Julie Arduini's Blog, page 133

February 4, 2015

Entrusted Book Release in Youngstown

Do you live in the Greater Youngstown area? If so, I’m having a party to celebrate Entrusted at Youngstown Christian School (transitioning to the new name Valley Christian School) at 6:30.


I’ll be in the new cafeteria at 4401 Southern Boulevard ready to celebrate with you with cake, punch, a photo area, trivia, goodie bags and more.


These Entrusted magnets will be included in goodie bags.

These Entrusted magnets will be included in goodie bags.


If you haven’t picked up your copy of the book that features a Youngstown heroine and ends in the city, there will be limited books available for $15, with proceeds benefiting the Youngstown Christian PTL organization. I’m happy to sign any copies of Entrusted.


If you’re not planning to purchase, I hope you come out anyway. This is good news happening in Youngstown during a snowy week. I say let’s have some fun.


See you there!




Tags:  author, book release party, Entrusted, Julie Arduini, Youngstown, Youngstown Christian




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 Guest Blogger Author Susan May Warren: Take a Chance on Darek Christiansen  Secretly Smitten Live Webcast February 5th  Marriage Monday: The Day My Parents Decided to Be Funny  COTT: MaryLu Tyndall Wins 2013 Laurel Award  12 Pearls of Christmas---Suzanne Woods Fisher's A Christmas of KindnessCopyright © Julie Arduini [Entrusted Book Release in Youngstown], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Published on February 04, 2015 21:00

February 2, 2015

Movie Review: 23 Blast

DVD_general


Movie Description:


When a high school football star is suddenly stricken with irreversible total blindness, he must decide whether to live a safe handicapped life or bravely return to the life he once knew and the sport he still loves.


I confess, when the movie started, my expectations were low. With the exception of Spy Kids actress Alexa Vega, none of the actors were names I knew. Sadly, most faith based films are known for having a cheesy element to them.


But like Travis Freeman and his true story about going blind and choosing not only to live in a sighted world, but play football again, as the movie progresses, it finds it footing.


Travis went from 20/20 vision one day to completely blind the next. He had to process through the anger and surrender his fears. His blindness affected a lot of people and I believe the movie did a good job showing that. His parents, especially his mother, really struggled with his loss of sight. He’s got one friend who sticks with him, to the point of being blunt about the girl that left as soon as things got tough. He has another friend with a lot of baggage that supplies a lot of humor but also struggles to find his place before and after Travis’ blindness.


By the last scene, I was crying. Like the other football movies with heart, I was sucked into the emotion and winning spirit the team carried regardless of the score. The last play is amazing.


The actor that played Travis reminds me of a young Matt Damon. I thought he did an admirable job in the challenging role.


At the end you learn the real Travis played a cameo part in a key scene, and that was emotional for me, too. I recommend watching the bonus footage as Travis not only shares his own story, the actors do as well. They also explain what happened to one of the players, and I think it’s important for teens especially to pay attention to that footage. The movie earned the PG-13 rating because of that player and his choices, and they are honest about showing those choices have consequences. Travis talks about his friend and the demons his friend never surrendered. It’s a real lesson to think about long after the movie is over.


As is 23 Blast itself. We may not face the same challenges as Travis, but we all have fears. I think the movie is an inspirational motivator for all of us to dig deep inside and surrender in faith.


For we walk by faith, not by sight 2 Corinthians 5:7 was the core verse for 23 Blast.


May it be the same for us.


To purchase 23 Blast, click here.


I received a copy of 23 Blast in exchange for an honest review.




Tags:  2 Corinthians 5:7, 23 Blast, football, Julie Arduini, movie review, Travis Freeman




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 Video of the Week: The Inheritance by Jo-Anne Berthelsen  Sabbath Sunday: Because of Him, Toward Him, With Him  Sabbath Sunday: The Silver Lining  Don't Eat the Garbage  Sabbath Sunday: The Faith WalkCopyright © Julie Arduini [Movie Review: 23 Blast], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Published on February 02, 2015 21:00

February 1, 2015

COTT: Secrets and Lies by Janet Sketchley

 




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A single mother must protect her teenage son—from organized

crime and from himself.



 



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Secrets and Lies, by Janet

Sketchley



 


About the novel:


Carol Daniels thinks she out-ran her enemies, until a detective arrives at

her door with a warning from her convict brother. Minor incidents take on a

sinister meaning. An anonymous phone call warns her not to hide again.


Now she must cooperate with a drug lord while the police work to trap him.

Carol has always handled crisis alone, but this one might break her.

Late-night deejay Joey Hill offers friendship and moral support. Can she

trust him? One thing’s certain. She can’t risk prayer.


What reviewers are saying:


“Secrets and Lies delivers engaging characters and a sweet romance

in the midst of a single mom’s worst nightmare.”


~ Sandra Orchard, award-winning author of Deadly Devotion and

Blind Trust


 


“Secrets and Lies takes up where Heaven’s Prey

left off, and is another great thriller by Janet Sketchley. With the

backdrop of music and family, Secrets and Lies could really be

defined as a retelling of the Ultimate Redemption. Sketchley is very adept

at writing about the sometimes intricate and confusing relationships that

make up a family. This one is not to be missed.”


~ Linda Hall, award-winning author of Steal Away (Christian

fiction) and Night Watch (mainstream)


 



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A note from the author:


Secrets and Lies is a book 2 in the Redemption’s Edge series. I

met Carol, the heroine, through writing her brother Harry’s story in

Heaven’s Prey, and I knew her life had not been easy. I also knew

she needed the Lord. Secrets and Lies gives her the chance to find

Him—unless her enemies find her first.


For more about Carol and the other key characters, visit the Secrets and Lies book page. Scroll

past the buy links, and you’ll find interviews and features, plus a YouTube

playlist of the classic oldies (with a few extras) mentioned by title in

the novel.


This is a Christian novel, but Carol loves her mainstream classic rock.

Check out the Secrets and Lies

playlist
on YouTube. There are a few other things in there that only

make sense if you’ve read the book.


What COTT voters had to say:


“Janet Sketchley writes with care and integrity, creating suspenseful

stories that stay with the reader for a long time.”

“I love a good

mystery/suspense read and Secrets & Lies looks fantastic!”

“Secrets and Lies by Janet Sketchley intrigues me and I think, of the six

books shown, I would be most likely to add this one to my pile of books to

read.”

“In “Secrets & Lies”, Janet Sketchley has written another

“can’t put me-down book”. It equals “Heaven’s Prey” and may even surpass

it. Can’t wait for the third “Redemption’s Edge” novel to be published.

Keep up the good work, Janet!”

“Janet Sketchley – this book sounds

like something I would love!”

“Almost finished Secrets & Lies.

It’s another “page turner” like Heaven’s Prey.”

“Secrets and Lies –

great cover for a great read.”

“It’s such a busy month, but I’m really

looking forward to getting back to “Secrets & Lies.”

“Janet

Sketchley, keep on doing what God’s calling you to do! Exciting things lie

ahead!”

“Janet, despite the darkness indicated in your title, I’m

confident that in “Secrets and Lies” you bring forth the light of truth and

the triumph of redemption.”

“Janet, You continue to inspire me! You

went for it and look at where you are now? 2 novels under your belt! Can’t

wait to see what God has in store…”

“I thoroughly enjoy reading

Janet Sketchley’s novels. I feel like I personally know the characters.

Best of luck Janet!”


 


About the author:


Janet Sketchley is the author of Heaven’s Prey and Secrets and

Lies
, two novels of suspense and redemption (available as print and

ebooks). She also blogs about faith and books. Janet loves adventure

stories, worship music, tea and Formula 1 racing. Like Carol in Secrets and

Lies, she enjoys music and tea. Unlike Carol, Janet isn’t related to a

dangerous offender, has a happy home life, and has never been threatened by

a drug lord. May those tidbits continue to hold true!


Find Janet online.


Fans of Christian suspense are invited to join Janet’s writing journey

through her monthly

newsletter
.





Tags:  Clash of the Titles, COTT, fiction, Janet Sketchley, Julie Arduini, Secrets and Lies




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Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 COTT: Vote for Your Favorite New Release  Sabbath Sunday: Winter Roads  Why I Love Made to Crave as a Book Study: Safety in Numbers  COTT: Congrats to April's New Release Clash Winner--Sharon Hinck's The Restorer's Son, Expanded Edition  Odyssey Adventure Club Summer ActivitiesCopyright © Julie Arduini [COTT: Secrets and Lies by Janet Sketchley], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Published on February 01, 2015 21:00

January 31, 2015

Sabbath Sunday: That Brilliant Sun

January2015WesternReserve4


January saw its share of dark days and snowy weather. When this rare sunny day came, the sun didn’t play coy. It was a full display, a “look at me” kind of brilliance.


And I realized, I should be that bright for others.


Not so people would see me, but that they would see Christ.



“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”


Matthew 5:14, NIV



If you’re in a relationship with Christ, if you call Him friend, don’t hide it. Put Him on full display through your words, actions, thoughts and deeds.




Tags:  amateur nature photo, Christlike, Julie Arduini, light, Matthew 5:14, Sabbath Sunday, snow, sun, winter




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 Sabbath Sunday: That Brilliant Light  Julie Arduini Interviews Ben Regan from Entrusted  Sabbath Sunday: Chosen  COTT: Clash of the New Fiction Releases  My Introverted WaysCopyright © Julie Arduini [Sabbath Sunday: That Brilliant Sun], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Published on January 31, 2015 21:00

January 30, 2015

Saturday Confession: The Parenthood Finale Headache

It’s no secret I enjoy a good television show. I’m a fan of quality writing and ensemble acting and this year I’ve been saying goodbye to some good ones.


Parenthood being one of them.


I watched this show from the beginning, and as I’ve been with Girl Meets World, I was skeptical. Could Parenthood the television show pull off the mastery that was the movie? I wasn’t so sure.


Then I was.


Parenthood became the show I texted family and friends as we watched across the miles. We saw Adam, Kristina, Crosby, Julia and Zeek in ourselves and the ones we loved. We threw our arms up when Sarah made yet another mistake. The cousins made their share of mischief, too. Drew, Haddie, Sidney and Amber were a topic of many chats, too.


Then it evolved and became a cheap form of therapy. My mom started watching and I listened as she shared some of the reasons behind her parenting choices. I could tell she was processing our lives as she watched. And it was healing.


As I watched the finale, I had a headache from crying.


Here’s why: (Spoilers below)


Image http://www.tvguide.com/news/parenthood-series-finale-death-postmortem-jason-katims/

Image http://www.tvguide.com/news/parenthoo...



Zeek with Sarah. When he asked if he had been a good dad, I thought back to the last conversation I had with my father, hours before he passed. Although I was more Adam than Sarah, it took my heart and ran.
Hank with everyone. I hated Hank when he entered the scene. I was such a fan of the young teacher Sarah was with, but Ray Ramano’s portrayal of Hank Rizzoli turned me around. I cried when he met with Zeek. Drew. Max.
Joel and Julia. I’ve never been a Julia fan but I’ve always loved Joel with Julia. To see them reconcile and face new challenges, they were right, it was crazy. But crazy good.
Camille. Camille shattered what was left of my senses. With every scene, every bit of good news, you could see in her silence, on her face, the shoe was ready to drop and she was trying to prepare. When Zeek was talking to Amber about the walks they would take, the look on Camille broke me. She knew. I knew. Zeek knew. Amber knew. Her face said it all.
The montages backdropped against the baseball game. It was brilliant to give glimpses of the future and great closure. Camille continued with her art in Europe. Julia ended with four kids, just as she grew up in. Crosby and Amber were a dream team at the Luncheonette, with Jasmine pregnant as they all listened to a couple record what was the theme song to the show. How could you not cry during that? And to see Amber happy and adjusted with her son, a stable relationship, and Ryan have a cameo? Tears.
Max. That kid. I bawled during the first season when Kristina wrote a letter to the neighborhood preparing them for Max trick-or-treating. When he hit puberty. When he broke down after the kids bullied him before leaving the regular school. When he kept taking pictures of the girl I loved how they kept the portrayal. Showing emotion and affection truly is difficult for children with Asbergers. Yet, when he gave that smile at graduation, this mom got it. I’ve always identified in marriage as Kristina and as a sibling, Adam. And Max has always had me.

Like I said, I’m a fan of quality writing and acting and this show was always bringing it. I still have a headache from crying.


Parenthood, thanks for everything.


You will be missed.




Tags:  family, Julie Arduini, Parenthood, Parenthood finale, Saturday Confession, therapy, TV guide




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Comments:  0 (Zero), Be the first to leave a reply!Take a look!  
 COTT: First Annual Olympia Award Winner Laura McClellan  A2Z Meme: Today and Tomorrow  A2Z Meme: Nuts for NASCAR  COTT: Londonderry Dreaming by Christine Lindsay  COTT Announces Tammy Doherty Winner with She's MineCopyright © Julie Arduini [Saturday Confession: The Parenthood Finale Headache], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Published on January 30, 2015 21:00

January 29, 2015

The Least Likely Heroine Part 2

So? Who do you think Brent Teague should propose to? You’ve met some of the heroines, but don’t guess yet because there is still another week to meet the others. You’re going to have a big decision to make because all the ladies are great.


If you’ve missed the chapters Write Integrity Press has been releasing, catch up here.


Here’s the scoop: Then, on the afternoon of February 4, we’ll open voting for readers. YOU get to choose the one heroine you think makes the perfect fit for Brent. Your votes will decide the final chapter of the book.


Voting will take place Feb 4-7. Then, on Saturday, February 14, the book will be made available on Kindle FOR FREE for FOUR days – Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.


I love reading about romantic getaways as much as you do. Whether the locale is full of lush palm trees or snow capped mountains I get caught up in the story.


Thing is, my own vacation life hardly reads like a romance. Today I thought I’d share another cruise related story and give you a look at how I’m the least likely cruise heroine.


The second cruise was just me and my husband. As we waited for the plane to taxi I could feel my stomach churning, my mind filling fast with irrational thoughts.



What good parent leaves their kids for vacation?
What if the plane goes down?
Did I pack more than one bra? (See Monday’s post)

My husband, ever the plane enthusiast, is watching all the excitement out the window, not realizing the storm brewing in my mind.


We arrive and all is well.


The waters were rough and I needed a Dramamine. In the movies and romantic books the couples are able to stay up late, eat whatever and just have fun.


I took a 4 hour nap.


In my imaginations, the heroines try new things.


I ordered chicken every night.


My knees are bad so when I’m around water on a deck, I slow down to a near halt. Not quite the sight of Baywatch beauties, is it?


But you know, as least likely as I am as a heroine for a book, I was God’s choice for my husband. Even with my irrational thoughts and chicken tendencies, he still wants to travel with me. Tell me about his day. Steal away for lunch.


To me, that’s the most romantic story of all.




Tags:  fears, heroine, Julie Arduini, The Love Boat Bachelor, vacation, Write Integrity Press




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 Guest Blogger Maria Spencer on Special Needs & "Differently-Able" Families  Sabbath Sunday: Beyond the Branches  Julie Arduini's 2013 Favorite Fiction Read of the Year is...  Character Confession: Oh My!Copyright © Julie Arduini [The Least Likely Heroine Part 2], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Published on January 29, 2015 21:00

January 28, 2015

COTT Announces Tammy Doherty Winner with She’s Mine






A hearty Thank You to the five excellent champions of the first Clash of the Champions in 2015. Some of them are new to us, and we always like to introduce new authors.



One of my favorite parts of being a hostess is to share some of the amazing and beautiful encouraging comments your readers make during the clash. Here are a few from both the survey and the post:



I’ve read several books by Pat Simmons, but her Guilty Series books touched my heart. The books in that series showed me the love and beauty of Missouri, at a time that I needed to know it was there.
Marian P Merritt is a wonderful author and I love her Cajun inspired books.
Susan Lyttek, you are an amazing and talented writer.
I Love everything Marian P. Merritt has written! She pulls me into the story and I feel like I am one of the characters.
Christmas Greetings is such a beautiful story! Thank you, Pat for allowing God to use and encourage others through His words…….C Lewis
These books all sound great!
Davalynn Spencer makes her fictional characters come alive in her stories! Genius!
You don’t shy away from life in your writing, Tammy Doherty. Keep it up!!
Davalynn, I loved your book, couldn’t put it down!
I can’t wait to read every one of these titles. They all look so amazing!
Looking forward to reading Plundered Christmas!
To Tammy Doherty, I would be wicked excited to read this.
Really nice cover, too, Marian Merritt.
Susan, your work continues to thrive, all for the Glory of God! I’m proud to know you, and can’t wait to read this one!
Pat keep doing what you do … Uplifting people through your writing … its a pleasure falling in love with your characters
Great series by Susan Lyttek!
Pat, I had planned to send you the same sentiment on your FB page! BTW, I downloaded ‘A Christian Christmas’ last month. Haven’t gotten to reading it yet (I made a huge TBR pile in December!!) but really looking forward to it. Blessings, my friend :D
I love mysteries, and Plundered Christmas sounds fun.
Going to read The Snowbound Bride!
They’re all beautiful. It’s exciting to think how many hours of reading pleasure are wrapped up under those lovely covers!
It’s a pity you could choose only one of those books. If I could I would choose both ‘She’s mine’ and ‘Plundered Christmas’

 


Congratulations to

 
Tammy Doherty 
 
She’s Mine
 

 
Caitlin

Harrington has a new job and a new life away from her menacing ex-boyfriend,

Adam. Issues with her parents, losing her previous job and the death of her

beloved grandmother leave her wondering if God has abandoned her. Two things

she is sure of: she’s a lousy judge of character and men just can’t be trusted.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
$4.99 e-book
$14.99 Print


Tammy Doherty

writes Inspirational/Christian fiction. Her first three novels are Western

romances set in late 1800s Colorado. After completing this series, Tammy turned

to contemporary romantic suspense. The Mystique of Naultag series is set in a

small town in central Massachusetts very similar to the town where she grew

up. 

Tammy Doherty grew up in the family greenhouse business but decided to go into

an animal related career and became a veterinary technician. Her husband is

“The Perennial Guy,” so she’s back to being immersed in the plant

business. Currently, she works for a veterinary distribution company, selling

pharmaceuticals and supplies in the Northeast. Tammy shares a blog with

critique partner Nike Chillemi. There you can find information about the world

of writing along with personal interest articles. Yes, writers have lives too.

They just need to be reminded of that sometimes! Visit the blog and here to learn more about life in small town

Massachusetts – the setting of her current works. 

 



Learn more about Tammy on her website.


Some Amazon Reviews:

 


scombs – See

all my reviews

Verified

Purchase
This review is

from: She’s Mine: A Mystique of Naultag novel (Kindle Edition)
I read this book

in 2 days. I usually avoid romance novels as I find them to be boring. However

this book was fast paced and full of enough action to keep my interest all the

way to the end. I also enjoyed reading about places and events of the local

area which I could recognize throughout the novel. Excellent job Tammy!

Connie

L. Winters
 (Central MA, USA) – See

all my reviews

This review is

from: She’s Mine: A Mystique of Naultag novel (Kindle Edition)
Did I want to stay

up until 2 am reading? NO! But the book was too good to put down. Highly

recommend.
5.0 out of 5

stars Classical Mystery/Modern Energy, December 1, 2014

 


 





Tags:  Clash of the Titles, COTT, fiction, Julie Arduini, She's Mine, Tammy Doherty




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 Guest Blogger Paul Robinson: Waving the White Flag at P*rn Addiction    COTT: Great Stocking Stuffer Idea--Jennifer A. Davids Restored Heart  Thankful for Life by Connie Arnold  Book Review: As We Forgive by June FosterCopyright © Julie Arduini [COTT Announces Tammy Doherty Winner with She's Mine], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Published on January 28, 2015 21:00

A Walk in the Valley, Christian Encouragement for your Journey through Infertility, Now Available for Pre-Order

I interrupt the winter weather buzz to share something very close to my heart—A Walk in the Valley, Christian Encouragement for your Journey through Infertility, is now available for pre-order through Amazon.


91LVPrvc+FLFrom Amazon:


Everyone’s journey through infertility is different. Even women who have the same physical problems will have different courses of treatment, different responses, and different emotional ups and downs as they walk this path. But we also have so much in common: the hurt, anger, frustration, pain, sorrow, hope and joy that we have experienced along the way.


We are women who have experienced infertility. Some of us have gone on to conceive, others have adopted, and others remain childless. All of us have found peace in the loving arms of our Father God at the end of our journey. We want to share our experiences and thoughts with you. It is our hope and prayer that you’ll be encouraged.


This devotional workbook starts with how each woman discovered her infertility, then explores the diagnostic testing pursued, how they processed the official diagnosis, what decisions had to be explored regarding treatment, their experiences during infertility treatment (including pregnancy, miscarriage, and childbirth), and finishes with their experiences in remaining childless, adoption, foster care, child sponsorship, and the emotional healing regardless of the outcome of their infertility journey.


Each devotional has a Scripture focus and questions for thought and discussion.


This book started as a question on the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) loop and quickly evolved. What I love is none of our stories are the same. Our endings are all different. We are all transparent in our experiences. The one thing I detested in trying to find something, anything that would help me in my pain was patronizing books or authors who were painting a picture that life was rosy, even in this hard time.


It. was. not.


And thank God, our stories reflect that so readers won’t feel alone.


Yet, we also give hope through Scripture and what we learned along the way.


I can’t wait for everyone to read this.


If you or someone you love is walking or has walked through infertility and miscarriage, please pre order this book.  When you aren’t sure what to say, I believe this book will do the talking.


Pre order by clicking here.


Tags:  ACFW, Amazon, anger, Bible, Chalfont House Publishers, devotional, Donna Winters, Elizabeth Maddrey, Heidi Glick, hope, infertility, Jesus, Julie Arduini, Kym McNabney, miscarriage, Paula Mowery




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 Character Confession: Still  WFW: Summer's Real Oppression  Marriage Monday: Have Some Children Pray  Character Confession: Frustrated but not Defeated  A2Z Meme: Today and TomorrowCopyright © Julie Arduini [A Walk in the Valley, Christian Encouragement for your Journey through Infertility, Now Available for Pre-Order], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Published on January 28, 2015 09:50

January 27, 2015

The Least Likely Cruise Heroine Part 1

You’ve been reading the chapters and meeting the heroines of The Love Boat Bachelor, right? Monday through Friday this week and next you get a sneak peek at them.


Then, on the afternoon of February 4, we’ll open voting for readers. YOU get to choose the one heroine you think makes the perfect fit for Brent. Your votes will decide the final chapter of the book.


Voting will take place Feb 4-7. Then, on Saturday, February 14, the book will be made available on Kindle FOR FREE for FOUR days – Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.


I thought I’d share some cruise memories, but a little more my style. I can’t give all my secrets away as some are with my heroine, but sadly, I have enough “That Julie, she’s fun to watch moments” that we can read for awhile.


Let’s get started.


It was 1995. First cruise. First adult vacation. It’s me and my sister and I’ve worked hard for this. We’re excited but so naive as we were sheltered kids. Was I a confident traveler? Did I look like a book cover heroine?


Ummm, no.


053

My sister and me, circa 1990’s.


As the big sister, I was worried sick about my sister. A blonde with blue eyes, the ship’s crew followed her everywhere. It was creepy and we were taught to be kind. I feel like all I did that week was give the men dirty looks and tell my sister to hurry along and stop saying hello to everyone.


Then there was the humidity.


Heroines seem to have perfect hair in the movies. Me? Frizz. Horrible, horrible frizz.


How about the excursions? Surely I had to be a romantic vision there, right?


I was in Tulum, Mexico visiting the ruins.


It was about 450 degrees with full sun.


I am sweating in places I didn’t know could sweat. Don’t try to sugarcoat it. It wasn’t perspiring. It was full on drenched sweat.


And I realized during the excursion I didn’t pack extra bras.


What I had on, was all I had.


Oh, but my awesome self wasn’t done.


On the way back the young, single tour guide asked if anyone was single.


After all the yelling I did at my sister for inviting trouble, I am the first to raise my hand.


He asked if I was rich.


I shook my head. Rich to me was someone with a mansion.


He said, “You’re rich. You’re American.”


And I looked out the window.


The homes we were passing were shacks, if that.


There weren’t families with cars tooling around, and if they had a car, it was one, and it was a beater.


Their income came from tourists like us.


And my ignorant heart was the least romantic thing of all.


The good news about that cruise was the pictures. After we got home and I had the pictures developed, I went to take them to the Arduini home, a gathering place for dinners and good times between the parents and siblings. That particular day I’d been running late, and everyone ate and left, except for the second oldest, Tom.


I showed him my pictures and we talked for three hours.


As the least likely heroine, that was the day Tom realized there was something about me he wanted to know better.


We’ve been married more than 18 years.


 




Tags:  cruise, heroine, Julie Arduini, romance, The Love Boat Bachelor, Tulum, Write Integrity Press




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 Sabbath Sunday: Be a Firework  Fiction Friday: Second Time Around  WFW: Evaporating Frustrations in a Basin  Thankful: Walking in Favor by Joy Chickonoski  Thankful: Jill Fortriede's Road to SalvationCopyright © Julie Arduini [The Least Likely Cruise Heroine Part 1], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Published on January 27, 2015 21:00

January 26, 2015

Movie Review: Roadmap Genesis

 


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Movie Description:


Roadmap Genesis is a film documentary that makes the case that the Book of Genesis is a roadmap containing guideposts on how to live a productive, fruitful, and fulfilling life that will help our society lift itself out of its current decline and return it to prosperity, promise, and accomplishment.


When Filmmaker Nolan Lebovitz found himself at a crossroads in his life, he knew he had to choose between continuing to make the Hollywood suspense thrillers that were his livelihood and trying to make the world a better place for his new young family. After much struggle, he found his answer in the Book of Genesis.


Armed with this discovery, Nolan made a drastic life change. He decided to study to become a Rabbi. As his seminary work progressed, he realized that he needed to share his epiphany with others. But how?


He decided to combine his love of the Book of Genesis with his passion for filmmaking and set out to travel the United States, interviewing clergy and public figures in order to build an undeniable argument about the continued importance of the Book of Genesis as a guiding force in our Judeo-Christian country.


Roadmap Genesis invites Americans of all faiths to engage in a dialogue about the relevance of the Bible in the modern age. Through interviews ranging from Gov. Mike Huckabee of Fox News Channel to Rabbi David Wolpe, from Alan Dershowitz to the Archbishop of Chicago Cardinal Francis George, from Erick Stakelbeck of the Christian Broadcasting Network to Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum, and many, many more, Nolan explores the rules that God has set forth to help us maintain a successful and working society.


***


This is a comprehensive look at Genesis and how it applies to our lives. From what people on the street know or remember about the first book in the Bible to how the Scriptures should affect our family time and how we treat the planet, Nolan Lebovitz covers a lot of ground with a diverse number of interviews on the subject. From Governor Huckabee to Alan Dershowitz, it’s interesting to hear what people think.


Some of the topics and interviews went a little long, but for anyone curious about the Bible or wanting to hear more about evolution/creation, the environment, economy and more, I learned a lot.


Genesis has a lot to teach us. We need to slow down and allow God’s word access to our lives.


To purchase Genesis Roadmap, click here.


I watched a preview of this documentary in exchange for an honest review.




Tags:  Bible, documentary, Genesis, Genesis Roadmap, Julie Arduini, Nolan Lebovitz




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 Julie Arduini Interviews Ben Regan from Entrusted  A2Z Meme: Keeping it Real  A2Z Meme: Spectacular Falls  Saturday Confession: Wait, I'd Like to Break Up With You  Book Review: Writing and Selling the Great American Novel by Janice ThompsonCopyright © Julie Arduini [Movie Review: Roadmap Genesis], All Right Reserved. 2015.

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Published on January 26, 2015 21:00