Movie Review and Giveaway for "An Unlikely Angel" on Pure Flix

My Review of An Unlikely Angel movie:

Today, I have another movie review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! In case you didn’t know, Pure Flix is like the faith-based version of Netflix. It works the same way the difference is in the content that points you back to Jesus Christ and shows you how much The Creator of the Universe loves you!

Pure Flix is a one-stop shop for faith and family-friendly movies and shows where you can confidently stream in your home with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, Pure Flix streaming service has the largest variety of high-quality, curated, positive, encouraging, wholesome movies, series and kids' content in one service. Pure Flix is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, alongside AFFIRM Films.

Pure Flix VIP Ambassador program asked me to review the movie An Unlikely Angel. I watched this heartwarming movie twice in the month of August 2022 before it was made available for viewing on Pure Flix this August 26. I loved everything about this movie! I’m eager to share my review with you. First, I’d like to describe the storyline in the words of talking points from Momentum then I’ll share my thoughts (review).

This film is for parents who are trying to do it all and need to know they aren’t alone on the journey. “An Unlikely Angel” is a movie about second chances and prioritizing what’s truly important in life. The movie “An Unlikely Angel” helps bring us back to basics in an overcomplicated world. It’s okay to not control every aspect of your life.

Here’s the synopsis of the movie: Janie is a workaholic who is falling apart at the thought of becoming a first-time mom. She whispers a small prayer for help and it's answered in a very un- likely way when an angel intervenes and fast forwards her life. Will her second chance change how she approaches life? Janie is lucky enough to be given a second chance, but will she change before it's too late?

Now for my review: 

There’s nothing about this movie that I did not enjoy! Sometimes when I start watching a movie, I change the channel after the first five or ten minutes because the plot is too slow or feels corny. But that’s not the case with An Unlikely Angel. The story hooks you from the first scene and keeps it moving at a pace so fast that if you blink more than once, you’ll miss something!

The producers of this movie did an amazing job at paying close attention to all of the details. As storytellers, they covered all of their bases! They chose the right actors for each part of this story!

The actors for An Unlikely Angel include: Jillian Murray stars in this movie as Janie (the successful business woman who is struggling with becoming a mother). Robert Amaya stars as Gabe (the angel). Aaron Mees stars as David (Janie’s husband). Sam J. Jones stars as Buck (Janie’s dad). Brittany Goodwin stars as Kelly (David’s female friend) and Delyla de Castro stars as Samantha (Janie’s daughter). And they all really did “star” in this movie because as actors, they each brought their bright light to the movie. The main characters and supporting actors were so brilliantly played, I think they all deserve an Academy Award!

This movie is sweet and heartwarming. But it also tackles real-life issues that most people—especially ambitious women who are struggling with the thought of starting a family—can relate to and learn from. This movie is equally a teaching tool as it is entertainment. The viewers of this film will learn life lessons that will help them in the long run in their journey well after the movie is over.

Themes of this movie included:

· Children grow up too fast

· Fear over becoming a first-time parent

· Letting go of the need to control everything

· Balancing priorities and determining what’s more important in life

· Second chances

· Trust in God’s plan

· The impact and power of prayer

· Back to basics and simplify what we’ve overcomplicated

· Going back in order to move forward

An Unlikely Angel is a movie that will introduce you to Pure Flix, prompt you to join and watch it again and again! And once you’re a member of Pure Flix, you’ll find more content to view that will encourage your heart. So don’t delay, join today!

Here's the website link to where you can watch An Unlikely Angel:
https://www.pureflix.com/movie/an-unlikely-angel

See the movie trailer:
https://youtu.be/I_D2MxnmuPc

Watch the Momentum Influencers Interview conducted by Jean Thomason featuring Robert Amaya, who played an angel named Gabe in the movie here:
https://youtu.be/5f3d4w0hqWo

Before you go, enter this contest for your chance to WIN a FREE 3-month Pure Flix subscription!

Please note: This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. The giveaway starts today and ends on September 4, 2022. If you're participating in the giveaway for An Unlikely Angel, please note that we cannot accept winners that have won a Pure Flix subscription in the last six months.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c402/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#AnUnlikelyAngelMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

My thoughts on "Sweet Inspirations"

Dearest Readers of my "God is Love" blog,

Earlier today, I rewatched a favorite movie of mine called Sweet Inspirations.

It’s available for viewing on PureFlix, which is the Christian version of Netflix. 

PureFlix is a wonderful platform that is filled with inspirational content for you to view and most of the material there is guaranteed (in my honest opinion) to be amazing!

Sweet Inspirations is one of their most amazing stories yet! I loved watching this movie for the second time around and loved sharing it with my Mom.

Here’s an interview with the star of the movie, Cassie Self: 



I’d like to encourage you to watch Sweet Inspirations too and share this movie with a friend or family member. It will inspire your heart!

Continue reading this blog post for my favorite lines from the film then if you can, go watch the movie! 

Listed below are my favorite lines from Sweet Inspirations ...

“Is crazy contagious?”

“Have any of you quilted a prayer blanket or done a house blessing or a bake off? I mean, outreach programs do make a difference but sometimes we have to stop asking the community to come to the church. Sometimes we have to get out from underneath those prayer blankets and take the church out into the communities because that is where the real difference is made!”

“Maybe this was His plan all along.”

“We both need to remember that this is not our burden to carry alone. Believe me, I have wrestled with God over this issue many nights. And I don’t think there’s any sort of easy answer. But He’s bigger than any debt. He’s bigger than any injustice. We just have to believe that He’s in control. All we should ever do is seek Him first. Surrender this.”

*Note from Alexis: Toward to the ending of the movie Sweet Inspirations, the main characters who are best friends, prayed together. I believe that is one of the sweetest scenes in the entire film. 

Here’s what the star of the story said when she prayed:

“Dear Heavenly Father: I don’t know what you’re doing, why you’re doing it. As hard as it is to believe, I trust You. I trust that You have something far greater than anything we can think of or do. God, these girls at the shelter, they need you right now. Please, God, pour out your love and your blessings on them during this very dark time. And above all, Your will be done. Amen.”

Those were some of my favorite lines from the movie but I believe that other lines that the characters speak may inspire you too! So don't delay, watch Sweet Inspirations today!

It is a truly special movie with a message that will resonate with your soul, uplift your spirit, and encourage your heart.

God bless you, your heart and your home.

Love,

Alexis A. Goring
Founder of "God is Love" blog

Character Interview: Estelle from Kimberly Rose Johnson's new book, "An Encore for Estelle"

Let's welcome Kimberly Rose Johnson's new character Estelle Rogers to the blog today!

Estelle is the star of Kimberly's story, An Encore for Estelle (Melodies of Love Book 2) and you're in for a real treat! She shares insights from her world as a professional actress and gets real with what's on her heart.

Enjoy her character interview and remember to enter the book giveaway contest toward the end of this blog post for your chance to WIN the book, An Encore for Estelle.

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Interview with Estelle (a character) from Kimberly Rose Johnson’s new book, An Encore for Estelle:

Alexis: What is the significance of the title to your story, An Encore for Estelle?

Estelle: I used to act, but gave it all up when the parts stopped coming. When I went to visit a friend for the summer, I never expected to help at the local children’s theater. Let’s just say it’s my second act.

Alexis: What drew you to a career as an actress? Now that you’re back home with Blake and Helen, are you thinking of a career change? Why or why not?

Estelle: When I was a kid, I was involved in children’s theater and the acting bug bit me. I knew from that point I wanted to be an actress. Oak Knoll isn’t really home. It’s more of a home away from home. A career change is the furthest thing from my mind, but you never know.

Alexis: What is your relationship with Helen Wood? Why do you feel that she loves you completely, flaws and all? 

Estelle: Helen is a dear friend. I met her six years ago when I was in a different place in life. She led me to the Lord and has been my spiritual mentor these past six years. I know she loves me for me because she saw me in spite of how I behaved six years ago, and she didn’t turn her back on me. She showed me how Jesus loves.

Alexis: Paint a picture of Helen’s garden that you love, with words. Why is it special to you?

Estelle: Helen’s garden is like a magical oasis. It’s situated between the main house and the guest cottage. It’s green and lush, with trees, and a walking bridge over a dry creek bed turned water feature. There are twinkle lights as well as lovely shade plants and flowers tucked here and there. And in the middle of it all is a bistro table set that draws you into the garden. If that wasn’t enough, the sound of singing birds and the trickle of water create a relaxing atmosphere.

Alexis: Blake, your hero, is quite a good-looking character! What about his features or traits were you most attracted to at first? How did that change as you got to know him?

Estelle: He is a ruggedly handsome man. Not Hollywood perfect, but cowboy kind of perfect. As I got to know him he became even better looking to me.

Alexis: How did you meet Jeff and why are you hesitant to say “yes” to his marriage proposal?

Estelle: Jeff is or rather was the chef at my restaurant in California, and that’s how we met. We were together for a long time, and I care deeply for him, but I don’t love him the way a woman should love her husband and that’s why I hesitated to answer him when he proposed.

Alexis: Would you describe your former self as a mean girl? Why or why not? 

Estelle: Oh, I really don’t like to talk about the way I was, but I suppose some people would have considered me a mean girl. I think I was more self-absorbed than anything though. I expected everyone to jump at my command, and I didn’t show compassion or understanding when I should have. I’m not proud of who I was, and I’m glad I’m not like that anymore—at least I try not to be.

Alexis: What role did Helen play in your faith journey with God and how did it change you? I noticed that you now go out of your way to be nice.

Estelle: Helen showed me kindness and patience when everyone else turned their back on me. She was there for me and introduced me to the Lord.

Alexis: In what ways do you hope to impact the children that you’re working with at the theater for the musical production? What do you love most about them?

Estelle: I want to be a good role model and an encouragement to them. I love their innocence. They haven’t been scarred for the most part and see life with stars in their eyes. They are so hopeful!

Alexis: What lesson do you want people to learn from your story?

Estelle: That no one is perfect and we need to forgive ourselves and move on rather than hang onto guilt.

Alexis: Thanks so much for the interview! It’s an honor to interview a movie star! Do you have any closing comments?

Estelle: I enjoyed this interview. Thanks for having me on your blog. I hope you will read my story and tell all your friends about it. Lol. I suppose I still have stars in my eyes.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. 

From a young child, Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing.

She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

You can sign up for Kimberly's newsletter via her website at this address, http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/index.html

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Book Blurb: The theater ties them together but a painful past could pull them apart.

At a crossroads, former movie star Estelle Rogers, returns to the place that set her life on a new course. Although she expects a rough reception she is pleasantly surprised and quickly settles into her new position at the local children's theater. But her road back to acting isn't as smooth as she would like.

Tragedy brought Blake Price to Oak Knoll, Oregon, but it's love that keeps him there. His late wife and daughter loved acting, and he owes it to them to honor their memory with the children’s theater, but his new assistant is making changes he isn’t ready for both at the theater and in his heart. 

Can he forgive himself and move forward, or will he forever be tied to the biggest mistake of his life?

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Buy Kimberly's book on Amazon

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Connect with Kimberly on Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon Author Page

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Falling in Love with Jesus: Love Birds

Welcome Chanel Nance to the blog! She's an actress, author and a teacher! 

A woman of many talents, indeed! She's here today to share her story about how she first fell in love with Jesus Christ. Here's a clue: blue jays played a main role in capturing Chanel's heart and directing her adoration to God.

Enjoy the life lessons and words of encouragement that Chanel has to share with you today! 

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Love Birds
A Falling in Love with Jesus story written by Chanel Nance

My "Falling in love with Jesus" moment took place while I was in college. Every morning, I would have my personal devotional time with Jesus. During my daily devotionals, I would pray, study my Bible, then reflect on the devotional thought. The most important part of my devotional time is the reflection time. It gives me the opportunity to hear what Jesus has to tell me. After I completed my "Jesus time" that day, it dawned on me that it had been a long time since I had seen a blue jay. I don't know what it was about blue jays, maybe it's their color, but I have been fascinated with them for years. I knew that it was such a minor request, but I asked Jesus to show me a blue jay that day. 

As I walked to my first class, I kept looking up, but I didn't see my bird. I would walk from class to class looking high and low, but I still didn't see my blue jay. I even glanced outside during my classes, and still was unable to see even a hint of blue flash across the sky.

When it was time for lunch, I went to the cafeteria, got my lunch and sat down to eat. I don't remember what I ate, but it was very filling. As I finished my meal, I looked outside at a tree, and then I did a double take. Not only did I see a blue jay, I saw four blue jays! At a quick glance, the sight looked like a beautiful blue flower arrangement stuck in a tree. It was an amazing sight! I just sat there in amazement for five minutes and thought, "God always loves to show off, and I love Him for it." As I came off of "Cloud Nine", I stopped and offered a prayer of thanks to Jesus for answering the small request that I had made.

From that afternoon until today, I still reflect on that experience and it makes me smile just as hard as it did on the day that it happened. A verse that came to my mind that day was Matthew 7:7 (NASB), "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." God has so many things that He wants to give us. Sometimes, all we need to do is ask. If it is in His will, you will get it. Sometimes, He may have something better for you and will give you that. Nevertheless, try Jesus today!

If Jesus can answer my small request, I know that He can and will do anything. He is my First Love!

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Author bio: 

Chanel (Sales) Nance is an author, educator and actress. She was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, where she studied the art of writing and poetry. She has published one book, Shower Talk. 

She has been published in Insight Magazine, Joy Notes (A publication by Oakwood University's Literary Guild, American Christian Writers, Chapter 27), Mosaic (A publication of Columbia Union College which is now Washington Adventist Univeristy), and on Poetry.com. 

Chanel has a passion for Jesus Christ and shares the many lessons that He has taught her through the poems and devotional thoughts in her book, Shower Talk.  

Currently, she teaches at a public charter school in Washington, D.C.