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The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt - Book Review

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MY REVIEW: The Warsaw Sisters" is a gripping historical fiction novel set during World War II. The story follows the lives of three sisters - Sophia, Elzbieta, and Zofia - as they navigate the horrors of war and fight for survival in war-torn Warsaw. Barratt does an excellent job of bringing the setting to life, portraying the city of Warsaw in vivid detail. The characters are well-developed, and their individual journeys are compelling and emotionally charged. Each sister faces her own challenges and must make difficult choices that test their courage and resilience. The pacing at times can be slow but has a mix of suspense, action, and moments of reflection.  I found myself engaged until the very end, with unexpected twists and turns that added to the overall intrigue. One aspect that stands out is the strong bond between the sisters, their love for each other, and their determination to protect one another. This theme of family and loyalty adds depth to the story and pulls at t

The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner: A Compelling Book Review

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The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner: A Compelling Book Review Introduction If you're on the lookout for a captivating read that will transport you back in time, "The All-American" by Susie Finkbeiner is a novel you won't want to miss. In this book review, we will delve into the heart of the story, exploring its main themes, characters, and the author's writing style. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable literary journey. The All-American: A Multifaceted Tale of Redemption and Resilience In "The All-American", Susie Finkbeiner expertly weaves together the lives of four individuals against the backdrop of the 1960s in a small Michigan town. This coming-of-age novel explores themes of redemption, resilience, and the power of forgiveness. Characters that Resonate: The All-American Cast Finkbeiner's cast of characters is a testament to her ability to create deeply relatable personalities. From Billy, a troubled teenager grieving the los

Frozen the National Tour - Review

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I was so excited when I found out Frozen  was coming to our town. My mom and I were lucky to get tickets to see it.  Broadway Grand Rapids does an amazing job of bring the best Broadway shows to Grand Rapids, Michigan.  This is a Broadway adaptation of the beloved Disney film, Frozen. Directed by Michael Grandage and featuring music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, this production is a magical experience that captures the essence of the original movie while adding its own unique touches.   One of the standout elements of Frozen on Broadway is its stunning visual design. The set, designed by Christopher Oram, seamlessly transitions between various locations such as Arendelle Castle and Elsa's ice palace. The use of projections and lighting effects enhances the enchanting atmosphere, transporting the audience into a winter wonderland. The costumes were so breathtaking. Elsa's quick change was magic. It happened so smoothly. Got to love Disney Magic.  The pu

Dealing with a lot! I'm Back!

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HI Everyone, I hope all my wonderful readers are doing well.  Sorry I have absent. A lot has been going on.   I thought maybe it would be helpful to others if I was more transparent and let you know what I am going through and my thoughts on things.  My mind tells me no one will want to read it, but I know there will be people out there who will find the things I talk about as useful.  First comes first, what have I been dealing with.  #1 thing is my health conditions which have been getting worse. For new readers here is a list of health problems I deal with on a daily basis:    - Celiac Disease - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy,  - Rheumatoid Arthritis,  - Insomnia - Migraines - Gastroparesis  - Chronic cysts & infections,  - a heart condition called Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia  - Osteoporosis - Severe Scoliosis.  - Lupus - Breathing problems I am finding it harder and harder to focus and have the energy to do a lot of things. I am been trying so hard to be as normal as possible

Happy Easter!!

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I hope you are having a wonderful Easter! We truly need the Lord in our life these days.   I am committed to helping as many people as I can even if it is just a nice compliment.  Here are some of my favorite Bible Quotes:  John 11:25-26- Jesus said to her, " I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"  1 Peter 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  1 Corinthians 6:14 -  "And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power." 

The Well Conference - A Must to Attend!

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Last year, I found myself having the opportunity to attend " The Well Conference " . I have never heard of this conference. After going to it, I wish I knew about them sooner.  The Well is a place where creatives can be equipped, engaged, and encouraged. Their ministry serves writers, actors, artists, speakers, and more. The staff and faculty are here to help creatives take the next important steps in the journey of becoming all they are meant to be. The Well Conference is a large annual event in the spring, and they host smaller workshops and retreats throughout the year. They also offer virtual workshops and pieces of training online. There is a growing online resource of supporters so that creatives can network to get the type of help they need in their area of gifting.  I heard about it through Compass College of Film and Media. They had two extra tickets. God works in amazing ways.  They have a few different tracks. Their tracks were 1. Marketing 2. Public Speaking 3. Co

Dangerous Beauty by Melissa Koslin

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ABOUT THE BOOK Liliana Vela hates the term victim. She's not a victim, she's a fighter. Stubborn and strong with a quiet elegance, she's determined to take back her life after escaping the clutches of human traffickers in her poor Mexican village. But she can't stay safely over the border in America--unless the man who aided in her rescue is serious about his unconventional proposal to marry her. Meric Toledan was just stopping at a service station for a bottle of water. Assessing the situation, he steps in to rescue Liliana from the traffickers. If he can keep his secrets at bay, his wealth and position afford him many resources to help her. But the mysterious buyer who funded her capture will not sit idly by while his prize is stolen from him. Melissa Koslin throws you, right into the middle of the action in this high-stakes thriller that poses the question: What is the price of freedom? BOOK REVIEW "Dangerous Beauty" is a suspense romance novel. Liliana Vel

When the Meadow Blooms by Ann H. Gabhart Book Review

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ABOUT THE BOOK Widow Rose Meadows eagerly accepts her brother-in-law's offer for her and her two daughters to live on his farm after her treatments in a sanatorium finds them needing a home. But is this scarred and reclusive man ready for all the changes these women will bring to his life? BOOK REVIEW I don't know what to say. This book was so beautifully written. Ann H. Gabhart had it told through 3 viewpoints- Rose Meadow (Mother), Sienna, and Calla (daughters). She takes you back to 1925 into Calla and Sienna Rose's lives. Rose Meadow lost her husband to influenza. She is recovering from tuberculosis in the hospital so her two daughters are in a horrible orphanage. They are hoping Dirk Meadows, Rose's brother-in-law could take them in except he was badly burnt in a fire and can't really do much. If Rose and her daughters can go to Dirk's home will it work out or will they be kicked out on the street? They unearth long-held secrets.  This is such a heartwarmin

All That Fills Us by Autumn Lytle Book Review

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ABOUT THE BOOK  Mel Ellis knows that her eating disorder is ruining her life. Everyone tells her rehab is her best option, but she can't bring herself to go. Broken and empty in more ways than one, Mel makes one last-ditch effort to make hers a story worth telling. She will walk her own road to recovery along the lesser-known trails of the North American wilderness. Though she is physically and mentally unprepared to face the difficulties that lay ahead, she sets off on foot from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and heads toward Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State. During the long journey, she meets strangers with their own stories, as well as ghosts from her past who can no longer be ignored. But though the land she travels threatens her success at every turn, it's her own dark thoughts she'll have to overcome in order to find peace in the life and the body she has been given. With pitch-perfect timing and delightfully witty self-awareness, debut author Autumn Lytle mas

The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart - Book Review

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ABOUT THE BOOK In 1917, Alma Pihl, a master craftsman in The House of Fabergé, was charged to protect one of the greatest secrets in Russian history--an unknown Fabergé Egg that Peter Karl Fabergé secretly created to honor his divided allegiance to both the people of Russia and the Imperial Czar's family. When Alma and her husband escaped Russia for their native Finland in 1921, she took the secret with her, guarding her past connection to the Romanov family. Three generations later, world-renowned treasure hunter Nick Laine is sick and fears the secret of the missing egg will die with him. With time  running out, he entrusts the mission of retrieving the egg to his estranged daughter, Ava, who has little idea of the dangers she is about to face. As the stakes are raised, Ava is forced to declare her own allegiance--and the consequences are greater than she could have imagined. This modern-day treasure hunt from award-winning author Kelli Stuart transports you into the opulent and