What if Love is the Point? (Launch Team Book Review – Part One)

Ever wondered what it’s like to be rich & famous? Are fame & fortune all they’re cracked up to be? If not, then what’s the point? In their new book, boybander Carlos & Spy Girl Alexa answer those questions & more.

I’m a major fangirl, aspiring podcaster, self-published author, & most importantly, a devoted Christ-follower. As such, Alexa & Carlos PenaVega are 2 of my favorite celebrities. Seeing they were launching a team to read their new book had me pumped! Idk how a launch team works. Idk if it’s first come first serve, all are welcome here, or a select number of people who get to join. Either way, it felt like a risk to ask to be on the team. I didn’t expect to get an invite. I figured thousands of people, if not more, would be asking to join. So, when I saw the email to join, I was SO excited! It’s always such an honor to get an invite into someone’s story. It’s why I do what I do. I share my story, so you can be a part of it, & so I might be a part of yours too. That’s exactly what Carlos & Alexa have done with this book! Why? Because Jesus invited us into His story & when we invite Him into ours everything changes for the best. That doesn’t always feel true, but it is.

There’s a time & place for philosophy & theology. This isn’t it. Both often leave more questions than answers. In this book, Carlos & Alexa give us the only answers that matter–love & Jesus.

Some might complain most of the book is their stories & not “the point.” I would argue that’s not true. If love is the point, then you have to get to know people & you have to get to know Jesus. How would you get to know people & Jesus without hearing their stories?

Maybe I’m biased. Maybe being a fan of BTR, Spy Kids, DWTS, & Hallmark made me love this book more than I would’ve otherwise. I don’t think so though. Alexa & Carlos were vulnerable & raw in this book. They were amusing & straightforward. I will recommend this book to anyone & everyone interested in the lives of child stars, heartthrobs, & what truly matters. I gave this book 5 stars, not for the writing, but for the story & the answers because love IS the point.

For a more detailed review keep an eye out for TWO podcast episodes coming soon!

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DWTS Juniors – Halloween Night

Ugh! As if I didn’t love Dancing with the Stars enough, the threw in the twist of juniors and added Jordan Fisher and Frankie Muniz as the hosts! I’m in love with this show!

Team WitneyAkash and KamriArgentine Tango – Akash is playing a mad scientist and Cameron is his monster. I think this is a great theme for Akash and the whole dance is fun and exciting! I love it!

Comments – Mandy tells Akash it was a great way to start the show. She feels like there’s a little party in Akash’ body when he dances and he needs to control it. Adam doesn’t know if anyone loves coming out and dancing more than Akash. Val thinks he did a great job.

Scores – 21 out of 30

Team Cheryl – Mandla and Brightyn – Charleston – Their dance is super weird, but I like it. It’s fun. Mandla does a great job of lifting Brightyn. I’m impressed.

Comments – Adam thinks Mandla is really, really working hard and it’s showing. Val commends him on giving his content. Mandy says he’s got the electricity back from week one and she loved it.

Scores – 23 out of 30

Team Gleb – Mackenzie & Sage – Jive – Back to a high school theme with a junior high school dance. I’m feeling impressed by this jive. It’s got Derek Hough meets Mark Ballas vibes. I’m diggin’ it.

Comments – Val says it was great. Mandy says she loved it all in all, but there’s something missing. She feels like she checked out a little as performer in moments when she was concerned about the move. Adam says they look terrible and he loves it.

 

Scores – 25 out of 30

Team Emma – Jason & Elliana – Argentine Tango – Jason is playing a vampire while Elliana is an innocent young girl. Jason is such a great performer. He’s a pretty good dancer too. Probably better than I am at least. I just love the reactions of the mentors every dance.

Comments – Mandy was a little stressed for Jason when she heard he had to do an argentine tango, but he came out and it was incredible. Adam knows Jason is in it to win it. Val says it was a leading role type of performance.

Frankie says it was his favorite dance so far. His favorite dances were the strong, serious dances.

Scores – 25 out of 30 (their highest score so far)

Team Brandon – Ariana and Artyon – Paso DobleWays to Be Wicked from Descendants. I’m pumped about this dance. I love Descendants. I love this song. I love Ariana and Artyon. I love the Paso Doble. Ariana and Artyon are both fierce in this dance, which you have to be for successful Paso Doble. I’m proud of them.

Comments – Jordan comments about Kenny Ortega being in the audience and Ariana goes to hug him. Adam says the dancing is very good, but he needs to see a little more. Val agrees. He doesn’t think this was her best dance. Mandy appreciates her hard hitting movements, but doesn’t disagree with the guys.

Scores – 22 out of 30

Team Artem – Alana “Honey Boo Boo” and Tristan – Jazz – I really love Alana. She is so sassy and funny! I’m pumped about this dance. They’re dancing as the ghostbusters. Once again, she’s got the perfect performance for this dance. She may not be the best dancer in the world, but she’s got such spirit and growth that I just love her.

Comments – Val thought the dance was awesome and entertaining. Mandy comments on the direction change and everything jazz is about and that Alana did everything she needed to do. Adam liked it.

Scores – 21 out of 30

Team Alan – Sky and JT – Jive – Sky says the jive feels like skateboarding. She just keeps trying until she gets it right. She starts crying in practice because it’s so much hard work. Alan says she cried in a good way because she didn’t give up and she finally got it. Sky says she cried in frustration. I love her and JT. I love the jive so much. Oh, wow! And they are doing a great job! They like do this walking upside down on their hands and feet thing that was awesome. I’m impressed!

Comments – Mandy says it fabulous and liked that Sky is so good people sometimes don’t realize how hard it can be. Adam says it was awesome. Val comments on the routine, content, performance, and everything. It was fantastic. Sky thanks Alan and JT for believing in her and Jordan gets all sappy.

Scores – 26 out of 30

Team Lindsay – Miles and Rylee – Samba – “I Want Candy” – Miles is a werewolf and Rylee is little red riding hood, or goldie locks, I can’t tell. They do a trick or treat thing and then go into their dance. I like it. It’s fun.

Comments – Jordan comments on how hard the Samba is. Miles just breathes hard and Rylee agrees it’s very hard. Adam says Miles danced like a pro. Val agrees with Adam and says he’s doing it better than everyone else. Mandy felt like their was magic in their performance. Frankie comments that the last person to dress as a werewolf with Lindsay had some success on the show (winning) and that he’s doing a great job of following in Jordan’s footsteps.

I just love the shared energy between Lindsay and Rylee. They are definitely sisters.

Scores – 27 out of 30 (highest score of the night)

Elimination – Alana “Honey Boo” and Tristan – Team Artem Poor Alana is crying and my heart is breaking. Several of the young dancers and stars have shocked faces.

DWTS Season 27 – Disney Night

Ariana and Jason are adorable in their role of the opening dance, running around looking for Mickey. Jordan is just… ugh! He sings and dances in the opening dance and I have a major crush on him! His girlfriend is a lucky lady! Ha, ha.

Alexis and AlanPocahontas – Just Around the Riverbend  – Wow. Alexis is definitely feeling something for Alan and I wouldn’t surprised if he is too. The video journal personal straight up asks and she giggles and says, “No comment.” Regardless, their dance is beautiful.

Judges’ Comments – Len calls their dance beautifully crafted. Len comments on their chemistry. Alexis’ face gets embarrassingly red and Alan looks around awkwardly. They definitely have something, whatever it may be. Bruno calls their dance gorgeous like two hearts beating together as one. Carrie Ann says the way they danced made her believe in fairytales. They all pretty much agree it’s their best dance of the season.

Erin asks how Alexis felt dancing. She says it felt like a fairytale. Erin asks what Alexis has to say to her prince. “Did he just put you in the old fantasy land.” Alexis says he really did and Erin does the “ooh” thing.

Judges’ Scores – 29 out of 30

Juan Pablo and Cheryl – Beauty and the Beast – Vietnamese Waltz – Juan Pablo admits he felt relieved getting eights, because he felt like getting tens in the third week was almost too much too soon. He and Cheryl are dancing to Gaston. He’s always wanted to be Gaston. He’s pumped. Even more because he wanted to be a Disney animator before discovering the stage. I do like this dance. I’m not particularly impressed, but it is good. I like it.

Judges’ Comments – Tom says it’s one of his favorite dances of the whole show. Bruno says it was spot on, on every level. Carrie Ann says it was so good, so good and spectacular. Len likes that the dance mirrored the music and that Juan Pablo is without a doubt a fantastic dance. He does have a small critique for the choreography, but nothing big.

Judges’ Scores – 29 out of 30

DeMarcus and Lindsay – Charleston – Hercules – A Star is Born – Lindsay wears a red wig like Meg. DeMarcus’ finger is still hurt from his dislocation, but he nails the lifts and really gets into the whole dance. Lindsay laughs saying her shoe broke in her very first move of the dance. She tosses her shoe. Tom picks it up and DeMarcus puts it back on her.

Judges’ Comments – All judges are beyond impressed feeling great and happy after the dance.

Judges’ Scores – 26 out 30

Evanna and KeoJazz – Tangled – Evanna gets vulnerable about being in the bottom two the week before. They’ll be dancing to When Will My Life Begin. Keo says he’s scared of heights and doesn’t like rollercoasters, but he goes on them with Evanna at Disney Land. Evanna wants to give everything to this dance. She’s perfect for the role of Rapunzel. I love it.

Judges’ Comments – Len liked it. It had a lovely feel to it. He can’t say it was a spectacular number, but it was well done and well danced. Bruno feels that she has found her stride and confidence. Sometimes, she tends to be a bit chasey with the timing and finish, but is well. Carrie Ann thinks she did the Disney name proud. They all agree she has the talent.

Judges’ Scores – 24 out of 30

Jason is adorable. They have him come in asking for the Wi-Fi password.

Joe and Jenna – Ralph Breaks the Internet – Jive – Joe is happy he has a chance to get better even though his scores aren’t showing he’s getting better. Jenna feels he deserves to be here. I don’t agree. Yes, he’s trying so hard, but he’s not getting much better. His confidence is growing, which great, but he’s only still here because of Bachelor Nation fans. This dance does seem better than before, especially last week, but his moves are still awkward. I mean, come on. Not even Kendall gives him a standing ovation. He’s just so awkward.

Judges’ Comments – Bruno can sense a very faint glimmer of hope. He says not to get too excited, but he did a baby step in the right direction. Carrie Ann shouts, “Go Joe!” She says it was a vast improvement. He did not miss a step. He seemed more confident. He needs to stop closing his shoulders. Everyone obviously loves him. He should own it. Len likes and admires that even though he gets knocked every week, he comes back and gives it his all. He advises him to get in there and learn the dance if he comes back. He also tells Jenna to put more content in the dance.

Erin tells Joe he thinks he gave it his best, which means it doesn’t matter what the judges’ scores are.

Judges’ Scores – 17 out of 30

Mary Lou and Sasha – Contemporary – Mulan – Reflection – I think this is a beautiful dance for Mary Lou. She’s said many times that she’s lost herself and that she’s using this show to find herself. Now, this dance and song are reflective of that. No pun intended.

Judges’ Comments – Carrie Ann says she lives for these moments, the moments when the stars transform through dance. Len likes that it was gentle and understated, but fluid. Bruno loved it and her determination.

Judges’ Scores – 25 out of 30

Jordan Fisher and Junior Pros – He performs A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes and dances with the juniors as they dance. Oh, ho. I love him more and more every time I see him. From his dorky role in Teen Beach Movie to heartthrob Holden in Liv and Maddie to being a star and winner in his own season of DWTS and just being an around talented guy. Ugh, I just love him. He’s especially lovable with these kids! My goodness!

John and EmmaJungle Book – Wanna Be Like YouQuickstep – I’m pumped that this dance is with Wanna Be Like You! He’s not so pumped, but I am! It’s a great song to be played with the quickstep! I’m liking this dance almost as much as I love the song. It’s not a dance I’ll remember, but it’s a good dance. He’s doing a pretty good job.

Judges’ Comments – Len likes the energy and content and thinks he did a fantastic job. It’s his best job to date. Bruno says it was a proper, recognizable quickstep. Carrie Ann says it was his best dance as a whole. She says there were a few minor issues, but it was his best dance yet.

Judges’ Scores – 24 out of 30

Bobby Bones and SharnaThe Little Mermaid – WaltzPart of Your World – This dance has to be more elegant and slower than the MC Hammer dance of last week. He looks great as a prince. He’s doing a pretty great job of containing his energy, but keeping his excitement. His dance may not be perfect, but it’s really good for someone without any dance background. I’m impressed. I really like this dance. I may be biased because this is my favorite Disney song of all time, but I do like his dance.

Judges’ Comments – Bruno says he went of on the wrong beat, but that he continued on valiantly. Carrie Ann comments on Bobby’s stance. Carrie Ann comments on how his joy moves in his body. Len admires that he played it straight and went for it in a proper way.

Judges’ Scores – 21 out of 30

Milo and Witney – Incredibles 2 – Quickstep – Milo is pumped about Disney night because he owes everything to Disney. Witney feels like this dance really fits him because he’s got so much energy. I agree. I’m pretty pumped about this dance. It’s fun and energetic and perfect for Milo. I love that they finish with two of the littles in it.

Judges’ Scores – Carrie Ann truly loved it. Len really loved it, but felt that there was too much gap between their body contact. Bruno calls it a blockbuster.

Judges’ Scores – 27 out of 30

Elimination – DeMarcus & Lindsay and Alexis & Alan in jeopardy, but no elimination. Thank God! They made it seem like DeMarcus and Lindsay would go home, which would have been way bogus, but no one’s going home! So, yay!

DWTS: Juniors – Disney Night

Team Witney – Hercules – Akash & Cameron – Jive ­– Zero to Hero – I always love the Jive and Akash is just so adorable doing this Jive, as is Cameron.

Judges’ Comments – Val tells Akash not to skip leg day. Mandy comments that when he did use his legs, he did really well. Adam thinks the dance was exciting and that Akash wears his heart on his sleeves.

Judges’ Scores – 21 out of 30

Team Brandon – Lilo & Stitch – Ariana and Artyon – SambaHawaiian Roller Coaster Ride – The kids purposely drive Brandon crazy, but they love him. Ariana and Artyon make adorable Lilo and Stitch. Brandon did a great job of incorporating the hula to their Samba. They dance with a limbo stick and it is impressive.

Judges’ Comments – Val comments that the bounce action of the Samba is the hardest part and they did it. Mandy comments that it was awesome including the production and choreography. Adam says Ariana has been consistent, beautiful, and powerful.

Judges’ Scores – 25 out of 30

Aww, Ariana and Artyon are adorable. They interrupt Jordan’s speaking and challenge him to a limbo. He concurs and succeeds. He’s so sweet.

Team Artem – Beauty and the Best – Honey Boo Boo & Tristan – Foxtrot – Something There – Alana seems much more elegant than I’ve seen her before. She’s got the personality and showmanship. The footwork may be a tad off, but she’s good. I like her.

Judges’ Comments – Val is moved by her performance because it’s inspiring. Mandy comments on her beauty, confidence, and progression. Adam is impressed.

Judges’ Scores – 21 out of 30

Team Emma – Toy Story – Jason & Elliana – Foxtrot – Jason is so adorable. As a Disney star, he’s pumped about being on Disney night. He feels like the dream can never end. They dance to Jordan Fisher and Olivia Holt’s version of You’ve Got a Friend in Me. I think they dance really well. Jason is just so adorable. He and Elliana make adorable Woody and Jessie’s. Jason’s favorite movie is Toy Story but it scares Elliana.

Judges’ Comments – Adam is proud of them. Val thinks it was adorable awesome. Mandy says they had some good quick, quick, slow moments.

Judges’ Scores – 22 out of 30 – I’m about to have to start watching Raven’s Home, because Jason is just so adorable.

Team Gleb – Pocahontas – Mackenzie & Sage – Contemporary – Dancing to Colors of the Wind. The have trouble in practice with the lifts. As contemporary always is, their dance is beautiful. They seem to succeed in their lifts with moves that are graceful and elegant.

Judges’ Comments – Adam has chills. Val sees it as extraordinary. Mandy comments that contemporary should be easy and light and they nailed it.

Judges’ Scores – 27 out of 30 – Highest Score of the Season

Team Cheryl – Coco – Mandla & Bryton – Jazz – I don’t know what song they’re dancing too. I’ve never seen this movie, but I’m liking their dance. As it should, it has Latin vibes and Mandla seems confident.

Judges’ Comments – Mandy commends him for successfully listening to her comments from the previous week. Adam comments that he is working on his technique, but his performance is good. Val says this dance left him underwhelmed after his last couple successful weeks.

Judges’ Scores – 21 out of 30

Team Lindsay – Aladdin – Miles and Rylee – Charleston – Miles is playing Aladdin. Lindsay asks him to get in character and he kind of takes it a bit far. She plays mom. It’s a nice dance. In my opinion, not particularly memorable, but really, really good.

Judges’ Comments – Adam loved it. Val was impressed. Mandy calls him and Rylee stars, stating he might have even passed her at times.

Judges’ Scores – 27 out of 30

Team Alan – Moana – Sky & JT – Contemporary – Alan takes them to the beach. Sky comments that Moana lives on an island and has big heart and is kind of like her—living on Japan and having a big heart. How Far I’ll Go – Sticking the moves like always, Sky seems to be nailing it. I haven’t seen Moana, but Sky seems perfect for the role based on the dance and the song. I’m impressed.

Judges’ Comments – Mandy was impressed but has one little thing to tell her. She needs to point her feet more. Adam is impressed and says her performance was mature. Val loved it and tells her that she does a great job of nailing the moves.

Judges’ Scores – 24 out of 30.

Sky asks Jordan if she can say something. He gives her the mic and she tells all the girls not to let anyone stop them. They can do whatever they want.

Team SashaThe Little Mermaid – Sophia & Jake – Samba – Kim comes to visit her goddaughter Sophia and instills confident in her. She and Jake dance to Poor Unfortunate Souls. She plays Ursula and he plays Eric. She starts off more confident, but she seems to lose it a bit in the middle. In her final move though, she really gets it back.

Judges’ Comments – Mandy says she could have been a bit stronger at points, but was really really good. Adam says she upped her performance like he asked her to. Val tells her be a bit stronger.

Judges’ Scores – 19 out of 30

Elimination – Sophia and Jake – Team Sasha

Aww, Sophia cries. She’s such a shy girl; you know she’s sad if she’s crying.