"The Eleventh" on Feeln Review- Good, wholesome entertainment for the entire family!

Feeln is the leading streaming service that brings you heartfelt stories of love and togetherness - anytime, anywhere. This May, Feeln launched its original series “The Eleventh” which stars a trifecta of TV legends including Florence Henderson (The Brady Bunch, Dancing With The Stars), Ed Asner (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Roots, Up), Cloris Leachman (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Malcolm In The Middle), and newcomer Ren Harris. I was given the opportunity to review the first episode and share my thoughts with you. 

“The Eleventh” focuses on a young girl’s journey to getting to know her estranged grandmother in order to bring closure to the past and unite her family. Cloris Leachman plays the grandmother and does a wonderful job. There are many unanswered questions and mixed emotions when her granddaughter, Janey, appears at her door (seeing her grandmother for what she believes is the first time). Through letters written by her deceased mother, a key to an old chest is uncovered and pictures in an album come to light. A grieving, angry father (played convincingly by Christopher Atkins) demands that the grandmother stay out of their lives. The backstory is a mystery and the end of the episode is quite a cliffhanger!

I enjoyed the fact that "The Eleventh" had an intriguing storyline and familiar faces such as Cloris Leachman, Christopher Atkins and Tracy Nelson (more to come). There was no foul language or nudity and that was refreshing! I would love to watch the next episode as the cliffhanger ending left me wanting to find out more of the story. I'd recommend this show to anyone who enjoys good, wholesome entertainment for the entire family!

I didn't particularly enjoy the main character,  Janey, as she appears quite shallow and emotionless, bordering on boring, in my opinion. I imagine she'll (hopefully) evolve into a deeper personality as the show develops.  

*To watch full episodes of ‘The Eleventh’ on Feeln go HERE! 

About Feeln: Feeln is the leading streaming service that brings you heartfelt stories of love and togetherness, anytime, anywhere. All movies are handpicked so you spend less time searching and more time with the stories you love. Feeln brings home the exclusive library of Hallmark Hall of Fame features, Hollywood movies and TV series, and award-winning originals you won’t find anywhere else.

Her One and Only by Becky Wade- Exciting ending to the Porter Family series!

My Thoughts:

I've been anxiously awaiting this book. The Porter siblings, Bo, Ty, and Jake have become like family to me (Undeniably Yours, Meant to Be Mine, A Love Like Ours) and I was thrilled to read their little sister, Dru's story. Don't be misled by the term"little sister", friends.  Dru is feisty, independent and drop dead gorgeous! She's an ex-Marine, expert markswoman and a black belt (with a taste for Doritos and Pop Tarts). ;)  Her current occupation is as as executive protection agent, aka bodyguard, for pro football player, Gray Fowler (awesome name, don't you agree?). Gray's life has been threatened and Dru is committed to discovering who wants to harm him. He's tough as nails, makes ladies of all ages swoon, and he absolutely doesn't want his friends to know that he's being protected by a girl. 

Would Becky Wade be able to deliver another exciting, romantic, and compelling book? The other 3 books in this series were crazy fabulous (my daughters and I still talk about Ty!) and I was a little concerned that the last book may not be able to live up to the others. Boy, was I wrong. Her One and Only completes the series with a BANG- literally! I loved the mystery that the author wove into the story and the relationship between Dru and Gray absolutely sizzled. Sparks were flying from the moment they met! There is humor and delightful characters as well. Augustine, Dru's elderly motorcycle riding, Precious Moments collecting neighbor, is adorable and Ashley, Gray's super sweet, housekeeping Doris Day, is endearing. As always, I eagerly caught up on the happenings of the family. Meg & Bo, Ty & Celia and Jake & Lindie all play a delightful part in this story. I'd be thrilled if someone would create a TV series of the Porter family! Lifetime? Feeln?? Please??!!

Click HERE to read the first chapter!

About the book: 
Her One and Only (Bethany House, May 2016)

After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans.

But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt---none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she's determined to find Gray's stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they'll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives---and their hearts---to one another. 

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1NrA4cO

About the author:

Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and now lives in Dallas. A favorite among readers of Christian contemporary romance, Becky has won a Carol Award, an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and an INSPY Award.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Meet Dru Porter, former Marine, expert markswoman, and black belt—who also happens to be assigned as a bodyguard to star NFL tight end Gray Fowler. Don't miss the final Porter family novel by Becky Wade, Her One and Only. Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, and Dru is determined to find his stalker. Every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.


Join Becky in celebrating the release of Her One and Only by entering to win her Porter prize pack and $100 cash card giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

A copy of Her One and Only

A $100 cash card

Follow Your Heart tote bag

24 oz Tervis Wonder Woman Tumbler

The Blind Side DVD

Necklace with star charm

Porter Family navy jersey

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 31st. The winner will be announced June 1st on the Litfuse blog.

*I was given this wonderful book by Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

Phil Wickham - Children of God review

My Thoughts:

When I first heard the song, Your Love Awakens Me, I immediately became a Phil Wickham fan. It was the first I had heard of him, but my 13 year old recognized the name immediately. "They played his music at my ballet summer intensive last summer, Mom." (Great job, Ballet Mag!) I'm just a little late to the game but that's alright! ;) Phil Wickham's new CD "Children of God" is excellent! Praise music with a great beat and fabulous message. It's Phil Wickham's first release since having a polyp removed from his vocal cords. After surgery he was unable to talk for a month and it was unsure if he would ever sing the again. This chapter of his life has become part of Phil's testimony and the lyrics in his music echo the experience and his praise to the Lord. Phil definitely delivers an amazing album with God by His side! I'd describe Phil Wickham as a combination of Chris Tomlin (sincere and melodious) and Bono (he can belt it out!) but with his own unique sound."Children of God" contains powerfully passionate rock tunes as well as gloriously intimate, slower melodies. If you enjoy contemporary praise music, I believe you'll love this CD and Phil Wickham!

iTunes: http://smarturl.it/PW-COGiTunes


Amazon: http://smarturl.it/PW-COG-Amazon

Spotify: http://smarturl.it/PW-COG-Spotify

 

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQyXsJMkUPg

*I was given this awesome CD from FlyBy Promotions in exchange for my honest opinion. NO other compensation was received.*

Sister Dear by Laura McNeill- A Delightfully Thrilling Ride!

My Thoughts:

Sister Dear, by Laura McNeill, hooked me from the first page. The book begins with Allie Marshall being released from prison after 10 years. She was convicted of murder but things aren't always as they appear... Returning to Brunswick, GA, Allie anxiously anticipates reconnecting with her daughter, Caroline, and beginning a new life. I soon discovered that parts of Allie's past have yet to be uncovered and the townspeople are not anxious to have her return. Ever. To make matters worse, Allie's only sister, Emma, who's been raising Caroline in her absence, has secrets of her own and a plan to keep things just the way they are. 

There are so many reasons that Sister Dear is a great read. The characters are interesting and well developed. Their stories unfold in varying voices alternating between chapters making it difficult to put down! The drama is a compelling puzzle that twists and turns. I wanted to fit all the pieces together in one sitting! The tone is delightfully chilling and keeps the reader guessing as to what will happen next. Perfect for a day in the sun or a night by the fire. I can't wait to read more from this author!

About the book: 

Sister Dear (Thomas Nelson, April 2016)

All Allie Marshall wants is a fresh start. But when dark secrets refuse to stay buried, will her chance at a new life be shattered forever?

Convicted of a crime she didn't commit, Allie watched a decade of her life vanish --- time that can never be recovered. Now, out on parole, Allie is determined to clear her name, rebuild her life, and reconnect with the daughter she barely knows.

But Allie's return home shatters the quaint, coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia. Even her own daughter Caroline, now a teenager, bristles at Allie's claims of innocence. Refusing defeat, a stronger, smarter Allie launches a battle for the truth, digging deeply into the past even if it threatens her parole status, personal safety, and the already-fragile bond with family.

As her commitment to finding the truth intensifies, what Allie ultimately uncovers is far worse than she imagined. Her own sister has been hiding a dark secret---one that holds the key to Allie's freedom.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/24TOGXK

About the author:

Laura McNeill is a writer, web geek, travel enthusiast, and coffee drinker. In her former life, she was a television news anchor for CBS News affiliates in New York and Alabama. Laura holds a master's degree in journalism from The Ohio State University and is completing a graduate program in interactive technology at the University of Alabama. When she's not writing and doing homework, she enjoys running, yoga, and spending time at the beach. She lives in Mobile, AL with her family.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

*This exciting book was given to my by Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

The League and the Lantern by Brian Wells- Preteen/Teen Summer Sensation GIVEAWAY!

My Thoughts:

The League and the Lantern is a must summer read for your preteen, teen or yourself (I loved the adventure and I'm 47!) Jake Herndon and his classmates (Lucy and TJ) reminded me a bit of Harry Potter, Hermione and Ron as they're thrown together into a dangerous quest at the beginning of this engagingly exciting (and cleverly humorous) book. History, trivia and moral values all play an important part in this non-stop thrilling ride where villains are lurking at every turn and you never know exactly who you can trust. When Jake, Lucy and TJ aren't on the run they keep their readers in stitches with hilarious Avengers, Princess Bride, and quest for food (no health food, thank you) banter. Explosions, hand sanitizer emergencies, round house kicks, and Secret Service agents will engage readers of all ages. My 13 year old daughter can't wait to read it and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

*Would you like to read The League and the Lantern? FlyBy Promotions is giving away a copy to one of my readers! Enter by leaving a comment on this post!*

Author: Brian Wells

•                A concerned dad who couldn’t find quality entertainment for his kids. He has worked and produced 15 TV movies for the major networks, and this is his book debut. 

Synopsis:

The League and the Lantern is the first book in a new adventure series for middle-school readers. It all starts when a dangerous organization invades Jake Herndon’s seventh-grade sleepover. He escapes along with two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, only to face a 48-hour fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. The kids unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War, and an incredible secret about Jake’s family. Along the way they learn unexpected lessons about courage, family and friendship.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Song of Silence by Cynthia Ruchti

My Thoughts:

Cynthia Ruchti's writing is full of honesty, humor, faith and hope. Her characters are beautifully flawed and a joy to discover. They are just like you and me. Song of Silence deals with loss- of a job, a loved one, a passion and rediscovery- of faith, joy, new dreams. Lucy Tuttle's life revolves around music. It's her passion, who she is as well as what she does. She can't imagine life without it. At the beginning of the book she loses her job as a music teacher and Lucy tumbles into utter devastation. Her family tries in vain to uplift her and encourage but, as many of us know, the path to recovery can be a long one and God has His own timing. There is no way to predict the future and Lucy's in for quite a few surprises- good and bad. Her relationship with her long suffering husband is adorable. He's retired and wants to spend every second together. Lucy needs more "me" time. (Add to that that his newly discovered passion of harvesting worms. What??!) Cynthia Ruchti weaves humor (laugh out loud!) into her stories. Yes, there are tears but just as many giggles and this is one of the many reasons I treasure her books. I've loved every one I've read so far and plan on reading and re-reading them. Highest recommendations!!

About the book: 

Song of Silence (Abingdon, April 2016)

Music taught Lucy love and beauty. Could silence teach her hope?

Lucy and Charlie Tuttle agree on one thing: they're committed to each other for life. Trouble is, neither of them expected life to look like this. Charlie retired early, but Lucy is devoted to a long-term career . . . until the day she has no choice.

Forced to retire from her position as music educator in a small Midwestern K-8 school, Lucy can only watch helplessly as the program her father started years ago disintegrates before her eyes. As the music fades and a chasm separates her form the passion of her heart, Lucy wonders if her faith's song has gone silent, too. The musical score of her life seems to be missing all the notes.

When a simple misstep threatens to silence Lucy forever, a young boy and his soundless mother change the way she sees---and hears---everything.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1RAajD2

 

About the author:

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope. She's the award-winning author of 17 books and a frequent speaker for women's ministry events. She serves as the Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, where she helps retailers, libraries, and book clubs connect with the authors and books they love. She lives with her husband in Central Wisconsin.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

As the music fades and a chasm separates her from the passion of her heart, will Lucy's faith song go silent, too? Find out in Cynthia Ruchti's new book, Song of Silence. The musical score of her life seems to be missing all the notes. When a simple misstep threatens to silence Lucy forever, a young boy and his soundless mother change the way she sees—and hears—everything.




Celebrate the release of Song of Silence with a blog tour and giveaway. Two winners will be chosen!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

A copy of Song of Silence

A $150 Visa cash card

One second place winner will receive:

A copy of Song of Silence

A music-themed prize pack filled with goodies hand-picked by Cynthia

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 9th. The winners will be announced May 10th on Cynthia's blog.

*I received this wonderful book in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*