A Week Away: The Series

A WEEK AWAY: THE SERIES  is a story that follows a defiant foster teen who is dragged to church camp. Determined to resist what he sees as the hollow promises of faith, Max (Antonio Cipriano) slowly feels the walls he built begin to crack and gives way to introspection. As he discovers he’s not alone in the struggle against grief, anger, and the ache of belonging, he learns that healing can’t be forced— it must be chosen.

This musical series follows a group of teens as they embark on a summer at Camp Aweegaway — a Christian camp filled with adventure, friendships, and unexpected self-discovery. It’s an expressive and resonant story about identity, trust, and the courage to face what’s within.

A Week Away: The Series is fun and engaging, safe for family viewing, and honors faith-based principles without being a ‘lesson in Christianity.’ Currently streaming on Angel, check out the trailer:  

MY REVIEW: A teen musical about a Christian camp? My first thought was "Campy" and the pun is 100% intended! 😎 I did have doubts at the beginning, but I quickly got hooked by the story and loved the music and the dance routines. This was filled with fast-paced routines that kept me entertained. The music, however, was my favorite and I loved how it wove through the story to add depth. It is geared more to teens, but it appeals to the entire family.  

The premise of the film is a week-long stay at a Christian church camp for teens, and the visitors include some nonbelievers and skeptics from foster homes. So, while the music, dance, and humor keeps you laughing, singing, and moving this is not just a cotton candy experience that is all fluff and no substance. There are struggles with doubts over faith, wondering if God can actually be real, and why didn't He answer me when I called out in the past. Some of the kids have experienced trauma and horror no one should go through, abandonment and neglect by parents who failed to love and protect them, and the fear of trusting anyone...especially a God you can't see. Is faith just wishful thinking? I admit I sobbed through some of the scenes. Yes, there was joy in this fictional series, but the acknowledgment of real pain brought this up to another level.

Director Alan Powell can be proud of this one. I certainly applaud the actors: Antonio Cipriano, Cozi Zuehlsdorff, Sacha Carlson, Ava Jean, Haven Greene, Luke Concepcion, Leigh-Allyn Baker, Jason Marsden, David Koechner, and Carlos PenaVega. And I can't ignore the amazing background actors; you will love their hilarious performance telling us about themselves. 

"A Week Away: The Series" just started streaming, so be sure to check out Episode 1 (of 7). Be prepared... it will get you laughing, singing, dancing, and it just might inspire you to show love to someone in need.
Angel.com/a-week-away-series

Also, consider joining the Angel Guild! Stream movies, get tickets to every theatrical release, and help deliver more inspiring stories to the world. Angel.com/guild/join 

Giveaway: $10 Amazon Giftcard
Please submit your full name and email address by 9/15/2025. 

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

The Texas Triangle - Benjamin Dane

"The Texas Triangle: Everything You Need To Know About Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas!" is the most recent book in The Best Texas Series by Benjamin Dane. 

The Texas Triangle isn’t just a shape on the map—it’s the most dynamic, diverse, and opportunity-rich region in the entire Lone Star State. Covering Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas/Fort Worth, this urban superzone is where over 70% of Texans live, work, and thrive—and now, so can YOU!

*PROCEEDS BENEFIT TEXAS FLOOD VICTIMS. 

MY REVIEW: Is big city life your natural habitat? The 2nd book in Benjamin Dane's TEXAS Series is made for you! Focused on where the majority of Texans live and work, this area, called "The Texas Triangle," covers Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas/Fort Worth. Dane's "The Best Texas Bucket List" gave a wonderful overview of the entire state, but he now shares vital knowledge of the major cities. The best food, the best music, the general "vibe" of each city, and more are covered. This guide will help anyone making a decision about moving to or visiting each location. Even locals may discover new things.

My favorite part is the NEED TO KNOW facts and links Dane provides. Things you need to know when house or apartment hunting, enrolling a child in school, transportation, and all the basics are laid out to minimize the hassle of moving. Knowing what to expect for entertainment, festivals, and more are more great tips to have in advance. Whether you are there for a brief visit ot this is now home, no more wasting time searching for answers that are found easily in this book. You have more time to explore what is really 'deep in the heart of Texas.'

One difference in the hardback and the paperback is the pictures. The softcover version uses vibrantly colored photos. The hardcover, which I purchased, contains black and white photos only. It's a matter of personal preference, and I am happy with my choice. The beauty of Texas comes through either way. This book is a useful guide for locals and visitors, and especially for those considering a move to the vibrant life of a Texas city. You'll be glad you did!

LINKS:

Buy on Amazon

Best Texas Series

Benjamin Dane, Author

BestTexasBucketList.com  

Benjamin Dane, a proud Texas native, brings a dynamic background in design, illustration, art direction, and film. As an author he is driven to capture and share the spirit and beauty that defines Texas. Launching his creative career early, he founded a successful boutique design agency. His deep love for storytelling naturally led him into film, where he has produced and acted in numerous projects, including the acclaimed feature, "Beyond the Farthest Star." He is currently developing the sweeping new series, "STRUCK," taking on the central role of "Noah."
Benjamin lives in Texas with his wife. 

Singing Through Fire - Lara Silverman, J.D.

Singing Through Fire, which chronicles Lara's eight-year journey through profound loss: a sudden, debilitating neurological illness that left her severely bedridden for four years, the collapse of her legal career, and, most recently, the death of her husband Matt—a brilliant engineering PhD, missionary, and youth pastor—after just one year of marriage.

 

"Yet in this Job-like journey, God met me with startling joy: unexpected marriage, music, and redemptive joy in the flames. The memoir is raw and honest, but also full of humor, theatrical flair, and 1940s vintage romance." - Lara Silverman

Book Trailer:

My Review: Finding joy in grief. 1 Peter 1: 6-7 says,"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Lara Silverman's story of losing her dream job due to a devastating illness that baffled her doctors does not sound promising for finding joy, but it is. Her faith in God stands strong as well as her determination to not give up hope. This includes falling in love and marrying a man named Matt. Matthew John, a brilliant engineering PhD, missionary, youth pastor, and a cancer survivor (during his teens), who brings joy and hope, and a strong faith that encourages Lara. When cancer returns, Lara is a perfect supporter for him. Even knowing there will be unimaginable struggles and their time together many be very limited, they are perfect together. Love and laughter, trusting God, and meeting the needs of one another...physically, emotionally, & spiritually is amazing. 

Joy is also brought to the reader. Lara's sense of humor (with a perfect sarcastic twist), her love of music and theater, her ability to draw closer to God even when things get tougher than expected, her relationships with family and friends, and especially with Matt are an encouragement for the readers. 

I was reminded of 2 other verses while reading:
"The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” - Deuteronomy 31:8

"Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

Lara's story of faith, unstoppable courage, a quest for answers and acceptance that "Wait" is an answer, unflinching hope, determination to find joy inspite of pain, and sharing moments of joy make this a compelling and encouraging read. Thank you Lara for sharing your and Matt's story. 

Lara & Matt Silverman
March 4, 2023

Buy "Singing Through Fire"

The Silverman Web Site

Light of the World tickets

lightoftheworld.com

 
COMING SOON...
It’s AD 30 and everyone is expectantly awaiting the coming Messiah. While Jesus isn’t exactly what they imagined, there is something special about this man. Soon, John, James, Andrew, Peter, and their new friends begin to follow Jesus on an unexpected adventure. This beautiful, 2D-animated story of Jesus is told through the eyes of his beloved young friend, the Apostle John. From the beginning of Jesus’ ministry through his crucifixion and resurrection, LIGHT OF THE WORLD powerfully illustrates how Jesus of Nazareth changed the world forever and still changes lives today! LIGHT OF THE WORLD opens in theaters September 5.

Order your tickets NOW! Using this TICKETS LINK, you can get 2 TICKETS FOR $10! What a deal! 
REMEMBER: lightoftheworld.com/tickets

Want to know more? Check out this short trailer!

I first heard about this film last year and was immediately excited. LIGHT OF THE WORLD powerfully illustrates how Jesus of Nazareth changed the world forever … and still changes lives today! The story of Jesus is brought to life in beautiful 2D animation. Read more on their website, plus see a longer trailer in the links below:

LINKS

lightoftheworld.com

Official Trailer

Buy Tickets

Salvation Poem Project

Testament - Episodes 5 and 6

TESTAMENT: The Book of Acts explosively reimagined in an alternate-modern era. A resurrection sparks a movement that turns the world upside down, spreading hope amid chaos. As the followers risk everything to preach the good news, the Temple races to silence them before the oppressive Imperium regime retaliates. But public miracles, unburied secrets, and fractured loyalties force both sides to confront the true cost of their choices.

This powerful live-action series will challenge you, move you, and make you rethink what it means to truly follow Jesus. Set in a modern world, you'll connect with these stories and people like never before. The series is directed by Paul Syrstad.

Season One of Testament has 8 episodes:

• 1. Something Old
• 2. The Fisherman
• 3. One Accord
• 4. Fire Burns
• 5. Rising Tides
• 6. And Tomorrow
• 7. I See
• 8. Something New

A small group of believers turns the world upside down in this modern retelling of the Book of Acts. Angel does provide some content on their app at no charge, but to unlock excellent films and series, plus other perks, become a guild member. Sign up today for the Angel Guild: angel.com/collide

MY REVIEW: I will be reviewing Episodes 5 and 6 of Season 1 of TESTAMENT.

S1 Ep 5: Rising Tides
Saul pulls strings in the shadows, orchestrating the Apostles' arrest. Leaderless, Stephen rises to unite a fractured community, while Mary confronts the Temple Guard Captain over a rescued girl’s future. Saul’s plan may succeed, but at what cost?

S1 Ep 6: And Tomorrow Stephen’s charismatic leadership splits Salem’s people, but his devoted mother, Esther, wrestles with fear for his safety. Elsewhere, a broken Saul receives a shocking offer from the Temple, one that could restore his position in the Temple or become his undoing. As Peter mentors Stephen toward greater spiritual authority, the Temple’s uncharacteristic quiet hides brewing storms. When personal and divine callings collide, each must confront what they truly believe.

It's easier to give an overall view of these 2 episodes. Much of it surrounds the beginning of the Christian church through The Jesus Followers, aka The Way. The 12 apostles are actively telling others about Jesus, much to the anger of the faithful Jews who reject Jesus as the Messiah. Yet they are also gathering communities to provide both spiritual and physical nourishment. The selection of 7 leaders to help administer shows additional growth. One of the leaders is Stephen, a bold follower of Jesus who is becoming well known for telling others about the Messiah. We also see the growing anger of Saul, whose mission is to stop these people who he believes is violating Jewish and temple laws. Will his rage cost him more than he expects? It does cause a wedge between him and his teacher. Bottom line: I am getting completely caught up in this series. I glanced through Episode 1 to try to figure out the characters but wanted to get to the episodes I was specifically asked to review. I guessed my basic knowledge of ACTS would get me through, and this season is mostly Acts 2-7. However, I will be eagerly watching all 8 episodes starting tomorrow...and impatiently waiting for Season 2. I do recommend you sign up for Angel to watch TESTAMENT.

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card. Please submit your full name and email address by 8/14/25. Disclosure: Many thanks to Angel for providing a one-month Angel Guild membership for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Angel Guild

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