heart series, and I am more than happy to recommend it to readers of all ages!

About the Author:

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington's, which is being considered for a TV movie. She is also the author of many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, Double Take, the Life at Kingston High series, and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. She is the winner of aRomantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series andFinding Alice. Melody and her husband live in Oregon.

For more information about Melody visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com.

Wild in the Hollow by Amber C. Haines - REVIEWED

About the Book:
Amber Haines is a woman haunted by God. Like Eve in the Garden, she craved the fruit that she thought would lead her to freedom. But the whispers of temptation led her instead down a path of isolation, dissatisfaction, and life-altering choices. In her most broken moment, Amber met God waiting for her in the fallout, freely offering her grace and life.

This is a story of the God who makes himself known in broken places.

My Thoughts:

“The hollow is made for a Holy Spirit that satisfies, and any other thing will only dry the bones and hush the prayer.”  (p. 68)

Amber C. Haines book, Wild in the Hollow, is a unique blend of biography and spiritual insight.  It is a book that follow someone’s heart, in this case, the author, from a place of rote religion to a life filled with the abundance of God’s love and leadership through the Holy Spirit.  Haines’ story is not pretty.  It reminds me of some of the testimonies that I heard as a girl in church.  I would often think that such messed up life experiences made for a powerful testimony of God’s love and power. 

Haines has been through a lot of pain in her lifetime.  But in some way, we all have.  And we will continue to encounter pain and loss this side of heaven.  What I think the author is trying to point us toward is that God alone can fill the hollow inside us.  When we try to fill it with anything else, it becomes an idol that consumes us, then ,breaks us. 

Wild in the Hollow shares Amber Haines’ journey.   As believers, I think we will all recognize part of ourselves reflected back at us. She writes in a beautiful, poignant style that makes me want to weep at times.   This is a very moving book – raw in its honesty – beautiful in its lyrical style!

About the Author:

Amber C. Haines is a soulful writer and a blogger at TheRunaMuck.com. She is curator, with her husband, Seth, of Mother Letters and is a contributor with many acclaimed writers and bloggers at DaySpring's (in)courage. She has been involved as a coordinator with both BlissDom and !dea Camp Orphan Care and continues to build meaningful relationships with church leaders, lifestyle bloggers, authors, advocates, and poets. She lives in Arkansas.

Glory Days by Max Lucado - REVIEWED

About the Book:

God has a Promised Land for you to claim.

Maybe you're feeling a little stuck. Caught in a rut. You're fighting the same battles and facing the same temptations. You're wondering, is this as good as the Christian life gets?

There's good news. You were made for more. You were made for Glory Days.

In God's plan, in God's land, you win more often than you lose, forgive as quickly as you are offended, and give as abundantly as you receive. You may stumble, but you will not collapse. You may struggle, but you'll defy despair. You will enjoy abundant fruit and increasing faith.

With God's help you can close the gap between the person you are and the person you want to be.

These days are Glory Days.

Your past is past,

your future is bright,

God's promises are true and

his Word is sure.

With God as your helper,

you will be all he wants you to be,

do all he wants you to do,

and receive all he wants you to receive.

These days are Glory Days.

My Thoughts:

“In Canaan you do not fight for victory.  You fight from victory.”  (p.20)

Max Lucaco’s latest book challenges believers to know and believe what God’s Word tells us! We ARE redeemed, and Holy Spirit power dwells within us!  We need to stop thinking we are fighting to win, but realize we are fighting from a place of VICTORY!  Yes, our lives will be filled with trials as we walk through this world – we’re not home yet.  But while we are here in this life, we can live and love and make an eternal difference in the world around us!

Using Joshua’s life as a guide, Lucado give one example after another from God’s Word that sets a challenge before believers – to walk in the promises of God – to enjoy Glory Days as we walk through our life journey.  This is a book filled with life examples of people who have had this paradigm shift take place in their hearts and lives.  It makes all the difference!!

I am thrilled to know that this message has come through many avenues and poured into my life!!  The church I attend has an entire curriculum based around the principles presented in this book.  I’ve heard messages from several pulpits that echo this message!  Folks, it is time to believe what God ‘s Word says and walk in it!

Lucado teaches from God’s Word throughout this book.  It is a magnificent teaching tool filled with challenges and encouragement!  I am happy to recommend it to you!!

About the Author:

More than 120 million readers have found comfort in the writings of Max Lucado. He ministers at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and a sweet but misbehaving mutt, Andy. 

Ties That Bind Premieres Wednesday, August 12th! 9pm EST - My Review of the Premiere

About the series:
Allison McLean (Kelli Williams) is a tough and experienced police detective in suburban Seattle. Like most working women, her hands are already full, balancing a demanding and dangerous job and a family — husband Matt (Jonathan Scarfe), and teenagers Jeff (Mitchell Kummen) and Rachel (Natasha Calis). But when she and her partner, Devin (Dion Johnstone), must arrest her brother, Tim (Luke Perry), for aggravated assault, her world drastically changes as Tim is convicted and sent to prison leaving his two teenagers Cameron (Rhys Matthew Bond) and Mariah (Matreya Scarrwener) teetering on the brink of foster care.

Having done the right thing as an officer of the law, Allison now feels compelled to do the right thing as a sister and aunt; she brings Tim’s two very unhappy teens into her home. Squeezing four teenagers under one roof proves to be an additional test of Allison’s strength and patience. It won’t be easy for her husband, her children or Tim’s kids either.

In addition to investigating local crimes, the UP Original Series “Ties That Bind” will also focus on the joys and struggles of the teens as they adjust to their new home, their new high school, make new friends and experience love, romance, anger and jealousy.

My Thoughts:

“I’m fine,” and “It won’t be easy but it will be right,” are signature lines for Detective Allison McLean in UP tv’s new series, Ties That Bind.   I understand the havoc that is wrecked on families because of addiction after the time I spent volunteering at a local rehab center.  The main character in this series, Allison, sees it from both sides – as a police detective and as a family member taking in her brother’s two teen children.  It is NOT pretty!

This is a realistic look into the challenges faced by families in the 21^st century.  It’s not so fictionalized as you might think!  The premiere promises to be both emotionally rewarding and very difficult.  The characters of Cameron and Moriah – the children of a mother in rehab and a father sent to jail for aggravated assault – are realistically portrayed and virtually ooze anger and rebellion.  Rachel and Jeff – the McLean children – are also realistic in their response to the unwelcome invasion of these disruptive and rebellious kids.

Allison and her husband Matt are also realistically displayed in their desire to do the right thing – but at what cost?  Their marriage takes a hit in this first episode, and I’m sure it's one of many to come.  The writers of this series don’t paint a rosy picture.  They delve head-first into the challenges of stepping up to be there for your family….and the cost that is involved in all areas of life!  Allison and Matt have a strong marriage that has already weathered storms, and by first appearances, have the strength to survive the latest challenge.

I think this will be a thought-provoking and challenging series that will offer many opportunities for honest discussions within families facing similar circumstances as well as for those impacted peripherally by similar family dynamics. 

It’s a great start to a series that promises many twists and turns as well as a means for growth and maturity to take place.  I am happy to recommend this to viewers!