All posts in category Christian

Set the Stars Alight By: Amanda Dykes

Set the Stars Alight - By: Amanda Dykes

We’ve all heard the phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” and I am going to be honest, that with this book I completely judged it by the cover, between the stars and the sea, based on the cover, this was a journey that I wanted to go on. Not knowing anything about the author, Amanda Dykes, I dove into a story full of wonder and the magic of story telling. The cover speaks volumes, but the story within will pull you in to its depths and take you on a beautiful journey through the generations.

Lucy has always loved the story of the lost ship the Jubilee, and the mystery shrouded around it, her childhood friend has always had his head in the stars, after years apart they have found themselves back together on a journey to find the Jubilee and piece together their past along the way.

Set the Stars Alight is a truly captivating book, I loved the juxtaposition of seeing what was happening in the present with Lucy and Dash and then seeing what had happened in the past and how they were both related. Amanda Dykes writing style is simply captivating and I cannot wait to see what other stories she has to share. I absolutely loved this book, and plan to revisit it again.

I have received this book complimentary from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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by Elle on August 19, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in amreading, Bethany House, Book, Book Review, Christian, Christian Fiction, NetGalley, Uncategorized
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Posted by Elle on August 19, 2020

https://organicshoes.wordpress.com/2020/08/19/set-the-stars-alight-by-amanda-dykes/

Crushing Depths By: Dani Pettrey

Dani Pettrey has returned with book 2 of her Coastal Guardian Series, The Crushing Depths. When an accident happens on an oil rig, Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to investigate, en route to the rig, their helicopter crashes, and from there a series of events that continues to alarm the agents. Could all these be coincidences, or are they a part of a much bigger plan?

From the start I have been a fan of Dani Pettrey and all of her books, with her latest series, The Coastal Guardians, I have found a new series and characters to fall in love with. Crushing Depths is a book of twists and turns and a story of two people learning to trust each other and work together to figure out what is going on. I loved this story and the characters of Rissi and Mason as they explored their relationship. This book was a definite page turner and I couldn’t put it down. I cannot see where the next book will take us.

I received this  book complimentary from Bethany House Publishers. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

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by Elle on July 20, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in amreading, Bethany House, Blog Tour, Book, Book Review, Book Tour, Christian, Christian Fiction, NetGalley, Reading, Uncategorized
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Posted by Elle on July 20, 2020

https://organicshoes.wordpress.com/2020/07/20/crushing-depths-by-dani-pettrey/

Stay with Me By: Becky Wade

 

Capture

I am no stranger to the books by Becky Wade, I’ve read them since the beginning and they have a special place on my bookshelves. With her latest release, Stay With Me, the story exceeds all expectations! Stay With Me follows the story of Genevieve Woodward, an acclaimed Bible Study author as she struggles to overcome addiction with the help of her sister and new found friend, Sam, owner of a local restaurant and a preference for staying at a distance and living in his sorrow of the past. As Genevieve and Sam figure out how their relationship works, Genevieve is also on the hunt for clues to her parents past as she receives a cryptic note.

I’ve always loved the books by Wade, and the best way to describe Stay with Me, is that Wade has taken her writing to the next level, showing the struggles of addiction and withdrawals, she does not glorify recovery and presents it with an authenticity and truthfulness as well as the affects that it has on your loved ones and the need to hide things.

Stay With Me, A Misty River Romance is the perfect book for your next read!

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by Elle on June 7, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in amreading, Bethany House, Blog Tour, Book Review, Book Tour, Christian, Christian Fiction, NetGalley, Uncategorized

Posted by Elle on June 7, 2020

https://organicshoes.wordpress.com/2020/06/07/stay-with-me-by-becky-wade/

EllieClaire Art Journals Review

artjournals

I love journals, if you ever saw my bookshelves you wouldn’t believe the amount and types of journals that I have. I am always looking for something new and different and these journals are all amazing and I love how they look.

The Illustrated Word: An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal
This journal is beautiful, it is a perfect weight, and ideal for the journaler/doodler, each page has beautiful illustrations, there are also pages that have a bible verse on each and illustrations for you to color.
I love how thick this journal is and the amount of pages it has, this journal also opens very nicely without having to break it in or force it to stay open.

Faith and Lettering Journal
Another beautiful journal, this may be my favorite one of the set. This journal comes with a pen/pencil holder. On top of the regular lined journal pages, there are practice pages and activities to learn hand-lettering and designs to add to your journaling experience. This includes, phrases, images such as arrows and ribbons and the letters of the alphabet. Anything you may need to add to make your journals that much more special.
This journal is a great size and weight, and isn’t just your normal journal, it includes regular ruled pages, graph pages, dotted pages, and pages with larger margins to add your learned skills to your pages. There are Bible verses interspersed throughout the entire journal.

Illuminate your Story Journal
This journal is similar to the previous one however it focuses more on lettering and making it your own. This journal includes a pen/pencil holder, a keepsake pocket, bookmark, and elastic to keep the book closed.
This journal goes through the entire alphabet and adding decoration to each letter. There are also simple images to add to your journal. There are also quotes on the journal pages. This journal is a little smaller than the others but is a great carrying size.

I love all of these journals and the different aspects of each, these are definitely worth adding to your collection, can’t wait for you to embrace your journaling journey with these latest additions.

FAITH & LETTERING
Amazon: http://amzn.to/FaithAndLettering-Amazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/FaithAndLettering-BN

THE ILLUSTRATED WORD
Amazon: http://bit.ly/Illustrated-Amazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Illustrated-BN

ILLUMINATE YOUR STORY
Amazon: http://bit.ly/Illuminate-Amazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Illuminate-BN

I received these journals complimentary in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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by Elle on November 17, 2018  •  Permalink
Posted in amreading, Blog Tour, Book, Book Review, Book Tour, Christian, Uncategorized
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Posted by Elle on November 17, 2018

https://organicshoes.wordpress.com/2018/11/17/ellieclaire-art-journals-review/

The Star A Tale of Faith and Friendship Now available on DVD and Blu-Ray!

star

The Tale of Faith and Friendship Includes Six Sing-Along Videos from Mariah Carey, Fifth Harmony, Kelsea Ballerini, 

A Great Big World, and Kirk Franklin

 Includes a Dance Along, “How-to” Crafts Video and Much More 

From the studio that brought you MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN & CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS comes the timeless tale about faith, friendship, and the importance of believing in yourself.

AFFIRM Films and Sony Pictures Animation’s THE STAR arrives for the first time on Digital on February 6 and on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital February 20 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The heartwarming animated comedy follows a small but brave donkey named Bo (voiced by Steven Yeun, “The Walking Dead”), who yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day he finds the courage to break free and finally goes on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth (voiced by Aidy Bryant, “Saturday Night Live”), a lovable sheep who has lost her flock and Dave (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key, Friends From College), a dove with lofty aspirations, along with three wisecracking camels voiced by
Tracy Morgan (“30 Rock”), Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey. Bo and his new friends follow the star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told.

Rounding out the all-star voice cast including Gina Rodriguez (“Jane The Virgin”) as Mary, Zachary Levi (“Chuck”) as Joseph, Grammy® Award-Winner Kelly Clarkson as Leah the horse, Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”) as Zach the goat, Ving Rhames  (Mission Impossible) as Thaddeus the dog, Gabriel Iglesias (Coco, Ferdinand) as Rufus the dog, Patricia Heaton
(“The Middle”) as Edith the cow, Emmy® and Tony® Award-Winner Kristin Chenoweth as Abby the mouse, and Christopher Plummer (All the Money in the World) as King Herod.

THE STAR is filled with more than an hour of engaging bonus materials including the “Star-aoke: Sing Along with Bo & Friends,” a dance along to “Life Is Good” by A Great Big World, plus a collection of fun lyric videos that will have you singing along to the inspiring music from
THE STAR.  Families can enjoy crafting and baking with “how-to” videos “Star Mason Jar Votives” and “Sweet and Sparkly Stars,” and they also can go behind-the-scenes to explore the amazing talent who bring these characters to life.  In “Faith All Year Round,”
renowned pastor and motivational speaker, DeVon Franklin delivers a fun and engaging children’s sermon discussing the themes of the film and keeping the spirit of this inspiring story alive in us every day.

THE STAR is directed by Academy Award® nominated writer/director Timothy Reckart, screenplay by Carlos Kotkin, and story by Simon Moore and Carlos Kotkin. The film is executive produced by DeVon Franklin, Brian Henson and Lisa Henson, and produced by Jennifer Magee-Cook. The Star is presented by AFFIRM films and Sony Pictures Animation in association with Walden Media, Franklin Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company. The uplifting theme song, “The Star” by Mariah Carey and veteran songwriter Marc Shaiman was also nominated for a 2018 Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. “The Star” song is now available on The Star: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, which assembles new music from a bevy of powerhouse superstars.

Bonus Materials Include:

  • Star-aoke: Sing-Along with Bo & Friends: In this all new song, sing along with your favorite characters including Bo, Dave, Ruth and the unforgettable camels
  • “Life Is Good” Dance-Along: Shake your tail feathers and move your hooves in this fun dance along
  • Lyric Sing-Along Videos: Enjoy the eclectic and inspiring music of THE STAR with these colorful lyric videos that allow you to sing along with your favorite recording artists
    • “The Star” by Mariah Carey
    • “Can You See” by Fifth Harmony
    • “Children Go Where I Send You” by Kelsea Ballerini
    • “We Three Kings” by Kirk Franklin
    • “Life Is Good” by A Great Big World
  • Sweet and Sparkly Stars: Create star-themed cookies to be enjoyed year round
  • Star Mason Jar Votives: Let the light of THE STAR shine with this simple yet stunning craft
  • Faith All Year Round with DeVon Franklin: A children’s sermon discussing the themes of the film and how to keep the spirit of this inspiring story alive in us every day
  • An All-Star Cast: Meet the stars of the film and explore the exciting voice cast who bring these amazing characters to life

THE STAR has a run time of approximately 86 minutes and is rated PG: for some thematic elements

GOLDEN GLOBE® is a registered trademark and service mark of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

 

Make sure to also check out the interactive live guided Bible Study with DeVon Franklin for your family! Find more information here, on the The Star Movie Facebook Page

 

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by Elle on February 27, 2018  •  Permalink
Posted in Blog Tour, Christian, Products, Uncategorized
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Posted by Elle on February 27, 2018

https://organicshoes.wordpress.com/2018/02/27/the-star-a-tale-of-faith-and-friendship-now-available-on-dvd-and-blu-ray/

Whole Heart By: Passion Music, A Review

WHOLE HEART by Passion Music

passion

Whole Heart is the live album recorded during the 2018 Passion Conference in Atlanta, GA. The album includes features Passion Artists Kristian Stanfill, Melodie Malone, Sean Curran, Matt Redman, Crowder. When it comes to live albums, many times it can be hit or miss, sometimes in a live album you lose certain qualities that are worked out in a studio. However, with Whole Heart you gain so much more with a live album versus if you were listening to the studio version of each song.

The Whole Heart album invites you into a place of worship with each song, as well as a reminder of the thousands that joined in communal worship, all with one goal, to worship and grow closer to God. From the album you can tell that a lot of thought and preparation went into choosing each song.  I cannot wait to start hearing more of the music from Passion played in churches. I’ve really enjoyed this album and will be adding it to my regular playlist.

The album will be available for purchase tomorrow 02/23/2018!

-Elle

 

About Passion

  • Info about Passion: http://passionmusic.com/story/
  • “Rooted out of the Passion movement, we are committed to leading people towards renewed intimacy with God and fresh encounters of worship. Passion is more than music. More than events. Passion is a generation living for His name.”
  • WHOLE HEART is the new live album from Passion—captured at Passion Conference 2018 in Atlanta, GA.
  • Passion Conference 2018 was a beautiful worship experience, and the live album captures each powerful moment, allowing those who were not in attendance to experience it.

Where to Buy:

Where to Listen:

Rooted out of the Passion movement, Passion music is committed to leading people towards renewed intimacy with God and fresh encounters of worship. You can listen to Passion music at http://capcmg.me/PassionSpotify

“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 opportunity. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

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by Elle on February 22, 2018  •  Permalink
Posted in Blog Tour, Christian, Music, Products, Uncategorized
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Posted by Elle on February 22, 2018

https://organicshoes.wordpress.com/2018/02/22/whole-heart-by-passion-music-a-review/

Forever Doon By: Carie Corp and Lorie Langdon

Image result for forever doon

The final installment has arrived. Kenna and Vee have been separated. The people of Doon have been spread between Doon and Alloway, Doonians are missing and the Witch of Doon has taken over, and she has bigger plans to ruin Doon.

With the final story from the Doon series from Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon. Since the start of this series I have loved it, part of it may stem from my love of musical theatre and for Brigadoon in general but I love how two authors have come together to collaborate and create such a great series. With twists and turns at every page turn you wont be able to put this book down. Forever Doon continues the story of our favorite characters as they attempt to rescue Doon and bring some new characters along for the ride. I highly recommend this book.

I received this book complimentary in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

 

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by Elle on October 5, 2016  •  Permalink
Posted in amreading, Blog Tour, Book, Book Review, Book Tour, BookLook Bloggers, Christian, Christian Fiction, Uncategorized
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Posted by Elle on October 5, 2016

https://organicshoes.wordpress.com/2016/10/05/forever-doon-by-carie-corp-and-lorie-langdon/

Live on Forever @theafters

{ My Review }

If you’ve been struggling, having a hard time and going through a stressful season The Afters latest album “Live On Forever” is a perfect reminder of how to keep on going. From stories of trials and heartaches to triumph and celebration, the heart behind this album shows through with its creation. A great set of songs to uplift and nourish with a constant reminder that God is there through every story of our life.

This album is fun and inspiring,and is everything and more that you would expect from The Afters latest album. This is an album the whole family will be able to enjoy.

I received Live On Forever complimentary from FlyBy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

{ About Live On Forever }

The Afters – Live on Forever Bio:

It’s easy to assume stories of trial and triumph are just for the Bible or the history books. But miracles still happen, even when adversity hits hardest. Just ask Josh Havens, guitarist and lead vocalist of The Afters. He relates how the band’s latest effort, Live on Forever, began during a season of tragedy.

Just as the band regrouped to record, Havens witnessed the wife of a close friend contract cancer. Drummer Jordan Mohilowski (who produced the new album) had a brief health scare, and a close companion in his church—part of the worship team—was hit and killed by an impaired driver. She was a young woman, Havens says, who had unlimited potential.

But Live on Forever–the band’s fifth with the Fair Trade label-still took shape as a celebration of faithfulness, protection and promise—one that shimmers with strong rhythms, undeniable energy and compelling pop hooks. The album finds Havens in strong, soaring voice as he invites listeners to find shelter and strength in God. “If any theme has emerged, it would be ‘inspiration and motivation,’” Havens says.

Havens himself felt a deep need to hold on after another loss struck: The band’s longtime soundman, Anthony Martinez, saw his newborn daughter die in infancy.

Ask Havens to pick out a song that sums up the spirit of the album, and he chooses “Battles.” “It was the last song we wrote and the fastest we wrote,” he says. “We don’t typically write songs fast; we’ll change lyrics and melodies and craft our songs carefully. But ‘Battles’ poured out, the music and lyrics, in one day. It’s about standing up against fear and knowing God is always with us,” Havens explains. “It’s one of the takeaways we hope people get: ‘Don’t give up to fear.

Havens shares how, half a world away from his home in Phoenix, he caught a small glimpse of heaven’s reassurance. The place: downtown Amsterdam. The occasion: a dinner between shows with band members and spouses—including soundman Martinez and his wife. For their baby daughter, the Martinez couple had chosen an unusual moniker with an unusual spelling: Pieper. Against all odds, it also happened to be exactly how the intimate restaurant they dined at spelled its name. Still, no one was prepared for what happened at the end of the meal. “We were talking about baby Pieper, and as we got up to leave, we noticed that the only thing on the walls—the only thing—was a framed document, an award for hospitality. And the date on the award—the only date in the place—was Pieper’s birthday. Her mother just started bawling.” Havens sums up the reassurance all took home that night: “We thought, ‘This is where God’s angels fly: right in the middle of the loss.’ God gives us little glimpses to show us he’s here.”

“We worked on this record for almost two years and over those two years, it was a real season of loss,” Havens recalls. “But in the end, Live on Forever is about moving us to trust God, to stand up against fear. It’s an ‘ante up’ record, an anthem for people’s lives: ‘God you are with me in all this. I’m not alone.’”

 

{ Links }

iTunes: http://www.smarturl.it/LOFAlbum-iTunes
Google Play:  http://www.smarturl.it/LOFAlbum-GPlay
Amazon:  http://www.smarturl.it/LOFAlbum-Amazon
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4sVbYL5y6d2nMX2H5LggGx

Official website: www.theafters.com
twitter.com/theafters
facebook.com/theafters
instagram.com/theaftersofficial

Live On Forever (Official Music Video)

https://youtu.be/OdS7EWMNrWc

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by Elle on September 21, 2016  •  Permalink
Posted in Christian, Music, Uncategorized
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Posted by Elle on September 21, 2016

https://organicshoes.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/live-on-forever-theafters/

The Queen of Katwe By: Tim Crothers

The Queen of Katwe
By: Tim Crothers

Wow. What a story. The Queen of Katwe is the story of Phiona Mutesi and the life she has lived thus far and her continuing journey to become a Chess Grand Master. At the age of 9 young Phiona, growing up in the slums of Uganda, followed her brother to a chess program being taught by Robert Katende. At the time, Phiona had minimal schooling, and was unable to read or write, instead she spent her evenings selling maize in order to make money to feed her family.

This book takes you on the journey of how the Chess program began in Katwe, and how the game began to change the lives of the children in Katwe, especially Phiona. Through the program, their coach not only taught the kids to play the game of chess, but showed how there lives were reflected in the game, and how their faith could sustain them and keep them going. Katende used every moment of chess to teach the players a life lesson.

At Phiona’s young age she has continued to compete on an international level, has gone from being a student of the chess program to a teacher and role model to many girls in Uganda. This is a story that no matter where you are, or where society has placed you does not prevent you from making a difference.

I received this book complimentary from BuzzPlant in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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by Elle on August 1, 2016  •  Permalink
Posted in amreading, Blog Tour, Book, Book Review, Book Tour, Christian, Uncategorized
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Posted by Elle on August 1, 2016

https://organicshoes.wordpress.com/2016/08/01/the-queen-of-katwe-by-tim-crothers/

All Things Bright and Beautiful By: Cecil Frances Alexander

All Things Bright and Beautiful
Written By: Cecil Frances Alexander
Illustrated By: Katy Hudson

All Things Bright and Beautiful is an absolutely gorgeous children’s book written by Cecil Francis Alexander. Illustrator Katy Hudson has taken the words of this popular hymn and created a beautiful collection of images that show kids how God’s touch is everywhere and how everything he has created everything beautifully from the forests and the seasons to each of us. I cannot get enough of the detail and vibrancy of every page. With beautiful colors, kids will enjoy the words and images over and over again. I highly recommend this book for anyone’s collection.

I received this book complimentary in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

-Elle

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by Elle on July 24, 2016  •  Permalink
Posted in amreading, Blog Tour, Book, Book Review, Book Tour, Christian, Reading, Uncategorized
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Posted by Elle on July 24, 2016

https://organicshoes.wordpress.com/2016/07/24/all-things-bright-and-beautiful-by-cecil-frances-alexander/

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