Book Review: Indigo by Krista Wagner

You have searched me, Lord,

and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139: 1-2 (NIV)

This book addresses some very important
themes and leaves the reader with a sense
of hope.

Publisher's Description

When emotionally driven Indigo falls for flirtatious Brian, her senior year quickly spirals out of control. Faced with the afflictions of her cruel peers, Indigo is quickly becoming numb to the world, and if she doesn’t start to care about herself soon, she will be dead.

My Personal Review

Indigo by Krista Wagner and published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 10, 2016) is a page turning novel that covers a lot of heavy subjects in a small amount of space. 

This newly published book by Krista Wagner is very consistent with the author's previous works, in that the subject matter is always informational and one of depth and conviction. If it's entertainment you're looking for, you will find it too, as Indigo is a fiction read and is full of surprises. The important lesson to learn about the necessity of making good decisions in life is loud and clear. There is also a prominent message about suffering consequences when we make bad choices. The significance of our relationships with God, family and friends will linger long after the reader has put this work down.

Indigo manages to quickly connect the reader with the main character, Indigo Star Rush. This vibrant deep thinking young lady is in the midst of her senior year at her local high school. As the story progresses, the reader hears the voice of Indigo as she experiences some difficult times with relationships and the roller coaster of emotions that quickly follow. 

Indigo is classified in the Young Adult genre. It reads like a diary and could most certainly help struggling upper teens (16+ due to heavy themes) approach subjects such as bullying, premarital sex, lust, unhealthy family relationships, suicide and insecurity. This novel could potentially open dialogue between a parent and child in situations where conversation has been limited. 

You will definitely be left with a sense of hope for the future upon completion of this book. Psalm 139 came to mind after reading Indigo, as the Lord really does know our every thought. We are never alone in our struggles, because Christ is with us. Another clear point taken from this work, is the powerful reminder that it is our responsibility to treat others with kindness and respect. We never know what careless words or hurtful actions my compound another's suffering. 

Movie Review: Wildflower a Faith Street Films Production

Proverbs 3:5-6(NIV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Suspense and drama combined with a
message of hope and healing!

WILDFLOWER (2015)

Company: Faith Street Film Partners II & Provident Label Group in association with Cave Pictures and Hope filled Media
Writer: Nicholas DiBella
Director: Nicholas DiBella
Producer: Nicholas DiBella, Marc Wax & Veronica Nickel
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 92 min.
Industry Rating: 12+
Starring: Nathalia Ramos, Cody Longo, Shari Rigby, Alex Steele

Synopsis:

Creatively gifted, college student Chloe Moray (portrayed by Nathalia Ramos, known for BRATZ, Arrested Development, House of Anubis) finds solace from a difficult childhood in her extraordinary art. But when an alarming dream begins to recur nightly, Chloe starts to believe that it might be a suppressed memory and that she may have witnessed a terrible crime as a little girl. Her search for peace takes her on a journey that forces Chloe to confront her past traumas and leads her to cross paths with Josh (Cody Longo, known for NOT TODAY, Hollywood Heights, Nashville), a young man dealing with his own painful loss. Together they find in each other someone they can trust as they seek to unlock a cold-case mystery from years before. But with the authorities blocking the way, Chloe's new-found hope is challenged in this powerful story of faith, triumph and healing.

Link to trailer: https://youtu.be/K0KLHhHOvws


My Personal Review:

Wildflower is a very engaging and suspense filled movie. This film is definitely worth your time and attention!

We often have "family movie nights" at our house, so when the opportunity arose to review this film, I snatched it up. This movie will be released on DVD & VOD April 5th, 2016. It will also be available for viewing on the Lifetime Movie Network in June. I definitely agree with the "12+" rating that has been assigned to it, due to the weightiness of specific themes and the intensity of many scenes throughout the movie. However, having said that, there is no profanity or nudity within this film which makes it more palatable for viewing with your older teens. It is a great catalyst for family discussions about the importance of trust, honesty, and transparency. My husband and I watched this with our 15 year old daughter.

What I love most about this film, in addition to the sheer entertainment and mystery is the prevailing message of how important it is to never give up on people even when we may not completely understand them or what they are going through. Wildflower highlights the fact that the four simple words, "I believe in you" carry a powerful message of hope and healing. This message is communicated throughout the film, but is especially apparent through the roles of the main characters as they deal with some very difficult situations from their past. Despite the inability of their loved ones to comprehend the magnitude of their experiences, they still continue to support them!

Nathalia Ramos (Chloe) and Cody Longo (Josh) do an exceptional job of portraying their characters in an authentic manner. Their relationship which slowly builds throughout the movie is selectively subtle, but deeply moving as the two begin to trust one another beyond the casual into a more transparent level. 

Wildflower also brings to light the fact that God is always present in our lives and even closer to us when we are going through difficult times. The knowledge that God's timing and purposes are not always within our comprehension is a prevailing theme within the movie as well. The trauma the main character goes through gives some insight into the struggles that someone suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may live with on a daily basis, thereby, revealing a needed sensitivity when working with persons going through this type of situation.

Wildflower is an excellent film. I highly recommend you take the time to watch it...you won't be disappointed! Thank you to Icon Media Group for this review copy of Wildflower. I received this free copy in exchange for an honest review. The opinions within this review are completely my own.

Book Review: How To Really Love Your Teen (The Acclamined Bestseller--Revised and Updated)

How to Really Love Your Teen by D. Ross Campbell, M.D. is a quick and practical read filled with timely and immediately applicable wisdom!  If you are a parent, grandparent, youth leader or anyone who has the privilege to impact the life of a teen, you have got to get your hands on a copy of this book!



Excellent and practical book!

This is my third time through reading this incredible book.  I purchased it back when my son was a youngster getting ready to go into his teen years, and now that I have another child entering this, sometimes precarious stage of life, I grabbed it for another read and ended up reading it through twice. 

Although, I am sad to report that the author of this book, has sense passed away in a tragic climbing accident, it must be of great comfort to his family to know that he has left a legacy that is still touching families all over the world today.  This short read (142 pages cover to cover) was originally published in 1981 and updated in 2003, however, before you dismiss it to be outdated, be aware that it is filled with valuable insights and appropriately organized nuggets of truth that will make your relationship with your teen stronger than ever!

This book succinctly outlines a plan to understand and relate better to your teen, no matter what your current relationship with them might be.  The author encourages us each to evaluate our own role modeling and tweak and adjust where needed.  The mere reminder that our youth in the teenage phase are actually "children" in transition and need to be treated with much care and attention was enough for me to give this book a five star rating.  The author exhorts us to put our lives in order, physically, morally, and spiritually because our children are learning from us everyday whether we are aware of it or not, so we had better be a positive influence!  The book then supplies the tools to begin a road to confident and calm teenage parenting! 

How To Really Love Your Teen by D. Ross Campbell was an excellent book and well worth your time to read!