Reviews Archives - Linda's Lunacy

VOOKS Storybooks Brought to Life Review & Giveaway

April 28, 2021 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy 4 Comments

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I was recently able to check out VOOKS, storybooks brought to life to review. VOOKS is a really cool streaming library of kid-safe animated storybooks. Be sure to check out the giveaway below!

VOOKS is trusted by teachers, and loved by kids around the world. It encourages independent learning, and a love of reading.

VOOKS Review & Giveaway

Once you get a subscription to VOOKS, you can make profiles for your kids. This is easy, and only takes a few seconds. You put in their name – first or a chosen screen name, age, and their preferred language. You can pick from several options for a profile picture. All the options are similar in style to those you can see in the picture below. I actually like that they don’t give you the option of uploading the child’s picture.

Switching between profiles is very quick as well. The kids can do that themselves.

Once you are signed in to VOOKS, you will see a large selection of books, in different categories to choose from. The pic below is how it looks on the computer screen.

Below is a picture from my phone. When you click on a title, you can see how long the book is, what category it is in, and the age group it is best for. You can click the heart to save it for later in favorites.

Not only can they save the books that they want to read, this is useful for you to “assign” books for your child to read.

VOOKS even has lesson plans, offering discussion topics and engaging activities. They are fun, free, and printable. So whether you are a teacher, homeschool teacher, or parent looking to supplement your child’s learning, you will find them very useful. You can see some of the categories in the picture below.

If the child has to stop reading before they finish it, the next time they sign in it will tell them how much time they have remaining in the book. Then they can click on the resume button when they are ready to finish the book.

The words are displayed on the screen, with the words highlighted as the story is being read. This helps kids that are learning how to read, and also helps their vocabulary and spelling.

Below is a short video so you can get the feel of what the storybooks are like.

I have thoroughly enjoyed using VOOKS. The children in your life will enjoy it, too! It’s 100% kid-friendly and parent-approved!

Try Vooks free for 30 days! Go to VOOKS to sign up!

VOOKS Giveaway!

Enter below to win a one year subscription to VOOKS! Be sure to read the terms & conditions on the form!

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#VooksMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork #vooks #betterscreentime #vookspartner

Disclosure: Many thanks to Vooks for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

*This post contains an affiliate link. If you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.

The Rank Game Review & Giveaway

March 16, 2021 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy 10 Comments

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I recently received The Rank Game from Storyastic to play with my family. It’s not a board game. It’s not a card game. It’s a game about you and your family. Your likes & dislikes. This is not like any game you’ve played before!

See the story behind The Rank Game:

The Rank Game Review & Giveaway

We played The Rank Game all crowded on and around the living room couch. You just need to bring something to write with, everything else is in the box.

To play, choose someone to go first. They pick a card, place it where everyone can see it, then put the 4 answers on the card in the order that they prefer. At the same time, everyone else playing puts the answers in the order that they think the 1st player, the ranker, will.

Then the ranker reads the answers in the order that they placed them. Everyone gets points for the answers they had in the same place as the ranker.

My son found a unique way to display the cards when it was his turn to be the ranker. lol

Each game consists of ten cards. How many turns every one gets depends on the number of people playing. We had 4 people playing, so we all didn’t get the same amount of turns, but it doesn’t matter in this game. Because you get points for every card, no matter whose turn it is. The ranker automatically gets 2 points on their turn, everyone else gets one point per answer that they get right.

It’s quick to learn how to play this game. Then it’s all fun! We laughed so much while playing this game!

The game comes with 2 card packs, each with 50 cards. There are 11 expansion packs available, all with different categories. The Rank game is for 2-6+ players, with four different game modes. The Rank Game is recommended for ages 13 and up.

See why The Rank Game received an endorsement from Focus on the Family.

If you want to spend time with your family relaxing on your comfy couch and play a game, (like we did!), then The Rank Game is for you! Due to it’s small size and ease of playing, it’s perfect for playing at home, on vacation, or in the car.

Right now, using my link, you can save 20% off the retail price when you purchase The Rank Game! (As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases)

The Rank Game Giveaway

Enter to win The Rank Game! Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below. One lucky winner will receive The Rank Game to play with their family & friends! Be sure to read the terms & conditions on the form!

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*Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” My opinions are my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.

Christmas Under the Stars Featuring Lauren Daigle Review & Giveaway

December 2, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy 7 Comments

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I was able to preview the new Christmas Under the Stars special featuring Lauren Daigle recently. I loved it!

Ok, I love Christmas music. And I love several of Lauren Daigle songs. So I was really looking forward to watching this special.

It did not disappoint!

Lauren Daigle is a two-time GRAMMY-Award winner and multi-platinum-selling artist. Her first full-length Christmas television special, “Christmas Under The Stars with Lauren Daigle,” airs Sunday, December 6 at 9 p.m. EST on BYUtv.

**Edited to add – If you missed this when it aired, you can still watch it on BYUtv!

Check out these videos!

Lauren sings several of the Christmas songs that everyone knows and loves. She did an amazing job singing them all. My favorite was her rendition of The Little Drummer Boy.

Interspersed among the Christmas songs, Lauren shares with us. She tells us why these are her favorite songs, little stories about her Christmas memories, and just little tid bits about her life. I enjoyed listening to her stories and getting to know her a little bit.

In addition to the Christmas songs, Lauren sings a couple of her songs. I Will Rescue You, and You Say. I love those songs, so I’m glad she included them in this special.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching, and singing along, with Christmas Under the Stars. I wouldn’t have minded in the least if it was longer!

Christmas Under The Stars with Lauren Daigle on Sunday, December 6 at 9 p.m. ET | 6 p.m. PT on BYUtv. You can also stream the program for free on the BYUtv app anytime after the premiere.

Lauren Daigle’s new CD Behold: A Christmas Collection is available here.

Christmas Under the Stars Featuring Lauren Daigle Giveaway

Enter below to win a Lauren Daigle CD: BEHOLD, A Christmas Collection! Be sure to read the terms and conditions on the form!

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*This post contains an affiliate link. If you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.

2 Hearts Review – Inspirational Movie Based on a True Story

October 16, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy Leave a Comment

This summer, I was able to watch a screener for the new movie 2 Hearts to review. 2 Hearts shows us that every moment is a gift. Several themes run throughout the movie: sacrificial love, hope, family, and miracles.

For two couples the future unfolds in different decades and different places, but a hidden connection will bring them together in a way no one could have predicted. Based on an inspirational true story, 2 HEARTS is a romantic journey that celebrates life, love and generosity of spirit, and will strengthen our belief that miracles still happen.

2 Hearts Review – Inspirational Movie Based on a True Story

2 HEARTS, rated PG13, from Freestyle Releasing/ AMT Productions, stars: Jacob Elordi (Euphoria; KISSING BOOTH), Tiera Skovbye (Riverdale, THE MIRACLE SEASON), Radha Mitchell (DREAMKATCHER; THE SHACK), Adan Canto (X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST; Designated Survivor)

Fans are loving the trailer for 2 HEARTS! The trailer has 27 million views on YouTube, over 10 million views on Facebook, and nearly 60,000 views on Instagram!

Check it out!

2 Hearts in theaters October 16, 2020!

I liked this movie. No, I didn’t love it. I found it hard to follow the story line at first. It took a little bit to get to know the characters and follow the story line. Once the film got going, and I learned the characters, I enjoyed the movie.

There was some language that was unnecessary. I always find it disappointing when otherwise good movies have to use language that gets a higher rating. I suggest you follow the rating advice, or pre-watch it before sharing with your kids or teens. Overall, though, I did enjoy this movie.

Watch this exclusive clip….

2 Hearts is in theaters now!!

For more information, visit the 2 Hearts website.

And check out their social media pages:

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

Butterfly Box Review

October 12, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy 1 Comment

I recently received a Butterfly Box to review. Never heard of a Butterfly Box? It’s a monthly subscription box just for women of faith. It was so nice to have this Butterfly Box full of faith building items delivered right to my house.

Butterfly Box’s own description:

Life is busy, and it can be hard to find the time each day to connect with Christ. Butterfly Box is here to help! We thoughtfully curate a themed box each month to help reclaim those quiet moments with God, build your intimacy with Christ, and live out your faith in the world around you!

A little about what’s included in a Butterfly Box:

~Each month’s box is designed to illustrate a biblical theme and encourage spiritual growth.

~5 to 6 items such as jewelry, artwork, books, decor, personal pampering items, faith sharing cards and other specialty items

~All items are carefully chosen and undergo a rigorous selection process

~Products are faith-based or support small Christian businesses.

The theme of this months box was Women of Prayer. It included the book, The Power of a Praying Woman, a journal, this pretty prayer bracelet, and two organic Tea Drops – to make tea to enjoy during your quiet time.

If you haven’t read this book, I highly recommend it! This version has a nice leather like cover. I think the fact that they included this instead of a paperback book speaks to the quality of the boxes.

Also included the box were these two cards. One tells about everything included in the box. The other is a Weekly Prayer Guide. This can be used over and over again. it includes daily prayer ideas for yourself, your family, your work or ministry, your community, & more.

Here are a few samples of other Butterfly Boxes. They all look as amazing as the once I received.

Butterfly Box Coupon Code

Butterfly Box subscriptions make great gifts! Use code WELCOME10 to get 10% off a subscription for yourself, or as a gift.

Butterfly Box Giveaway

Enter to win a 6 month subscription to Butterfly Box! An over $190. value!

Go here to enter the giveaway!

Generation to Generation Book Review

September 18, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy Leave a Comment

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I recently received a copy of Generation to Generation to read. Generation to Generation is the new book from the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, written by the founders daughter, Yael Eckstein.

The sub title Passing on a Legacy of Faith to Our Children aptly describes this book.

Chapters include Shabbat, Passover, Shavuot, Tisha B’Av, the High Holy Day, Sukkot, Purim, and tzedakah. Within those chapters, discussions include teaching our children, priorities, gratitude, hope, forgiveness, faith, courage, generosity, and more.

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews was founded in 1983 by Orthodox Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, whose vision for building bridges of understanding and cooperation between Christians and Jews has been translated into the largest Christian-supported humanitarian agency helping Jews in Israel and around the world. You can learn more about the organization and Rabbi Eckstein here.

For more than 2,000 years, the Jewish people have preserved and maintained their faith from generation to generation, despite being exiled from their land and suffering persecutions, pogroms, and even the Holocaust, where six million Jewish women, men, and children were killed at the hands of the Nazis. In her book, Generation to Generation, Fellowship President and CEO Yael Eckstein unlocks the keys to how the Jewish people have successfully passed on the legacy of faith through the family, and offers insights into how Christians can incorporate these principles within their own families to pass on a strong and living faith.

The author, Yael Eckstein, is President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, the largest provider of humanitarian aid in Israel. You can find more info about her on the book site, www.generationbook.org

Generation to Generation Book Review

You can tell how good a book is by how many pages you mark! This was not just for a picture. These are actual markers I placed while I read this book.

I love that at the end of every chapter there are 3 pages to help you see where what was discussed in that chapter is mentioned in the New Testament, Family Talk – family discussion questions, and Bible verses to memorize.

In this example you find out how Tisha B’av is mentioned. These pages are very informative. You just may see a connection that you haven’t seen before.

Depending on the ages of your children, you may be able to read these Family Talk questions just as they are. For younger kids, you can easily simplify the questions to their level.

At the bottom of this page is a section just for parents. These sections will encourage and inspire you to learn and live these principals with your children every day.

The page of Bible memory verses includes selections from both the Old and the New Testaments. The verses vary in length. You choose which one, or more, will work for you family.

I highly recommend this book if you have children. I wish I had had this book when mine were younger! Yes, my kids are now grown. I still loved this book!

I highly recommend this book if you have ever delved into your Jewish roots, or would like to. You don’t have to have young kids to read this book! She does talk about kids a lot, but the book isn’t written for kids, it’s written for adults.

I highly recommend this book if you desire to learn how to share your faith with your children on a daily basis. The author shares many, many examples of how to live out the principles in this book. Ways to weave your faith into everything you do every day with your family.

Maybe you don’t have kids. Or like me, your kids are grown. Give this book to those in your life that do have kids. Grandparents, share this book with your kids, so they can share it with theirs.

Generation to Generation is available on Amazon.

*This post contains an affiliate link, if you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.

Before the Wrath DVD Review & Giveaway

September 3, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy 21 Comments

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Have you heard of the term eschatology? Eschatology is a branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of humankind. In other words, the end times.

In this inspirational documentary, Before the Wrath, you’ll hear from researchers, anthropologists, theologists and eschatologists about newly discovered evidence from the time of Christ. This new evidence reveals how and why the rapture must occur. You will also see new biblical insight that gives us hope and helps us to prepare for what’s coming.

Before the Wrath starts with Jesus, where he lived, the people, the culture. Not only was Jesus a Jew, he was a Galilean. So were all his disciples. The Galileans had developed their own customs, different from the rest of the area where they lived. Jesus spoke to his disciples and his followers, referencing these customs, so they all knew exactly what he was talking about.

We, as modern day Christians, do not know about these customs. So we often miss these references.

The discussion of the Last Supper and communion is fascinating. It covers some cultural comparisons between a Galilean wedding and the last supper that I have never heard before. But that makes so much sense now!

The way the betrothed couple behaves after the betrothal compared to Jesus, what he says at the Last Supper, and what he says about returning are extremely similar when compared culturally.

No one knew the day and the hour of a Galilean wedding. Not even the bride and the groom. Only the father. It was a surprise wedding! Wow. See the comparison?

We’re not supposed to deal with the actual date. We are supposed to deal with the preparation.

The symbolism of the bridegroom going to his bride is breath taking when you see how the wedding ceremony compares to Jesus’s return.

Satan hates marriage because of what it represents. A microcosm of what awaits in heaven. A picture of what will be fulfilled when it comes (the rapture).

In discussing marriage, some of the statistics given were alarming to me. You can tell Satan hates marriage, and will do anything to stop or end it.

I am fascinated with this film! In case you couldn’t tell by the number of times I said fascinated. lol I have just barely touched on the topics covered. It’s going to take more than one watching, for sure! You are going to want to get the DVD so you can watch it multiple times. I know I do!

Before the Wrath was released on March 3, 2020 by Ingenuity Films.

Before the Wrath narrators and experts include:

Narrated by Kevin Sorbo
(God’s Not Dead, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys)

Jack Hibbs
Theologist and Host of ‘Real Life’ on SiriusXM

Amir Tsarfati
Founder and President of Behold Israel

Jan Markell
Founder of Olive Tree Ministries

JD Farag
Theologist and Eschatologist

Scott McConnell
Executive Director of LifeWay Research

Jay McCarl
Ancient Middle Eastern Anthropologist

Lizette Dillinger
Qualitative Director at LifeWay Research.

Before the Wrath is award winning!

#1-selling documentary DVD on Amazon for three straight months.
#4-selling film in America during a time in April behind JUMANJI, 1917 and FROZEN 2.
#1-selling film on Christian Cinema, even after three months.
Nominated for multiple film awards including best documentary and cinematography.

For more information, visit the Before the Wrath website.

You can also follow Before the Wrath on Facebook and Instagram.

Download a free discussion guide to help with a great understanding of Bible prophecy and the rapture.

Use the free Bible reading plan, a 5 day study of key passages that tie in with Before the Wrath.

Before the Wrath is fascinating, breath taking, and faith building!

Before the Wrath DVD Giveaway

Enter below to win a Before the Wrath DVD! Giveaway open worldwide.

Winner in US will receive Blu-Ray & DVD combo. Winner outside the US will receive the DVD only.

Simply fill out the form below to enter. Be sure to read the terms and conditions on the form.

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*This post contains affiliate links. If you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.