Book Review of Autumn Vindication by Sally Jo Pitts

Looking for a mystery to curl up with this fall? 

Maybe a little intrigue to spice up your warm and cozy couch times? 

Let me share a newly released one with you.

Autumn Vindication is the first book in Sally Jo Pitts' new Whodunit Seasons of Mystery series.

The book focuses on a couple of Private Investigators, one is seasoned and the other brand new. You will follow along and learn the ropes of P.I. work as Robert Grey and Jane Carson solve a voter fraud case that leads them down a much darker road than anticipated.

Sally Jo Pitts does an excellent job of building her characters through the story as the two investigators learn about each other and the events that have led them to this point. She builds a wonderful array of supporting cast memebers in the quaint little town of Pine Bluff, Alabama. I especially enjoyed the complex character of the Sherriff Barnes. He is the main reason the team is hired as he has lost the latest race for sheriff but it looks rather suspicious how his competition won. His tough exterior covers up the disappointment over losing the seat and the recent pain of losing his wife. This character has a real "Longmire" feel to him. His troubles only worsen when he becomes the main suspect in the killing of his rival.

Pitts weaves in a thread of faith within the two main characters right on through to the climax of the story giving a David versus Saul twist to the plot. I am not well-versed in mystery stories so it is difficlut to speak with any certainty on the pacing of the story. I could best describe it as a "slow burn". There are questions and clues and many investigative techniques used to move the intriguing story along.  

Well worth the read! Excited to see where Robert and Jane will go next. 

Book Blurb reads:

A private investigator and amateur sleuth make an unexpected autumn discovery

Private Investigator Robert Grey, a former state agent with a tarnished reputation, and his intern Jane Carson arrive in Pine Bluff, Alabama. Initially working a voter fraud case, they find themselves in the middle of a homicide and their client, the local sheriff, is the prime suspect.

Challenged with finding a murderer and grappling with career doubts of their own, the PIs are pitted against Robert’s nemesis.

With a man’s life at stake, can this unlikely duo find vindication while untangling the mysterious maze of suspects and motives hidden within the colored cloak of autumn?

 

Private investigator Sally Jo Pitts whose sleuthing and other experiences in working with all kinds of people has led to writing sweet romance and private investigator mysteries. She writes Romance  and Mystery Books. Check out her website to try out some great "literary" recipes.

Movie Review of God Bless the Broken Road

Another faith based film hit theaters this September.

God Bless the Broken Road is directed by Harold Cronk who brought us God's Not Dead and God's Not Dead 2.

It tells the story of a young mother who loses her husband in Afghanistan and struggles to raise their young daughter in his absence.

The film combines elements of faith, country music, and stock car racing while paying tribute to those who serve in the United States Military.

If you are looking for a clean, family friendly movie this is an excellent choice for you.

Visit your local theater listings for times.



For the main character, Amber Hill, life changes drastically when she receives the news that her husband, a soldier stationed in Afghanistan had been killed. When she receives this news she is leading the church choir practice, which until that moment seems to be the delight of her life.

As often happens when tragedy hits, our lives shift and joy gets buried in the pain. The movie jumps to two years later where we find Amber struggling financially as a single working mom, disconnected from her church roots and completely uninterested in singing. Even her young daughter, Bree, can't convince her to sing "just once more".

Then enters Cody, a race card driver in a slump. His reputation appears to be that of a bad-boy and he is sent to the equivalent of 'the Minors' to sharpen him. He arrives in the small town to be mentored by a man named Joe Carter who runs a mechanics shop, ministers to young kids and apparently is a whiz at car racing.

The first thing Joe does when Cody arrives in town is take him to church where Cody sees a beautiful woman across the parking lot dropping off her daughter. His interest is sparked and shall we say the rest is history?

Well, there is a romantic element to this film but it takes a far back seat to the rest of the story and by the end of the film there is still just a "hint" of something brewing. A very clean and un-rushed aspect of the film.

The main focus of the story is on Amber's choked out faith as the financial obstacles mount higher and higher against her.

Some things I loved about the film: the music! It was a beautiful arrangement of hymns, current radio plays and of course the title track God Bless the Broken Road. Even has a cameo appearance by Micah Tyler as a cafe singer. As well as Jordin Sparks portraying one of Amber's friends.

Another thing I enjoyed about the movie was the intertwining plots of Amber and Cody. They both had a journey to fulfill and they weren't there simply to enhance each other. However, I would have liked to see more depth to Cody's story line.

This story is very moving and I went through several tissues. As the story climaxes where it seems Amber has truly lost everything in her world, she surrenders in exhaustion before God that she can't 'do this alone'. And as believers we know and understand that this is the actual moment where things change. Sometimes in movies this means everything is restored, the sun comes out and everyone lives happily ever after.

Not so in real life, often.

And God Bless the Broken Road tries to steer away from the Story-book ending. Instead of all her dreams coming true, Amber finds peace. And ultimately that is what we all want, isn't it.

"No matter where life takes you ... faith takes you further"

One note on age appropriateness, be aware there is a small amount of war scenes involving explosions and guns, injuries and death. There is no blood shown, which for some will seem very fake but makes it accessible for younger ages. I would still recommend caution for younger children.

Overall, this is a great story and a well made movie. I would recommend it to  those searching for good, clean entertainment. Will be worth the $$$ you spend at the box office doors.

Enjoy!


Check out the trailer.
Also, a discussion guide.


"Film has been provided courtesy of Pacific Northwest Pictures and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Movie Review of Hillsong: Let Hope Rise.

If you didn't get a chance to see Hillsong in the theaters, you can watch it in your own home now. Blu-ray and DVD are available now!

Hillsong: Let Hope Rise

This inspiring film chronicles the spectacular rise of the Christian band, Hillsong UNITED, to a worldwide recording and concert sensation. Capturing the on-stage energy and off-stage hearts of the Australia-based band Hillsong UNITED, HILLSONG–LET HOPE RISE is a new motion-picture genre—the theatrical worship experience. The film explores Hillsong’s humble beginnings and astonishing rise to prominence as an international church whose songs are sung every Sunday by more than 50 million people worldwide.

Additional Details
The runtime for the film is 103 mins. There are 38 minutes of the following Special Features, included on both the DVD and Blu-ray:

• Bonus Performances: “Scandal of Grace”, “Captain”, “Wake”, “The Stand”
• Behind the Scenes Footage: LA Record and San Clemente Writing

This was a great film to watch. Seeing inside the heart of the individuals in the band, as well as their collective hope to use music to "connect the human heart with heaven" was very encouraging. The documentary style of story-telling takes the viewer behind the lights and awe for back stage footage, personal interviews and even scenes within the member's home lives.

My favorite part was the concert footage. In most cases the words to the songs they are performing are on your screen, as they encourage the viewer's interaction and involvement right from your living room.

The movie walks through the history of the band, starting out small as a youth band in the eighties, and moving up to the international phenomenon they are today -- "the biggest band you've never heard of.". Yet a lot of church people are familiar with the Hillsong United band, either by recognition of their songs on the radio or by singing their lyrics in one's home church. However I doubt anyone could list the band members by name. I couldn't - until I watched this movie.

It was delightful to see the process it took the band to actually put forth some of those songs that we love to hear and sing. You might be amazed at the price it cost them to write songs that aren't aimed at fame or profitability but are aimed at the heart of worship.

A special favorite part of the documentary for me was a montage of the song "Mighty to Save" as people from around the world in various languages and locations pieced together every line of the song. What a beautiful scene of worship.

It was encouraging to know this movie was not a commercial for the Hillsong church. The members interviewed had a broader definition of "church", encouraging everyone to "find a local church, pour your life into it and you'll never be the same again". (Quote is from Senior Pastor and Founder of Hillsong Church, Brian Houston.)

Some of the band members had the opportunity to talk of the places of pain in their lives that helped bring forth the music and the heart within the lyrics. It was inspiring to hear their stories. Joel Houston, song of Pastor Brian Houston and lead worship leader of the band shared this.

I feel like we are at our best when we are broken. That's the moment when God gets to be made evident. It gives us the opportunity to love and to trust and to operate from a place of His strength.

I recommend this DVD documentary to those who love story, who love worship, and who love to see the hand of God move in people's lives. Very encouraging. The movie is distributed by PureFlix Entertainment with no inappropriate language or scenes. Visit Dove Foundation's review for the specifics.

It is rated PG. There are some scenes of poverty as the band travels to visit a Compassion village. There is mention of a suicide in one of the band member's family. There is also talk by some band members on what the physical and family toll is from the stress and travel. However, having said that, it is important to know I did not feel these comments inappropriate. It is clear from the interviews that these worship leaders and musicians are not in this "gig" for the money. It is a calling, not unlike a Pastor or Missionary family. These are not rich rock stars - they are humble people living a humble existence as they work out their calling and ministry. One worship leader comments on how his neighbors know he works for a church but they have no idea what he actually did last night - play a live concert to a sold out crowd of tens of thousands attendees in an arena somewhere else in the world.


Buy it now.

Not convinced yet, check out these links:

• Let Hope Rise trailer 
• Plugged In Movie Review
• Dove Foundation review
• Christian Cinema's interview with Taya Smith, the lone female in the band.