A Long Way Off

“A BIBLICAL STORY FOR MODERN AUDIENCES”- Dove

“A Long Way Off”

RELEASING TO DVD August 19^th

 BEST PICTURE WINNER- 2014 INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN FILM FESTIVAL

WINNER BEST OF SHOW- SEDONA FAITH AND FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL

Nashville , Tennessee- A LONG WAY OFF is a spirited, modern day retelling of the classic biblical Story of the Prodigal Son – a story about father-son relationships and about the mercy and forgiveness of both his heavenly Father and his earthly father.  Jake Abraham (JASON BURKEY/October Baby) works for his father (JOHN DIEHL/Stargate), a successful produce farmer in North Carolina.   Jake doesn’t like agri-business very much and he’s desperate to leave for the excitement and faster life of the big city. To his shock and delight, his father suddenly agrees to give Jake his inheritance so he can strike out on his own. Bidding farewell to his dad, his brother, Seth (DAVE BLAMY/Army Wives), their loyal secretary, Mrs. Grey (EDIE MCCLURG/ Ferris Bueller’s Day Off/Frozen) and their ranch hand, Jose (ROBERT AMAYA/Courageous), Jake heads to the city where he meets a new friend, Summer (ZOE MYERS/ Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues) at the local coffee shop. But Jake is all too eager to sow his oats and make his fortune in a series of sharp stock market moves. He soon runs afoul of an opportunistic temptress (JOANNA JOWETT/Destiny Road) and her mysterious boyfriend, Frank (ROBERT DAVI/ License to Kill/Goonies/Diehard), and in the process, loses everything and finds his life on the line.

Written by Jon Macy and co-directed by Michael Davis (Destiny Road) and John Errington (A Box for Rob). Davis also serves as producer; Gerald McGlothlin and Christy McGlothlin are the executive producers for ProdigalFilm LLC. Word Films releases A LONG WAY OFF on DVD and digitally August 19th.  For more information or to see the trailer go towww.alongwayoffthemovie.com.

Synopsis-  Retelling the timeless parable of a father’s unconditional love, tempestuous young Jake tries to escape the duties of the family business by leaving his home and taking his dreams to the big city. Far from the wise words of his father, Abraham, Jake is finally free to live the high life that he’s always wanted, trading the traditional values of his upbringing to revel in every temptation that money can buy. Just when Jake thinks the world is his playground and every day offers another enticing opportunity, he must come face to face with the consequences of the life he’s chosen. Jake must learn that sometimes it takes losing everything to realize/appreciate what he left behind, and if his mistakes can ever outweigh the grace of a father’s forgiveness.

You can see the trailer at http://alongwayoffthemovie.com/watch-the-trailer/.

 

About Word Entertainment:  A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Love & The Outcome, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Print, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records, Word Worship and Fervent Records.

When Calls The Heart Second Chances

“A TERRIFIC SERIES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY” -

Dove Foundation

“ABSOLUTLEY BEAUTIFUL AND VERY ENTERTAINING” -Movie Guide

When Calls The Heart

“Second Chances”

AVAILABLE NOW

From the Television Series inspired by the writings of Janette Oke

Nashville , Tennessee- When Calls the Heart, Produced and directed by Michael Landon Jr. and inspired by the best-selling books by Janette Oke, tells the story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young woman of priveledge, working as a teacher in a prairie town in the Western Frontier.   The local Mounty Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing), has found himself smitten with the high society teacher, but finds her more difficult to understand than any other woman in Coal Valley.   Their mutual friend Abigail Stanton (Lori Loughlin) has been giving him advice in the hope that he still may acquire a second chance.

When Calls the Heart- “Second Chances” is a feature length film from the episodes of the When Calls the Heart television series.  The When Calls the Heart television series debuted on the Hallmark Channel to more than 3 million viewers, making it the No. 2 for the night on all of cable for the primary telecast at 9 p.m and No. 3 overall in households.   Distributed by Word Entertainment, previous DVD’s are available to purchase in Christian Retail.

Synopsis-  As Elizabeth and Jack fight to restore their relationship, she searches for ways to help one of her older students learn how to read. Meanwhile, Adam Miller struggles to adjust to his new disability. With so many difficult changes affecting the community, can Elizabeth create a Founder's Day play that will spark hope in everybody's hearts?.

Michael Landon Jr. – Director:  Michael Landon Jr., son of the late television legend Michael Landon, has been in the film business for over 25 years.  With two of the highest rated films in the history of the Hallmark channel, and several top ten releases targeted to the Christian market, Michael has become known for creating heartfelt, inspiring films that connect to the family.  He has developed and/or produced, directed, and written screenplays for Fox, CBS, NBC, Disney, Sony, Lifetime, and others.

 Brian Bird- Writer/Producer : Brian Bird is co-founder with partner Michael Landon, Jr., of Believe Pictures, a film and television production company.  He was co-executive producer and writer on the successful television series, Touched by an Angel.  Adding to Brian’s success, he had also written and produced episodes of Evening Shade, Step by Step and The Family Man.  Most recently, Bird wrote and produced Gametime, a two-hour television pilot for NBC, The Shunning, inspired by the novel by best-selling author Beverly Lewis, for the Hallmark Channel, and Not Easily Broken, adapted from the novel by T.D. Jakes and released theatrically by Sony/TriStar. 

About Word Entertainment:  A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Love & The Outcome, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Print, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records, Word Worship and Fervent Records.

When Calls The Heart: A Telling Silence

“A TERRIFIC SERIES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY”

-Dove Foundation

“ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AND VERY ENTERTAINING”

-Movie Guide

When Calls The Heart

“A Telling Silence”

AVAILABLE NOW

From the Television Series inspired by the writings of Janette Oke

Nashville, Tennessee- When Calls the Heart “A Telling Silence” is produced and directed by Michael Landon Jr. and inspired by the best-selling books by Janette Oke.   A feature length film made from episodes of the When Calls the Heart television series, When Calls the Heart “A Telling Silence” tells the story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young high society teacher fighting to make a difference in a prairie town in a part of the Western Frontier known as Coal Valley.   Almost immediately, she can tell that something is wrong.     The church was burned to the ground a month after a local mining accident and the only man left to investigate the crime is the Canadian Mountie, Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing).  Meanwhile, the head of the mine is scheming to control the town, including the pastor who seems to be losing his faith along with his church.   The stakes are raised when a young girl goes missing and the town must come together to find her.  Distributed by Word Entertainment, When Calls the Heart “A Telling Silence” will be available to purchase in Christian Retail April 22nd, 2014.

Synopsis-  Feeling sorry for 8-year-old mute Rosaleen Sullivan, teacher Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), reaches out to the little girl as they share lunch. But when Elizabeth is called away and then returns, Rosaleen is missing! Meanwhile, constable Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing) discovers evidence that Cat Montgomery may have been involved in a suspicious church fire. Could the two cases be related?

My Review:

You never go wrong with a movie based on a Janette Oke book.  Add Michael Landon Jr to the mix and you are guaranteed an entertaining movie the whole family can enjoy!!  This is the third in a series, so grab them all for a fun Janette Oke movie marathon!!

Season of a Lifetime - Review

INSPIRATIONAL DOCUMENTARY “SEASON OF A LIFETIME” ARRIVES ON DVD FROM WORD FILMS AUGUST 27

A Joint Venture between Endorphin Entertainment and Fisheye Media Productions, the Story Chronicles the Terminal Illness of Jeremy Williams, Head Coach of Greenville High and His Team’s Unwavering Determination

Nashville, TN – (July 18, 2013) – On August 27, Word Films is slated to release the Endorphin Entertainment  / Fisheye Media Productions inspirational documentary “Season of a Lifetime” on DVD. The film follows Greenville High football coach Jeremy Williams as he perseveres and inspires his team throughout their winning 2010 season in the face of his progressing ALS disease. For his final season as coach, Williams’ beloved small-town Greenville Patriots battle to the playoffs and adopt his never-surrender attitude. “Season of a Lifetime” is produced by Cohen, Bob McAllister and Jason Haley and executive produced by Chris Pullaro. Cohen also served as director and editor of the film.

In 2009, filmmaker Rick Cohen became interested in the story after reading an article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution which recounted the story of the terminally-ill high school football coach that led his team to an undefeated season.  Cohen arranged a meeting with Williams and eventually beat out stiff competition from major TV networks to produce the movie.  In 2010, in spite of doctors’ recommendations and deteriorating health, Williams returned to coach one final season and brought his team once again through a victorious season. Cohen’s cameras captured everything from the field to the doctor’s examination room. The result is a moving and inspiring film that encourages people to live life to the fullest in spite of any adversity.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution recently asked Williams what he hoped the film would show. He responded, “That when things get tough, you can be tough and still love.” Williams’ wife added, “I really hope that people see that, no matter what they might face in life, that through Christ, they can not only get through it but also live a happy, joyful life.”

"In all my years of documenting lives and writing and researching about real people, I never met a man who didn't have a single enemy nor a cross word said about him,” said Cohen. “Jeremy is about as righteous a human being as God has ever put on this earth. He truly walks the talk!”

In 2010, the Williams family also received national attention when ABC’s “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” selected their family to receive a new home suited for his disability and his son’s spina bifida. In addition, his Greenville Patriots also received a new locker room the process. NFL player Michael Oher, whose story was documented in “The Blind Side,” also served as one of the volunteers to help build the home.

The 89-min DVD also includes special footage featuring images from Williams’ college days, footage of the 2009 Greenville football team and the “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” segment. For further information and to view the trailer please visit www.seasonofalifetime.tv.

My Review:

My family and I watched this movie together and were all inspired to be all that God wants us to be in the time He allows us to be here.  

This film is very well put together and easy to watch.  By the end, you truly love Jeremy Williams and his family.  I love seeing how God uses people to reach other people.  The kids on his team all came with a lot of baggage.  They end with growth in their own lives and knowing what a man of God their coach is.  When asked what they would want him remembered  for, they reply, "A true man of God."  We all need to aspire to be remembered that way.  

Life is not about how much we do or how much we have, it's about how many lives we make a difference in.  

Great job Endorphin Entertainment and Fisheye Media Productions

The Guardian

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Guardian

Bethany House Publishers (March 26, 2013)

by

Beverly Lewis


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, The Heritage of Lancaster County, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."

Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Beverly's tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, "Beverly's books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don't run across writing like that every day. I hope she'll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time."

A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time with their family. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."        

ABOUT THE BOOK

When schoolteacher Jodi Winfield goes for a morning run, the last thing she expects is to find a disheveled little girl all alone on the side of the Pennsylvania road, clad only in her undergarments, her chubby cheeks streaked with tears. Jodi takes the preschooler home with her, intending to find out where she belongs. But Jodi is mystified when no one seems to know of a missing child, and the girl herself is no help, since she can't speak a word of English. It's as if the child appeared out of nowhere.


As the days pass, Jodi becomes increasingly attached to the mysterious girl, yet she is no closer to learning her identity. Then an unexpected opportunity brings Jodi to Hickory Hollow--and into the cloistered world of the Lancaster Old Order Amish. Might the answers lie there?


If you would like to read the first chapter of The Guardian, go HERE.

The Bridesmaid

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Bridesmaid Bethany House Publishers (September 11, 2012) by Beverly Lewis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, The Heritage of Lancaster County, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."

Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Beverly's tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, "Beverly's books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don't run across writing like that every day. I hope she'll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time."

A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time with their family. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."        

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Latest in Chart-Topping Amish Fiction from Beverly Lewis

Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna's stories aren't her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare.

Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben's hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Bridesmaid, go HERE.

My Review:  

As always, Beverly Lewis pleases!!  Another wonderful Amish story.  I have read all of her books and I love them.  If you are looking for a great story or a new favorite author...look no further.  With her family history of Amish, she knows enough to keep the stories real but weaves her own imagination into it in a very successful way!!  Keep up the good work...I'm always waiting for the next Beverly Lewis story.

Touching the Sky

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Touching The Sky  Bethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012)  by  Tracie Peterson  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.

She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.

She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max.  She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.    


ABOUT THE BOOK

 When Laura Marquardt first meets Brandon Reid, their encounter is anything but pleasant. But when the two are seated together at a dinner party, they soon find that they share similar interests--Laura desires to educate blacks, and Brandon, as a white officer over colored troops, eagerly supports her cause.

When Laura's sister, Carissa, marries her Confederate beau, Laura finds herself in a difficult situation when she overhears plots to kill Union soldiers. Though in her heart she feels she should share this information with Brandon, Laura fears she will betray her sister's trust and possibly endanger her sister's life. And when Brandon's motives for pursuing her come into question, her heart is even more conflicted. Where is God leading her?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Touching The Sky, go HERE.

Her Restless Heart

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Her Restless Heart  

Abingdon Press (April 2012)  by  Barbara Cameron  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Barbara Cameron is the author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies (HBO-Cinemax), and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Her two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).


When a relative took her to visit the Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she felt led to write about the spiritual values and simple joys she witnessed there. She currently resides in Edgewater, FL.    

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mary Katherine is caught between the traditions of her faith and the pull of a different life. When Daniel, an Amish man living in Florida, arrives and shares her restlessness, Mary Katherine feels drawn to him and curious about the life he leads away from Lancaster County.  


But her longtime friend Jacob has been in love with her for years. He’s discouraged that she’s never viewed him as anything but a friend and despairs that he is about to lose Mary Katherine to this outsider.  

Will the conflicted Mary Katherine be lost to the English world, or to Daniel, who might take her away to Florida? Or will she embrace her Amish faith and recognize Jacob as the man she should marry and build a life with?

If you want to read the first chapter of Her Restless Heart, go HERE.

The Fiddler

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  The Fiddler  Bethany House Publishers (April 10, 2012)  by  Beverly Lewis  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, The Heritage of Lancaster County, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."


Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Beverly's tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, "Beverly's books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don't run across writing like that every day. I hope she'll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time."

A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time with their family. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."    

ABOUT THE BOOK

Come home to Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania--the beloved setting where Beverly Lewis's celebrated Amish novels began--with new characters and new stories of drama, romance, and the ties that draw people together.


A wrong turn in a rainstorm leads Englisher Amelia Devries to Michael Hostetler--and the young Amishman's charming Old Order community of Hickory Hollow. Despite their very different backgrounds, Amelia and Michael both feel hemmed in by the expectations of others and struggle with how to find room for their own hopes. And what first seems to be a chance encounter might just change their lives forever.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Fiddler, go HERE.

Watch the book video:

My Review:

Beverly Lewis has done it again.  I have been a fan for years and years, I have read all of her books and I am never disappointed.  The Fiddler has a different spin from her other books.  Michael being Amish and wanting to be somewhat fancy.  Amelia being English and very fancy wanting a simpler life.  Their lives collide one stormy night and they get a glimpse into the lives they both crave.  

This book is full of ups and downs, twists and turns.  Family illness, some dysfunction, and always a wonderful "Wise Woman" who gives the insight everyone needs.  Definitely a good read.  I would recommend this book or any other Beverly Lewis book to any one who loves to read.

Happy Reading

Angel

Cooking The Books

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Cooking The Books  Abingdon Press (April 2012)  by  Bonnie S. Calhoun  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

As the Owner/Director of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Bonnie has helped use the 220+ blogs of the Alliance to promote many titles on the Christian bestseller list. She also owns and publishes the Christian Fiction Online magazine which is devoted to readers and writers of Christian fiction. She is the Northeast Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). At ACFW she was named the ‘Mentor of the Year,’ for 2011, and she is the current President of (CAN) Christian Authors Network. Bonnie is also the Appointment Coordinator for both the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference.


In her spare time she is an avid social media junkie, and teaches Facebook, Twitter, Blogging and HTML as recreational occupations. She also has a novel coming out in the Abingdon Quilts of Love series. Her novel Pieces of the Heart will publish August of 2013.

Bonnie and her husband Bob live in a log cabin on 15 acres in upstate area of Binghamton, New York with a dog and cat who consider the humans as wait-staff.


ABOUT THE BOOK

After her mother dies from a heart attack, Sloane Templeton goes from Cyber Crimes Unit to bookstore owner before she can blink. She also "inherits" a half-batty store manager; a strange bunch of little old people from the neighborhood who meet at the store once a week, but never read books, called the Granny Oakleys Book Club; and Aunt Verline, who fancies herself an Iron Chef when in reality you need a cast iron stomach to partake of her culinary disasters. And with a group like this you should never ask, “What else can go wrong?”


A lot! Sloane begins to receive cyber threats. While Sloane uses her computer forensic skills to uncover the source of the threats, it is discovered someone is out to kill her. Can her life get more crazy?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Cooking The Books, go HERE.

Watch the book video:



If you'd like to read interviews with Bonnie, try these:
Everbody Needs A Little Romance
A Christian Writers World
Novel Rocket
ACFW - Fiction Finder