Goodbye Christopher Robin ~ Movie Review with Trailer

Goodbye Christopher Robin

I was given the opportunity to preview Goodbye Christopher Robin and I naturally agreed. After all who hasn't heard about Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and the Hundred Acre Wood. This is the story behind this beloved story.

A.A. Milne has lost his focus, his life is caught between his desire to write something that will change the world and having to live with the after-effects of living through the Great War, the war that was to end all wars. It is in this climate that the Milne's have a son whom they name Christopher Robin but call Billy. When Billy is left to his father's care for a short period of time what follows is an almost magical period of bonding between father and son. And the Hundred Acre Wood comes to life and the residents come to life and soon begin to grace pages that become a world that brings healing and happiness to a world that had lost so much to war.

But what was Billy's soon becomes Christopher Robin's and the magical bond that father and son had found was lost amongst the clamor for Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh, and more.

This is a story that is heart-warming and yet has a thread of heartbreak that runs through it as it explores and examines the bond between Alan Milne and Billy "Christopher Robin" Milne. Those who have seen and enjoyed Finding Neverland will find Goodbye Christopher Robin has a similar feel to it. The scenery and the soundtrack are beautiful and bring an added depth to the movie. This is a movie that can be enjoyed with your children. There are scenes of war and a few instances of bullying so young children may wish to avoid this but most children over 8 should be fine with this movie.

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GOODBYE CHRISTOPER ROBIN stars Domhnall Gleeson (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Revenant, Unbroken), Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street, Suicide Squad) and Kelly MacDonald (Brave, Nanny McPhee).  It is directed by Simon Curtis (My Week With Marilyn, Woman In Gold) and written by Simon Vaughan and Frank Cottrell Boyce (who you may or may not know wrote famous children’s book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang).
GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN Trailer:  https://youtu.be/dxCEXQr1X7g

Tribal Affairs ~ Review with Giveaway

Tribal Affairs
By Matt Dallmann

She thought she was losing her mind ~ that she was seeing things. But the truth was even more unbelievable ~ Liana unknowingly has connected herself to a genie. This genie has been trapped for generations in the charm of an anklet that once belonged to Liana's mother. And now Liana is about to discover the truth she knew is not the truth that is.

When Liana decides to claim the anklet as her own to wear she unwittingly triggers a chain of events which upend her life and everything she believed was true. Soon she finds herself caught up in a centuries-old conflict between two powerful tribes of genies. And Liana's only hope of understanding exactly what is happening to her lies with a young genie who is partially responsible for the whole mess she now finds herself in.

But can Liana trust Taffi with her life and her heart? Or will he prove a true son of his father and an enemy to Liana and her family?

But this is more than Liana's story as Dahlia's story is told as well. Who is Dahlia you ask. She is the genie that has been trapped within the locket which Liana is wearing. And Liana and Dahlia's stories are told in an alternating fashion until they come together in a climactic conclusion.

If you are a fan of fantasy and like it clean this is a book you'll want to pick up and enjoy. Though marketed to the YA reader I feel any fantasy fan 13 or 14 and up will enjoy this book. The pacing doesn't drag and the action and danger is a steadily building force throughout. And the author's ability to draw all these threads together comes to a satisfying story that ends in a way so that the reader is not left with any unanswered questions.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Details:

Book Title: Tribal Affair by Matt Dallmann
Category: YA Fiction, 277 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Matt Dallmann
Release date: July 2017
Tour dates: Oct 9 to 27, 2017
Content Rating: G (No bad language or sex)

Book Description:

Dahlia, a centuries-old genie, lies hopelessly trapped in a damaged golden locket charm attached to an ankle bracelet. Its owner, sixteen-year-old Liana, wears it for the first time during her father Jamison’s opening night illusion spectacular. Not only does its presence cause Jamison to folly his performance, but it also starts a chain of bizarre events that lead to a showdown with Dahlia’s mortal enemy, Stefan, and an unsuspecting romance between Liana and his son.
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Meet the author:

Matt Dallmann has a background in acting and holds a BFA from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. His films and screenplays have been featured at film festivals across the United States including Cinequest, Big Apple Film Festival, Seattle’s True Independent Film Festival, DragonCon and Zero Independent Film Festival. His piano compositions have been published for commercial use and he is a member of ASCAP. Matt is also the Co-Founder and Vice President of the boutique medical billing firm VGA Billing Services, Inc. in New York City. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and two daughters.

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Connect with the author: Website

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The Teen's Guide to Social Media and Mobile Devices ~ Review

The Teen's Guide to Social Media
    and Mobile Devices
By Jonathan McKee

Navigating the ever-changing digital world of social media is a challenge for most people. And for teens, there is the added pressure of navigating the ever-changing world of life with school, friends, peer-pressure, and parents all having expectations.

But how do we make sure that what we post won't have a negative impact on the rest of our lives? We need to post, share, and friend in an intelligent and thoughtful manner. But making smart decisions can be hard when we don't think things through completely.  And once we hit the button it is impossible to take back what we've put out for our audience to share.

This book offers rules (or guidelines) for you to follow to keep you safe and out of trouble both today and in the future. One can never know who will see what we've put out to share. Yes, it could be a close friend or family member or it could someone with intentions that could do you harm. There are no absolutes when online so your best course is to be smart in this insecure world.

Though written to teens anyone who uses the internet could make use of this book. And anyone who has dealings with kids should definitely read through this book and share it with the young people in their life. There are 21 tips for safe and wise posting and real-life situations where not following these guidelines had dire consequences, sometimes for life! The tips are presented with Biblical reasons why followed by questions to make you think.

This book should be a must for any home with young people in it and it should be included in a library's young adult and/or parent resources collection. The book isn't preachy in its message yet it is firmly based on Godly principles.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Ever regret something you’ve posted?
Honestly? How smart are you being when it comes to streaming, messaging, gaming, commenting. . .?
 
 The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices will help you navigate the digital world with 21 refreshingly honest and humorous tips that will not only inform, but that also just might change the way you think about your social media interaction.

     21 real-life tips including. . .

• Know the app before you snap.
• Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want Grandma, your boss, and Jesus seeing! (Jesus is on Insta, you know!)
• Peek at your privacy settings. . .so you know who’s peeking at you.
• Take more “selflessies.”
• Press pause before you post. 

. . .and many more will provide just the information you need to post wisely in an insecure world.

The 16th Academy ~ Review with Excerpt

The 16th Academy
By Spencer Yacos

Davy Prince is living a life most would not believe, unless they too, were attached to Eastway Academy. Having been a "student" since he was 13 years old Davy is anything but a typical student. He and his fellow classmates are a well-trained group of agents. And most missions meet with success.

But after one mission things begin to change with their next assignment. Their assignment takes them to San Pablo where years before the 10th Academy never returned from a similar mission. And when things begin to go wrong questions are raised about a traitor in their midsts. But who would want them dead and why?

But when their mission goes even further off course Davy finds himself in a most unlikely situation one where he must decide whom he distrusts the most if he is to survive.

Tweens and teens who love the action and adventure of teen spies will enjoy this debut offering from Spencer Yacos. The danger is physical, emotional, and mental. In this deadly game who you trust could very well determine who will live. As the story progresses the intensity builds for a climatic end that is clearly the first in a series that will keep the reader in anticipation of what comes next. I highly recommend this book for mystery and suspense fans. Though for aimed at teens I feel many adult readers will enjoy this book as well.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Eastway Academy, a shadowy organization steeped in espionage, values obedience above all else. Although a well-trained agent in his third year, 16-year-old Davy Prince struggles to find his morals when every mission seems to put innocent lives at risk. How will Davy react when sabotage turns an already risky job into an all-out struggle for survival?

About the Author:

Spencer Yacos is proud to be publishing his debut novel at Cedar Fort. He has been writing on the local level as well as for magazines such as Teen Ink. Spencer was also accepted into the Emerging Writers Institute at Brown University over the summer of 2015. He looks forward to continuing with the series as he heads off to study in college.

Author Residence: Wyckoff, NJ

Excerpt:

“Camelot is ready. The operation is a go,” a voice crackled through the
transceiver in my ear. The mission was being initiated and a part of me was
annoyed. Only halfway through my fried chicken, I was still pretty hungry. I
hadn’t eaten since the night before, since the plane ride down that morning
served no breakfast. Given that I was going to meet with a drug kingpin in a
few minutes, the last thing I wanted was for my stomach to be growling.
I sat in the first floor food court of the Franklin Building, El Paso’s premier
commercial block and the headquarters of the global fast food chain Beef n’
Wings. It was just after noon and the area stirred with visitors eager for their
lunch. From my position I could see two other field agents, the only other two
in the building. Far off to my right, just outside the crowds and colorful
cacophony of restaurants, a hulking teenaged boy seemed to have the same
idea I had as he snacked on a beef hot dog from one of the stands. He wore
a blue hard hat, with matching blue overalls and heavy-looking harnesses
which clung to his body. At his side he loosely held a squeegee as well as
some napkins, presumably for his meal. After taking a big gulp, his lips began
to move. It was much too noisy in the food court to pick up any word he was
saying naturally, but on the transceiver I could hear him perfectly. Percival is
ready. Let’s get this over with.”

Topaz Reign ~ Review and Giveaway

Topaz Reign
Altered Stones #2
By Teresa Richards

Destroying the Emerald was just the beginning, unknown to Garon the mysterious O has created another gemstone with powers. And Lindy's reign of Valstenia is threatened ~ but even more disturbing the world is changing and Garon and Maggie are the only ones aware of these changes.

Concerned about the changes occurring in the past Garon returns to the 1600's to determine what has happened. To Maggie's dismay Garon refuses to let her return with him because the danger involved in time travel.

But when the changes to history continue Maggie along with her brother Tanner (who knows nothing of the history changes) travel to the childhood home of their late mother. Maggie is looking for clues to the changes in history while at the same time trying to learn more about the mother that she lost all those years ago. What Maggie and Tanner discover could change the course of history yet again. But first they have to discover how to escape from a present that is in a state of flux to the past where it all began.

Valstenia's masses are falling victim to O's newest altered gem ~ a rare and beautiful topaz that has been given special properties. Unfortunately yet again these powers are being misused and again Lindy and the royal family are threatened by this deceptive power. With time against them Garon, Maggie, Lindy, Tanner and those few whose loyalty can't be turned are in a seemingly hopeless battle. And thanks to O they have an unexpected advantage if only they can determine what the clues all mean.

Topaz Reign is if possible even better than the first book Emerald Bound.  We learn more about Maggie and Tanner's past and there is a secret there that will surprise everyone involved. And does the timeline get restored? Who's to say which line is the right one? As the past and present come together yet again the reader is left with another delightful tale that skirts loosely with a fairy tale that has been twisted by time.

Fans of YA will enjoy this time traveling mystery that brings danger to the forefront. And if you want a touch of romance you can find that too though with a twist that doesn't guarantee a happily ever after for all involved. Though the series appears complete with the conclusion of this book I have to admit I wouldn't mind additional books following the various characters in their new normal.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. ~ All opinions are my own.


About the Book:

Fairy tales are simply tales, told and re-told, but changed over time.

It has been four months since Maggie learned the dark truth behind the tale of the Princess and the Pea and freed Princess Lindy from the cursed Emerald. Lindy is now back in the past where she belongs, queen of her tiny Scandinavian country, and Maggie is a fully reformed ex-stalker.

Except … she can’t stop doing internet searches on Lindy and her country. 

One morning, Maggie wakes to find history turned on its head. Apparently, you can’t destroy a centuries-old curse without consequence. In order to prevent the changes in history from wiping out the present, Maggie resurrects her stalking gene and learns that fairy tales don’t stay dead for long.

Or at all.

Back in 1623, Lindy is juggling a threat to her family, a handsome new guard she’s not supposed to have feelings for, and a cursed Topaz with ties to the tale of Thumbelina. When past and present collide, Lindy and Maggie are brought together again, and another of Andersen’s tales turns from twisted fiction to chilling fact. 

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Love Held Captive ~ Review

Love Held Captive
A Lone Star Hero's Love Story #3
By Shelley Shepard Gray

This is the third book in the A Lone Star Hero's Love Story series, but if you've yet to read the first two books in the series that is okay as you can easily get into this story set in 1867. The war that destroyed the union that had held the nation together has ended but the wounds have not all healed. And those left to rebuild the lives they once had in the South are scarred - though not all scars can be seen. And not all those who were wounded were soldiers.

In the midst of war, Lizbeth Barclay and Julianne VanFlett suffered at the hands of those who were in command and they are both still paying the price for what they lost. Lizbeth's suffering haunts Major Ethan Kelly as he was in charge of a raid on her home - a raid that added to the despair that she was so obviously already suffering from. But his orders were for the good of his troops even if it cost him his peace. Julianne's pain was the result of her decision to sacrifice for the care of her grandmother. And she has been living with the consequences of her decision ever since - her reputation sullied. But Julianne has managed to capture the attention of Captain Devin Monroe but will her secret keep him from giving her heart?

This is a story about love, forgiveness, and loyalty. Yes, loyalty plays a big role in this book as it does with the previous books in the series as the men who were prisoners of war at Johnson's Island, Ohio, honor the promises they made to be there for one another whenever needed. And to keep those who mean the most to them safe Ethan and Devin must call upon their friends for their aid. The book shifts between remembrances of time spent at Johnson's Island and the present story (which is 1867), explaining some of the backstory that makes the main characters who they are now.

If you are a fan of historical fiction set in the post-war South check-out this book. Or if you just like reading this would be a good choice. The characters are brought to life so that one can connect with them. And if you like having a true villain in your stories this book has one that is truly unlikeable (ughhh!). So prepare to get caught up in the past with this latest offering from Shelley Shepard Gray.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook bloggers with no expectations of a positive review ~ all opinions expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

After the War Between the States, a Confederate officer longs to heal the heart of a beautiful woman—but first he’ll have to right the wrongs that were done to her.

Major Ethan Kelly has never been able to absolve himself of the guilt he feels for raiding a woman’s home shortly before he was taken prisoner during the Civil War. He is struggling to get through each day until he once again crosses paths with Lizbeth Barclay—the very woman he is trying to forget.

Life after the war is not much different for former Captain Devin Monroe until he meets Julianne VanFleet. He knows she is the woman he’s been waiting for, but he struggles to come to terms with the sacrifices she made to survive the war.

When Ethan and Devin discover that their former colonel, Adam Bushnell, is responsible for both Lizbeth’s and Julianne’s pain, they call on their former fellow soldiers to hunt him down. As the men band together to earn the trust of the women they love, Lizbeth and Julianne seek the justice they deserve in a country longing to heal.

The Christmas Blessing ~ Review

The Christmas Blessing
By Melody Carlson

It's that time of year again when Melody Carlson comes out with yet another delightful Christmas story. This year is a journey into the past with a visit to 1944.

Amelia Richardson is determined to provide a better life for her young son, one better than she had, but when she learned of James death in the war Amelia's left with few choices. She can continue on as she has been, hoping to find a new job. Or she can find James parents and let them meet their grandson Jimmy. But with the war and the suddenness of their engagement, she is sure they have no idea that she exists. As James never got word of her pregnancy before his death she knows Jimmy will be a surprise to them.

Hoping that Jimmy will provide an unexpected blessing to the Bradleys, Amelia leaves California for Montana. But when she is faced with unforeseen obstacles Amelia does what she must to ensure the best future for her son. But with Christmas soon approaching Amelia hopes that her son will be the Christmas blessing to the family who didn't know that he existed.

Anyone who has read Melody Carlson's Christmas stories in the past knows that there are moments of sadness and even the possibility that the heart's desire will not be obtained. Well, it holds true with this book as well, but never fear the title is apt for this book as a Christmas blessing is indeed possible for Amelia and the Bradleys and at the heart of this blessing is a small unexpected baby.

If you are looking for a sweet story for a few hours of reading during the Christmas season or even to get you out of the Christmas blues so many complain about pick-up this sweet book. At 166 pages this is a fairly quick read so you can squeeze it in if short on time or enjoy it over a long weekend

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Although Amelia would be on the train only until tomorrow morning, she unpacked a few things with the goal of making Jimmy and herself as comfortable as possible. To her delight, this cozy sleeping car felt just right for the two of them. Not only that, but as the train began to move, Jimmy relaxed and settled in. Almost as if he were glad they were finally on their way. Maybe he instinctively knew that life was about to get better for them. Perhaps he would enjoy meeting his paternal grandparents. At the moment the train pulled out of the station, anything seemed possible.

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She's determined to give her baby a better life. 

Could a Christmas miracle make it possible?

Not long after she receives the news in 1944 that her baby's father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope. Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant's paternal grandparents. The only problem is, they don't know that she--or their grandson--exists. 

When Amelia discovers the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son? Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?