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If you are a fan of suspense books you will definitely enjoy Blind Trust, and I think, the entire series.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard a 4 Bark rating.

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Revell (June 17, 2014)
ISBN-10: 080072223X
ISBN-13: 978-0800722234

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WORD Wednesday 6-18-14

6/18/2014

7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son;
and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Galatians 4:7 KJV

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Book Spotlight - The Fragrance of Crushed Violets: Forgiving the Inexcusable by Cathy Bryant + Giveaway

6/18/2014

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Non-Fiction

The Fragrance of Crushed Violets
Forgiving the Inexcusable

The Fragrance Of Crushed Violets by Cathy Bryant

What do we do when a loved one, boss, co-worker, friend, or enemy seem determined to bring us down through an attack? How do we handle it when their assault is personal, public, deep, unjust, unfair, and unfounded? Take it one step further. How do we deal with meaningless acts of destruction and death, say in something similar to the Twin Towers incident or a school shooting, especially when the offender shows no remorse? Do we file it in our brains and rack it up to “one more senseless act” and chance to think that God somehow messed up?

In short, how do we move past the hurt and anger to a place of forgiveness?

Join us as we examine relevant scriptures about forgiveness and come away with a scriptural understanding of:

what forgiveness is and what it isn’t
God’s role in the process of forgiveness
what Jesus did at the cross for each of us
our mandate to forgive as we’ve been forgiven
what gets in the way of forgiving others
how to truly forgive

The Fragrance of Crushed Violets: Forgiving the Inexcusable is a companion Bible study booklet on forgiveness written to go along with the spiritual theme of the fifth Miller’s Creek novel, A Bridge Unbroken by Cathy Bryant. The book is designed to work for either individual or group study.

A women's Bible study group has been formed on Facebook, and will be studying the topic of forgiveness using this book beginning July 1, 2014. We would love to have you join us at LifeSword: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LifeSword/.

We'd also love to have join a Facebook Book Chat about the book on Tuesday, June 17th from 6-7 p.m. MDT: https://www.facebook.com/events/744001765650524/

Quotes from the book

"Ultimate forgiveness can only be found in God, because all sin is ultimately against God."

"Forgiveness isn't natural; it's supernatural."

“…through forgiveness, we reveal to a watching world the perfect illustration of what Christ has done for each of us.”

Purchase Your Copy

Print
Paperback: 70 pages
Publisher: WordVessel Press; 1 edition (May 16, 2014)
ISBN-10: 1941699006
ISBN-13: 978-1941699003

Kindle
File Size: 3865 KB
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1941699006
Publisher: WordVessel Press; 1 edition (May 14, 2014)
ASIN: B00KCBDRNY

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Cathy Bryant

Bio

Cathy Bryant writes both Christian fiction and devotional materials. She’s written devotions for The Upper Room devotional magazine, two devotional books, and for various online devotional sites including her own website, www.CatBryant.com. The Fragrance of Crushed Violets is her first Bible study booklet.

Cathy's standalone novels are set in the fictional town of Miller's Creek, Texas, where folks are friendly, the iced tea is sweet, and Mama Beth's front porch beckons. Her debut novel, Texas Roads, was a 2009 ACFW Genesis contest finalist and has been on the Amazon Kindle Best-Seller list. Since then she's added four other books to the Miller's Creek novels, the latest one released in Spring 2014. Readers have compared her novels to those of Karen Kingsbury and Nicholas Sparks and have called Miller's Creek the Texas version of Mayberry.

A native Texan, Cathy currently resides in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico with her minister husband of over thirty years. When she’s writing, you can find her rummaging through thrift stores, hiking through the wilderness, or up to her elbows in yet another home improvement project in the mountain cabin she calls home.

Connect With Cathy Online:

Website

Google+

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter

Amazon

Youtube

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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CrossReads Book Blast - Service Station Angel by Lisa J. Schuster + Giveaway

6/17/2014

LINK to KINDLE | LINK to PAPERBACK

Screenshot (102)

Service Station Angel
By Lisa J. Schuster

About the Book:

Sometimes God places you in a situation of great perplexity, but you perceive His intentions are premeditated and purposeful. Do you trust His lead? "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." - Psalms 37:7 (NIV) Ernie Price is a middle-aged, humble-hearted man who owns and operates a service station in a rural Midwest town in Upper Michigan, back in a time when full service was the only service, and you got your windows cleaned and your tires pumped for free. Ernie's life has been a reflection of God's love, giving of himself fully and graciously to people in the community and his church. As music director for the children's choir or hosting the yearly Christmas party for the less-fortunate children in town, Ernie impacted lives and was loved by many. When trouble rocks the small town and Ernie is physically incapacitated to offer his help, the community is left to pick up the pieces, mourn, and move on, while Ernie wrestles with the spiritual questions of his accident:

My glimpse of heaven is for what purpose on earth?

Why do I feel compelled to help this stranger know the love of the Lord? Who is this stranger anyway?

This heartwarming story of love, faithful forgiveness and following God's perfect plan, will inspire and delight!

Faith, family and friends inspired Lisa J. Schuster to write again and God nudged her to publish her first novel, Service Station Angel. She believes the words in this book are her service to others, so that they may find joy and comfort during a season of time when they need it most. "May your hand reach up towards His so that you may touch another with Jesus' abundant love," prays Lisa. Lisa lives in Highlands Ranch, Colorado with her husband and two children. She enjoys creative writing, traveling, working with inner city youth, bible study groups, singing and theater.

Follow Lisa J. Schuster

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Enter to Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Enter below to enter a $50 amazon gift card, sponsored by author Lisa J. Schuster! a Rafflecopter giveaway This book blast is hosted by Crossreads.
We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

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Monday Movie - The Rope

6/16/2014

Alfred Hitchcock's
The Rope
Starring
James Stewart ■ John Dall ■ Farley Granger

(1948)

It's his most nerve-stretching thriller!

Brandon and Philip are two young men who share a New York apartment. They consider themselves intellectually superior to their friend David Kentley and as a consequence decide to murder him. Together they strangle David with a rope and placing the body in an old chest, they proceed to hold a small party. The guests include David's father, his fiancée Janet and their old schoolteacher Rupert from whom they mistakenly took their ideas. As Brandon becomes increasingly more daring, Rupert begins to suspect.

This is totally a Hitchcock film. All of those camera angles, the dark storyline, the drama, well, everything that makes a Hitchcock movie a Hitchcock movie.

When I first picked up a VHS copy of this movie I only did it because it starred Jimmy Stewart. I brought it home and watched it with my parents. You know, To Catch A Thief or Rear Window this movie is not, but it is a good psychological drama that asks some rather interesting moral questions.

Kids will likely find the story a tad boring but anyone that loves psychological crime dramas will enjoy the story. I, honestly wondered quite a few times throughout the movie whether they would get away with it or not.... and I'm not telling, you'll have to watch it for yourself ;)

Just in case you might wonder, the violence is actually quite minimal and nothing gory. This movie is rated PG and in my opinion that is pretty much all the rating it needs.

80 Minutes

Principal Cast

Dick Hogan ... David Kentley
John Dall ... Brandon - His Friend
Farley Granger ... Phillip - His Friend
Edith Evanson ... Mrs. Wilson - Their Housekeeper
Douglas Dick ... Kenneth - David's Rival
Joan Chandler ... Janet - David's Girl
Cedric Hardwicke ... Mr. Kentley - David's Father (as Sir Cedric Hardwicke)
Constance Collier ... Mrs. Atwater - David's Aunt
James Stewart ... Rupert Cadell

Filming Location(s)

Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Quotes

Mrs. Atwater: Do you know when I was a girl I used to read quite a bit.
Brandon: We all do strange things in our childhood.

Brandon: I've always wished for more artistic talent. Well, murder can be an art, too. The power to kill can be just as satisfying as the power to create.

Brandon Shaw: Of course, he was a Harvard graduate. That might be grounds for justifiable homicide.

Brandon Shaw: Good and evil, right and wrong were invented for the ordinary average man, the inferior man, because he needs them.

Rupert Cadell: By what right do you dare to say that there's a superior few to which you belong?

DVD

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Instant Video (Streaming)

Notice: I have an affiliate with Amazon so if you purchase a movie
through the links provided I will receive a small kickback.

Thanks to IMDB.com for most of the info for this movie.

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Book Review - Plots And Pans by Kelly Eileen Hake

6/15/2014

Genre:
Historical/Romance/Western

Plots And Pans
by Kelly Eileen Hake

-From the back cover-

CAN A CRANKY COWBOY. . .

Order dictates Tucker Carmichael's life – his orders. On a cattle drive a moment's hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. The Chisholm Trail is dirty, dangerous, and no place for dainty ladies. That's just part of what he loves it.

. . .AND A CLEVER COOK. . .

Jessalyn Culpepper's life is perfectly ordered – by men. By her father's mandate, she was booted from their beloved ranch for lady lessons abroad. Now Jessalyn has returned homed, determined to show them all that a woman can manage everything from cooking to cattle – whether they like it or not!

. . .STIR UP MORE THAN TROUBLE?

Tucker does his level best to keep his partner's headstrong sister out of trouble – and he's horrified when she wants to join the cattle drive. But when they lose their chuck wagon cook, the last thing Tucker wants might be the only solution. . .

Will God lead two stubborn souls to love along a trail filled with their Plots and Pans?

This zany historical romance is one that makes the reader laugh but also has some tearjerker moments that will cause you to look inward.

I honestly chose Plots And Pans partly because of the crazy title and mostly because it made me laugh when I read the back cover blurb. The story was exactly what I was looking for, a lighthearted historical romance with a dash of introspection.

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This Book earned a 4 Bark rating.

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Kelly Eileen Hake

This story had quite a few twists and turns. Just when you think everything Jessalyn and Tucker are getting things figured out something happens and there is a misunderstanding and tempers flare. I liked how both of them made mistakes, nailed each other with some hilarious zingers, and yet when it came down to it both of them were warmhearted and kind, even if sparks seriously flew when they were together.
In many ways Plots And Pans is a hilarious battle of the sexes, she thinks she should do whatever she wants no matter how dangerous and he is a bit smothering with his protectiveness.

Kelly Eileen Hake knows her craft well. Realistic characters, a great storyline, and cowboys! What else could you possibly need in a story?

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Plots And Pans by Kelly Eileen Hake a 4 Bark rating.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press; Gld edition (April 1, 2014)
ISBN-10: 1620299585
ISBN-13: 978-1620299586

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Book Review - Bodyguard Reunion by Margaret Daley

6/14/2014

Genre:
Suspense

Bodyguard Reunion
Guardians, Inc. -- Love Inspired Suspense
by Margaret Daley

-From the back cover-

REUNIONS CAN BE DEADLY

Teaming up with an old flame is not what bodyguard Chloe Howard would call a smart move. Nine years ago Chloe and T.J. Davenport worked on a case together, fell in love, then went their separate ways. Now she's reunited with the fearless bodyguard to protect a controversial couple on a book tour through Texas. And the reunion reminds Chloe of dreams best forgotten. She knows she has to keep her emotions in check so their clients' protection remains their top priority. Protection that is the only thing keeping them from falling prey to a stalker's deadly schemes.

Guardians, Inc.: Born to protect,
bound to fall in love

I've gotten hooked on Margaret Daley's Love Inspired books, each story is a short and enjoyable suspenseful jaunt.

Margaret Daley has written quite a few stories, each one just seems to get even better and Bodyguard Reunion is no exception. She knows how to weave a tight plot with plenty of suspense and a dash of romance.

I think one of my favorite things about the book is that the hero and heroine were on a level playing field, both are bodyguards with experience under their belts. Sometimes in suspense books you have the one character that is a cop-like figure and the other is totally out of their element so it was really nice to see the balance in Bodyguard Reunion as the two shared responsibility and trusted each other.

Great characters, plenty of danger and suspense, a few surprises, and a dash of romance make Bodyguard Reunion a perfect afternoon's read.

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This Book earned a 4 Bark rating.

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Margaret Daley

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Bodyguard Reunion by Margaret Daley a 4 Bark rating.

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (May 6, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0373445954
ISBN-13: 978-0373445950

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Free Friday - Safe By The Marshal's Side by Shirlee McCoy

6/13/2014

Safe By The Marshal's Side
Witness Protection (Love Inspired Suspense)
by Shirlee McCoy

HER LIFE IS ON THE LINE

For a year, U.S. marshal Hunter Davis has protected witness Annie Delacorte and her toddler daughter. But now, someone is determined to stop Annie from testifying against the men who killed her husband. To guard Annie, by-the-book Hunter will have to break a promise to himself: to not get emotionally involved. After all, he already cares more deeply than he ever imagined for the sweet family of two…a family he'll do anything to keep safe and sound by his side.

Witness Protection: Hiding in plain sight

ALWAYS check the price before clicking
to make sure it is still Free ($0.00)

File Size: 342 KB
Print Length: 219 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0373445784
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (January 1, 2014)
ASIN: B00EFPO0QQ

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Shirlee McCoy

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Abandoned Memories Pre-Release Party Teaser 6-13-14

6/13/2014

Releases July 1st

Abandoned Memories
Escape To Paradise book 3
by MaryLu Tyndall

In MaryLu Tyndall’s stunning conclusion to her Escape from Paradise series, Angeline Moore longs to make a fresh start in the Confederate colony of New Hope, Brazil. James Callaway longs to create a city free from immoral women who caused his failure as a preacher. But a series of strange happenings soon lead the colonists to believe they have been brought to this place for a divine purpose.

According to MaryLu's blog:

"Abandoned Memories will be released on July 1st, but every Friday this month, I'll be giving you a sneak peek at the story and characters and giving away one free copy (That's 4 chances to win!!)"

Here is a teaser for this week's party post...

So, head on over there to find out who he is and enter the giveaway!

Click HERE

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WORD Wednesday 6-11-14

6/11/2014

26 Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun,
and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days,
in the day that the Lord bindeth up the breach of his people,
and healeth the stroke of their wound.

Isaiah 30:26 KJV

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Book Review - Silenced by Dani Pettrey

6/10/2014

Genre:
Suspense

Silenced
Alaskan Courage book 4
by Dani Pettrey

-From the back cover-

Jake Knew Something Was Wrong.
But He Never Guessed How Wrong.

A RELAXING DAY OF ROCK CLIMBING TAKES A DISTURBING TURN when Kayden McKenna's route brings her face-to-face with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something darker? When the case is handed to overburdened sheriff Landon Grainger, he turns to Jake Westin for help. With Jake's past now revealed, he's ready to use his talent for investigation again – but he could never prepare for where the mystery will take him.

Kayden's climbing expertise soon leads her and Jake to the realization that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is onto them. When strange things begin happening in yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger. But the truth is far worse than he could ever imagine.

This is a Dani Pettrey book, need I say more? OK, so for this actually to be a review I DO have say at least a little more. I LOVE suspense, got hooked years ago on mystery and suspense and have devoured the genre since. I read the first book in the Alaskan Courage series last year and have enjoyed each succeeding title.

Silenced has everything it takes to make a good suspense story. One of my favorite parts of reading mystery/suspense is trying to figure out who-done-it but Dani Pettrey had me totally stumped on this one, I totally did not see it coming.

This Book earned a 4.5 Bark rating.

Dani Pettrey

Another great story from a wonderful author, Silenced will grab your attention and hold it whether you are looking for romance, suspense, or the great outdoors, it has them all and then some.

Dani Pettrey has a confirmed fan in me and I will be eagerly awaiting, not only the final book in the series, but also any future books.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Silenced by Dani Pettrey a 4.5 Bark rating.

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (May 6, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0764211951
ISBN-13: 978-0764211959

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Monday Movie - National Treasure

6/9/2014

National Treasure
Starring
Nicholas Cage ■ Diane Kruger ■ Justin Bartha

(2004)

The clues are right in front of your eyes.

Benjamin Franklin Gates, a historian and amateur cryptologist searching for a lost treasure of precious metals, jewelry, artwork and other artifacts that was accumulated into a single massive stockpile by looters and warriors over many millennia starting in Ancient Egypt, later rediscovered by warriors who form themselves into the Knights Templar to protect the treasure, eventually hidden by American Freemasons during the American Revolutionary War. A coded map on the back of the Declaration of Independence points to the location of the "national treasure", but Gates is not alone in his quest. Whoever can steal the Declaration and decode it first will find the greatest treasure in history.

This action packed historical adventure will entertain families members of all ages.

This movie is not a great historical work but it is a cool adventure that introduces some U.S. history that is more and more forgotten. Kids and parents alike may find themselves inspired to find out more about our Founding Fathers and the time in which they lived.

I've never really been a fan of what I call "over the top" movies, and this one is just that in some ways, but there is something about the movie that keeps me coming back and putting the DVD in to watch it yet again.

History, action, adventure, romance, humor.... What more could you ask for in a movie?

I'd have to say that National Treasure is definitely a popcorn movie so you might want to make a big bowlful when you go to watch it.

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131 Minutes

Principal Cast

Nicolas Cage ... Benjamin Franklin Gates
Diane Kruger ... Abigail Chase
Justin Bartha ... Riley Poole
Sean Bean ... Ian Howe
Jon Voight ... Patrick Gates
Harvey Keitel ... Sadusky

Filming Location(s)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Knott's Berry Farm - 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, California
U.S.S. Intrepid, New York City, New York
Utah, USA (Arctic Scene)
Washington, District of Columbia
DAR - Memorial Continental Hall.- 1776 D Street NW, Washington DC
First Congregational Church - 540 S. Commonwealth Avenue, Los Angeles, California
Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, Washington DC
Los Angeles, California
New York City, New York
Trinity Church - 79 Broadway, Financial District, Manhattan, New York City, New York

Awards

2005 BMI Film & TV Awards
BMI Film Music Award - Trevor Rabin

Quotes

Ben Gates: If there's something wrong, those who have the ability to take action have the responsibility to take action.

Riley Poole: It took you all of two seconds to decide to steal the Declaration of Independence.
Benjamin Franklin Gates: Yeah, but I didn't think I was going personally have to tell my dad about it.

Ben Gates: Meet me at the car. Call me if you have any problems.
Riley Poole: Like if we get caught and killed?
Ben Gates: Yeah - that would be a big problem. Take care of her.
Riley Poole, Abigail Chase: [together] I will.

Riley Poole: Who wants to go down the creepy tunnel inside the tomb first?

Powell: [referring to the underground staircase] How do a bunch of guys with hand tools build all this?
Ben Gates: Same way they built the pyramids - and the Great Wall of China.
Riley Poole: Yeah... the aliens helped them.

Benjamin Franklin Gates: I'm so sorry I dropped you - I had to save the Declaration!

Abigail Chase: No, don't be. I would have done exactly the same to you.
Benjamin Franklin Gates: Really?
Abigail Chase: Yeah.
Riley Poole: I would've dropped you both! Freaks.

Abigail Chase: Riley, are you crying?
Riley Poole: Look... Stairs.

DVD - Widescreen

DVD - Full Screen

2-Disc Collectors

Blu-ray & DVD

2 Movie Collection - DVD

2 Movie Collection - Blu-ray

Amazon Instant Video

Notice: I have an affiliate with Amazon so if you purchase a movie
through the links provided I will receive a small kickback.

Thanks to IMDB.com for most of the info for this movie.

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D-Day

6/6/2014

70 Years Ago Today
June 6th, 1944

The cost in lives on D-Day was high. More than 9,000 Allied Soldiers were killed or wounded, but their sacrifice allowed more than 100,000 Soldiers to begin the slow, hard slog across Europe, to defeat Adolf Hitler’s crack troops.
- http://www.army.mil/d-day -

On June 6, 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline, to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which, “we will accept nothing less than full victory.” More than 5,000 Ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end, the Allies gained a foot-hold in Continental Europe.

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Free Friday - Critical Care by Candace Calvert

6/6/2014

Critical Care
Mercy Hospital book 1
by Candace Calvert

After her brother dies in a trauma room, nurse Claire Avery can no longer face the ER. She's determined to make a fresh start—new hospital, new career in nursing education—move forward, no turning back. But her plans fall apart when she's called to offer stress counseling for medical staff after a heartbreaking day care center explosion. Worse, she's forced back to the ER, where she clashes with Logan Caldwell, a doctor who believes touchy-feely counseling is a waste of time. He demands his staff be as tough as he is. Yet he finds himself drawn to this nurse educator . . . who just might teach him the true meaning of healing.

ENDS JUNE 14th 2014

File Size: 532 KB
Print Length: 302 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1414325436
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.; Original edition (May 20, 2009)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
ASIN: B00BPBCWD6

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Candace Calvert

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Abandoned Memories Pre-release Party Teaser 6-6-14

6/6/2014