Saturday, August 24, 2013

Alone Yet Not Alone (Book Review, Giveaway, and Movie Details)



My daughters were happy to be able to participate in today's review/giveaway. Since this was kind of their review I only skimmed the book, so I don't have much of an opinion on it other than it definitely looks exciting and, even though I read only a little, I could see that it had a wonderful message of hope and courage. There are eight pages of photos from the movie in the center of the book, and I know my younger daughter especially liked this. 

Keep scrolling for more info on this book, our giveaway, and the movie that will be coming to theaters on September 27th. 



"Alone Yet Not Alone is an exciting true story about two young girls who are captured by Indians. It tells about their strong faith even through the hardest times. Barbara, even when faced with the penalty of death, never gave up hope, and that is what eventually set her free. It's a story of faith, hope, love, and survival."  ~Brianna



"What I didn't like about this book: nothing. I loved this book. It's clean and very exciting. It makes you feel like you're there with them and seeing what they are seeing. It's easy to understand and is a very good book."  ~Carrie





About Alone Yet Not Alone (novelization):

Settled in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania, deep within America's new frontier, the Leininger family celebrates the blessings of a beautiful homestead and bountiful harvest. That is, until tragedy strikes with the beginning of the French and Indian War and the devastating raid known as the Penn's Creek Massacre. 

The lives of this simple, God-fearing family are forever altered when Barbara and Regina, two young sisters, are carried away by the Delaware tribe. Driven by their faith in God and the powerful bonds of family, Barbara and Regina hold firmly to the belief that they are never alone, even in their darkest hour, and that they will be reunited again. 

Rich in historical details, Alone Yet Not Alone is an inspirational, true story of a family caught in the cross fire of the French and Indian War. 

About The Author: 
Tracy Leininger Craven loves history and retelling real-life stories in her historical fiction books. She also loves spending her free time in the great outdoors with her husband David and their four children.


Alone Yet Not Alone (the book)
Written by: Tracy Leininger Craven
Publisher: Zonderkidz 
Paperback: 148 pages 

 

About Alone Yet Not Alone (THE MOVIE):
Releases in theaters Sept 27th, 2013 - Find a Theater Here: http://seatzy.com/main/moviedetail/alone-yet-not-alone

Families will love this film based on a true story!  Awarded 5 Doves from the Dove Foundation!

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Starring: Kelly Greyson, Natalie Racoosin, Clay Walker, Jenn Gotzon, Joanie Stewart, Ozzie Torres, Tony Wade.

Stay Connected
Bring Alone Yet Not Alone to Your Cityhttp://seatzy.com/main/moviedetail/alone-yet-not-alone


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And now, for the GIVEAWAY!
One of my readers will win a copy of the book, Alone Yet Not Alone. We're keeping it simple. To enter, all you have to do is comment below this post. that's it; just say somethin'. To earn more entries, share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, or on your blog. Please leave a comment for each time you share. The winner will be announced one week from today. Good luck! 


Friday, August 23, 2013

When Jesus Wept by Bodie and Brock Thoene (Book Review)


The familiar story of  Lazarus found in the Gospels is told from the perspective of  the man himself. Lazarus is the one speaking to us, the readers, describing the tumultuous political and religious climate of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas, (as well as the underlying strain in his own life and family) and telling of the Stranger Who is causing such a stir: Jesus. Of course, we already know that Lazarus dies and is resurrected, but "hearing" Lazarus describe how it happened and how he felt, in his own words, was pretty amazing. 

Knowing that Bodie and Brock Thoene are excellent authors, I was excited to review this book. True to their style When Jesus Wept was obviously well-researched and written straight from the heart. The Thoene's attention to detail and their ability to make the reader see, smell, and feel the surroundings described in the book is unrivaled by any other author. I was impressed with how they tied in Scripture and actual happenings with fictional characters and events in such a unique way. I found the subplot of Patrick the slave one of the most heartwarming elements of the book. The description of Jesus forgiving Mary and of her transformation were touching, and the Lazarus household's battle with locusts in their vineyards was quite suspenseful. 

I did find the book a little dry in places and hard to get into, and didn't really start to enjoy it until I was about halfway through. I didn't truly connect with this book as much as I had hoped, but I did find it though-provoking. It isn't the kind of book one reads and promptly forgets.

In my opinion, though beautifully written and true to the Thoene style, When Jesus Wept is not a favorite. I prefer their series, The Zion Chronicles.


Book Description

Lazarus occupies a surprising position in the Gospel accounts. Widely known as the man Jesus raised from the dead, his story is actually much broader and richer than that. Living as he did at Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus was uniquely placed to witness the swirl of events around Jesus.
When Jesus Wept, the first novel in The Jerusalem Chronicles series by bestselling authors Bodie and Brock Thoene, unfolds the turbulent times in Judea during Jesus’ ministry, centering on the friendship between Jesus and Lazarus. With rich insights from vineyard owners and vine dressers, the Thoenes explore the metaphor of Jesus as the True Vine, harvesting the ancient secrets found in the Old Testament.
Weaving the life of Lazarus, who owned a vineyard, into the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ will help you understand it is the hand of Love Divine that holds the knife, that cuts and breaks with such tender and loving touch, and that we who have born some fruit, after the pruning, can bear much more.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Friday, August 9, 2013

Earn Free Books and Bibles!

If you're like me, you're skeptical of clubs and programs that tell you to "just sign up and earn free stuff". Some of them, however, are legitimate, and this looks like one of them. I have just signed up and I'm excited to start earning points 'cuz, in my humble opinion, one can never have too many books, and a new Bible always excites me. This program also sounds like a great way to get some Christmas or birthday gifts! Interested? Read more info on the Tyndale Rewards program below!  



About Tyndale Rewards
The Tyndale Rewards program is designed to provide you with opportunities to get books and Bibles for zero dollars. That’s right—F. R. E. E. As a member of the Tyndale Rewards program, you’ll have access to inspiring literature, Bibles, special promotional offers, and much more.
Other member incentives include a free gift on your birthday, along with opportunities to share your persona recommendations and feedback concerning Tyndale products. The more participation you have with the program, the more points you earn—and points translate into free stuff!
The Tyndale Rewards program is a great way to get free books and Bibles that you can keep for yourself or give to friends and family. Your journey to earning free faith-based products is here!

Earning Points...
To refer your friends and earn points: First, you sign up  for free. Then click the “Earn Points” tab get your code from the “Invite a Friend to Join” section. 

There is no cap on the amount of points you can generate through referring friends to signup.

Redeeming Points...
Log in to your account on TyndaleRewards.com to see how many points you have collected in your account. Next, browse the product available for redemption. If you find a product you like and you have accumulated enough points, click the “Redeem” button.
Your Points will never expire!
  
A glimpse at the rewards to choose from....


After you join, be sure to share your link with your friends to earn more points. Have fun! ;)

~Jessica