My Body is Broken But My Mind Yearns to Soar by Melissa Jenkins Book Review

My Body is Broken, But My Mind Yearns to Soar is a book about the extraordinary life of Dakota Charles Jenkins. He was born early and suffered from medical issues that left him without the ability to speak or sit up on his own. He couldn’t walk or crawl and he was in a wheel chair. Over time, thought she witnessed his true potential and that he had an intelligent mind. In the book, she shared how at 35 she went through an anonymous sperm donor and did IVF treatments to become pregnant. The donor had a very high SAT score and GRE and was studying to become a physicist and computer engineer. Dakota also had an identical twin, Maxwell. He became very sick with a bacterial blood infection and was put on life support. He was declared brain dead and passed away. Throughout the book, she covered some of the adventures Dakota and her experienced such as a make a wish trip to Disney, Dreams and Wings, just to name a few. She explained how he has a fascination with math and how since he was confined to a wheelchair he wasn’t as easily distracted like other kids are. He did lots of videos using Khan Academy and even studied algebra and calculus. He was six years old at the time. In the book, she shared how she had another son, Emile and he even showed strong capabilities. The book will walk readers through the challenges he faced and the struggles and how he changed lives while he was here. 

 

 

I would recommend this remarkable book to anyone who is seeking an inspiration read. At times, the book will make you want to cry and other times you are witnessing a boy who is defying the odds and shocking people with his incredible skills. I enjoyed the personal adventures she shared that they went on including the trip to Disney and other fun activities they were able to experience as a family. Readers will be taken on a journey covering the life of Dakota. 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase it is available on November 21: 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLH6DN3W?crid=I6DA7HVUFZ3L&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._-uSs0BeHWZjlOFaKHXSiZ9a0fGprNnBlo-VElQESTg.UPa3rpGhetK6yUTFV5-_UUOgbuHjP48CcHzb6HgHC6c&dib_tag=se&keywords=my+body+is+broken+but+my+mind+yearns+to+soar&qid=1730329140&sprefix=my+body+is+broken+but+my+mind+yearns+to+soar%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-1&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0UF-orUjjM0OVDMGyTuQE_wmaa9ciaXhnWnYu69cg-1EV2HUbkQXy19MU_aem_RYRL41qh0MxShj7l9HJK5w

 

 

Her book is coming out soon right now though you can start checking it out at:

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0BGX7TYV6

Check out her official FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567370446896

“I received this book free from the author for my honest review.”

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie Review and Giveaway

 

• Buy tickets today to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in theaters starting November 8!

 

• Watch THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER film, in theaters

everywhere beginning November 8th

 

• Watch this moving family film in theaters starting November 8!

• Get ready for Christmas by watching this film with your family in theaters starting

November 8!

• BASED ON A BELOVED BOOK: The newest film from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story

Company is based on the beloved children’s book classic book. As of November

2023, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson has sold more than 7

million copies since its publication in 1972.

• Logline: Nobody is ready for the mayhem and surprises that ensue when six of the worst youngsters disrupt the town's yearly Christmas performance.

 

• Synopsis: The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst. They lie, they steal, they bully...and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. 

 

Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark & Darin McDaniel.

This movie is an excellent film for the Christmas season and even for years to come. I believe this film is one watcher’s will add to their holiday collection. This movie is based on a children’s book. It is filled with funny scenes that will entertain the whole family. The play for the first time ever will feature the family of the Herman kids who are liars, thieves, and they bully others to get their ways. They at first only went into the church because they heard that they get free snacks to eat. I thought it was interesting to witness how their church members reacted to them leading the play and most didn’t support or approve of them. One of them even tried to blame for something they didn’t actually do they just assumed they were guilty. The movie showed us the message of grace, acceptance, and loving others. One of the most powerful lessons was in watching the family change slowly over time and they wanted to learn more about the Christmas story. One of the statements was about how Jesus was born for the Herdman’s as much as He was born for us. The movie also debuted a brand-new Christmas song by none other than country artist, Blake Shelton, “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and this is the first time he has ever recorded a version of this Christmas tune. 

 

 

 

I loved how Lauren Graham was the narrator for the film throughout the film and listeners will easily recognize her voice. She really added more to the film and described what Beth was feeling at the time. There may even a surprise at the very end. The film features Pete Holmes (Secret Life of Pets 2, Dropout, Crashing, Judy Greer (13 Going on 30, Jurassic World, Ant-Man, Tomorrowland), Elizabeth Tabish (The Chosen, The Shift), Kirk B.R. Woller (The Chosen, The Resurrection of Gavin Stone, Like Dandelion Dust, Stephanie Sy (FUBAR, The Santa Summit, Hudson & Rex) just to name a few actors and actress you may recognize. 

Trailer: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - Official Trailer #2 - YouTube 

 

 

Check out Blake Shelton’s new song:

 

• Buy tickets today to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in theaters starting November 8th!

 

 

Website: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever | Coming to Theaters November 8

 

 

Disclosure:

 

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

 

 

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card

(Note: This is limited to US winners only.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Carpenter Movie Review and Giveaway

• Buy tickets today to see The Carpenter in theaters starting

November 1st!

 

• An unconventional parable as action packed as it is faith promoting.

 

• The Carpenter is an action film that explores Nazareth in 29 A.D. with music, fight sequences, and a carpenter.

 

• The Carpenter is Christian filmmaking at its finest. You can’t help but cheer.

 

• A touching account of how Jesus can change us into the best we can be.

 

• The Carpenter is an unforgettable film. Through the life of a fighter, a modern depiction of an ancient story is told.

 

• The film “The Carpenter” expects to turn heads when it releases in select theaters

nationwide on Nov. 1, as the story of a champion fighter whose life is impacted

when he is befriended by a benevolent Carpenter from Nazareth.

 

• THE CARPENTER is a powerful tale of transformation and redemption. Set in biblical times this film showcases a life-changing journey of becoming a carpenter’s apprentice to none other than Jesus Christ. Through the timeless skills of carpentry, a path of compassion and redemption is found.

 

• Synopsis: An adopted Viking orphan becomes a carpenter’s apprentice to Jesus. The orphan, Oren, fights as a side hustle. His experience training as a carpenter with Jesus as his mentor changes his lifestyle.

 

 

My Review:

 

The Carpenter is a new movie based on new parable mixed with a new take on a sidekick friend with Jesus. I liked how the film covered the principles of Jesus throughout the film. This film had the idea of Jesus having an apprentice carpenter who worked alongside Jesus. One of the most powerful scenes is how Oren feels like a nobody and Jesus explains to him that he is a somebody to him. This is a wonderful reminded to us all that we are somebody special to Jesus. Jesus tried to teach him how to use his gift positively for God’s kingdom. One of Oren’s gifts is he is a good fighter. He also meets a widow who he is attractive too and she has a profound influence on his life. I thought the film was interesting into trying to teach new believers about Jesus and His ways. The film reminded me of Heels and Cobra Kai and it had fun action-packed scenes. The film is rated PG-13 because of the fighting and but it really wasn’t that graphic at all. I believe watcher will enjoy this film and learning more about Christ and His love and compassion to the entire world. 

 

 

 

Trailer - YouTube: THE CARPENTER Official Theatrical Trailer - YouTube

 

 

Trailer - FB: The King of the Ring becomes the apprentice to the Prince of Peace. #TheCarpenterMovie is in theaters November 1. | By The Carpenter | Facebook

 

 

• Buy tickets today to see The Carpenter in theaters starting November 1st!

 

Website: The Carpenter | Official Website | November 01 2024

Buy Tickets: The Carpenter | Official Website | November 01 2024

 

 

 

 

Disclosure:

Many thanks to Three Coin Productions for providing a sample of the product for this

review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card

(Note: This is limited to US winners only.)

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lost on a Mountain in Maine Movie Review and Giveaway

 

 

• Buy tickets today to see Lost on a Mountain in Maine in theaters  

starting November 1st! 

• Watch this moving family film in theaters starting November 1st! 

• Synopsis: The inspiring true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler who,  

separated from his family by a fast-moving storm, must fight to stay alive while lost for nine-days in the remote wilderness of northern Maine. Donn’s disappearance captures national headlines and sparks a massive search effort attracting hundreds of volunteers, including his own father who fears he may never see his son again. 

 

 

 

My Review: 

 

This movie is based on a true story detailing the adventure of Donn Fendler and how he was lost on a mountain all alone. He wanted him and his brother to climb all the way to the top. They wanted to go along and prove that they are ready to be men without their father. A big storm come and the brother got lost. He was able to survive by himself for nine whole days. He faced hidden dangers that could have ended his life. There was one gross scene featuring worms that was kind of creepy. He was separated from his dad and brother while on a hiking trip. I do believe his father was rough on raising his kids because he wanted them to learn to be men and be tough. And later on, I think he realized that he was a little to touch on them. I liked how the film also included commentary from the real-life story randomly popping up adding more dialect to the story. The main characters are played by Caitlin FitzGerald (Masters of Sex, It’s Complicated), Paul Sparks (House of Cards, Boardwalk Empire), Luke David Blumm (The Watchers, Where the Crawdads Sings), Ethan Slater (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) just to name a few. Also, an important highlight is the producer is no other than Sylvester Stallone. The film was very interesting in watching how Donn was able go survive in the wildness by himself and the hope they held on to that they would see their son again. It was also touching to see countless number of volunteers helping search for their lost son. 

 

Trailer: 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeXDvVXAvz4&feature=youtu.be

 

 

^• Buy tickets today to see Lost on a Mountain in Maine in theaters starting November 1st! 

Links: 

Website: https://www.lostonamountaininmainemovie.com

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card 

(Note: This is limited to US winners only.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  

Many thanks to WIT PR for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

Average Joe Movie Review and Giveaway

 

• Stand for freedom by watching Average Joe, in theaters October 11!

• Be inspired by the true story of Coach Joe Kennedy and his fight for freedom in the new movie, Average Joe, in theaters October 11!

• Moms, inspire your family to stand up for what they believe in by watching Average Joe, in theaters October 11!

• Synopsis: High school football coach Joe Kennedy had no other choice but to fight. A childhood in foster care followed by 20 years in the Marine Corps was nothing compared to his biggest battle: his commitment to stand for God publicly by taking a knee in prayer after each game. When he was fired, Joe and his wife Denise knew this battle for religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the rights of all Americans was one they would have to fight—no matter the cost. From the director and producers of God’s Not Dead and the producers of The Blind comes AVERAGE JOE, in theaters beginning October 11.

My Review: 

 

This movie is great for the football season and will inspire watchers to take a stand for their own freedom. It was very interesting to watch a marine turned football coach take a stand for his right to take a knee in prayer on the field before the game. He even inspired his football players to participate. The school officials wanted him to only pray in the locker room not out in public. This film is based on a true story. I liked how the film had the reality tv style of the main characters and they were telling a recap of the story and it was like a story time of the past events. Then it would go into the movie scenes. I liked how they explained how the couple met and how he grew up in the foster care system that no one wanted. He faced abuse and came back beaten really bad at one time in the movie. All we will see is really the after effects of the event. There was one other fighting scene with another kid. Other than that, the movie didn’t contain much violence and it’s not too graphic. I liked how they covered his upbringing and I think this helps watchers to learn more about how the man of faith was able to stand for his freedom later on in his life. You can see how this three-year battle with appealing to the Supreme Court brought challenges to their marriage. The biggest fight for his life was for his faith. 

 

 

I also liked the main characters they choose for the role of Joe and his wife, Denise both played by: Eric Close and Amy Acker. Eric Close has starred in TV series, Nashville, Without A Trace, and movies, American Sniper, Christmas at Graceland- Director role, The Mulligan, just to name a few. Amy Acker has starred in Ordinary Angels, The Gifted, Angel, Person of Interest, and much more. I enjoyed the closing song of the film which was one by Danny Gokey- Brave and this was just a reminder to stand up and be brave. 

• Buy tickets today to see Average Joe in theaters starting October 11th!

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ehsy7aehAX8

Website: https://averagejoemovie.com/

Buy Tickets: https://www.fathomevents.com/events/average-joe/

 

 

Brave by Danny Gokey: 

 

https://youtu.be/-jRZ5_j3GZE?si=zaYcDVo045fj9BLR

Disclosure:

Many thanks to Average Joe for providing a sample of the product for this review.

Opinions are 100% my own.

 

Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard

Note: This is limited to US winners only.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Inkwell Chronicles: Operation Bungaree, Book 3 by J. D. Peabody Book Review

This is the third book in the series and the final book. He does leave the ending open just in case the characters were to return soon for a fourth adventure. The book begins with a drawing of the robot, Archytas-17 and how he is designed. Deep down in her heart, Bea knew that Everett had to still be alive in the comic book. She heard the special ink telling her that he was trapped when he did leap reading. He had fell into a crater that turned out to be a volcano. She tried to shake the page and shouted his name like she had done in the past. This time, he wouldn’t come back despite all of her efforts. Everett fought with Eddie Montbanks and he was telling him how much he hated him for ruining his life. He kicked him and forced him to travel down into the empty space and he heard the comic book page tearing away. This is when he realized that he could do the lead reading and go to the very last page of the comic. Everett is trapped in the manual hidden within the comic book alongside a robot named, Archyatas-17. He has no idea how to get out or communicate with the outside world. There are two main villains in the book, Cyno and Eddie, which one of them is trying to kill him and the other is searching for power and money. The villains added a mixture of conflict and made readers wonder how Everett would make it out alive. 

 

 

I would recommend this book to anyone who has read the previous book and I think it does help to read them all in order to follow along. I think the series would be great for ages 6-10. It’s written as a chapter book and could help them to improve their reading skills. It was reading interesting to read about the communication between Bea and Everett and how they did discover a secret way to connect using music. I enjoyed the humor the robot brought to the story and how attention-grabbing this character was to the plot. The inking concept brings something magically to the story and instills creativity to the reader. 

 

 

 

 

“I received this book free from Worthy Publishing for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Inkwell-Chronicles-Operation-Bungaree-Book/dp/1546007687/

A Real Good Life: Discover the Simple Moments that Bring Joy, Connection, and Love by Stevie Hendrix and Sazan Hendrix Book Review

They begin the book by sharing how important is to live the good life and to realize that this one day is an investment in the good life. We can learn to stay in the present. They looked at how we can build our mornings and run each day headed in the right direction. Reflecting on our intentions and be intention about choosing what we pay attention to. They shared the gaze strategy and how they set how they will be intention daily. Some of these included getting up an hour earlier, setting out clothes, reading the Bible, and taking time for yourselves. They covered how critical it is to build a good day by first looking in the mirror and speaking out positive words. When we speak negative words looking in the mirror it won’t help us in living the good life. They shared how everyone is different and how God has made us unique and two people are the same. David also explained how God created us in our mother’s womb and we are fearfully and wonderfully made. They enclosed some examples to assist us in writing down how we see ourselves and making simple declarations over our lives. They broke down how we can ask ourselves questions such as, is it true and who said it. They continued different things to do during midday, evening, and nighttime. 

 

 

 

 

I would recommend this awesome book on living the good life and rediscovering your joy and peace. I liked how they covered a wide range of topics such as finding people who sharpen you, love you, and challenge you, and gather and doing life with them. I liked how the book when back and forth between both writers and told their sides of the stories. There was also an impactful story about her brother’s cancer journey and how showing up and gathering together can make the difference. There are tons of lessons enclosed in this book about living the good life and they will help you to refocus on what’s important. 

“I received this book free from Thomas Nelson for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

https://www.amazon.com/Real-Good-Life-Discover-Connection-ebook/dp/B0BYYY5JYT