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The Happy Holiday Blogathon – My Ten Favorite Christmas Films

Anyone who knows me can tell you that I have always been a Christmas fanatic. Christmas albums comprise my largest collection of music which I listen to year round. I start my countdown in October. I buy beautiful holiday wrapping paper despite my hatred of wrapping gifts. I put my tree up before Thanksgiving. AND I adore Christmas movies, which is why I wanted to share a list of my favorites for this blogathon.

In speaking of this holiday, I must admit, I’m a bit of a traditionalist. No trendy flocked tree for me this year, I’m sticking with my favorite red and gold. I love the aspect of the holiday which celebrates family over busyness, thoughtfulness over commercialism. And I still believe that the real reason for the season is the birth of Jesus. Continue reading “The Happy Holiday Blogathon – My Ten Favorite Christmas Films”

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Top Ten Tuesday – Holiday Reads

Today’s Topic: Holiday Reads

Hosted by: That Artsy Reader Girl

I love all things Christmas, so you know this book lover also loves a good holiday story. Today I’m sharing some of my favorites novels and novellas that are set during the most wonderful time of the year.

It’s enough to make this girl wanna curl up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa, turn on the twinkle lights on my tree and settle in with tale as warm and cozy as the blanket I sit under. Continue reading “Top Ten Tuesday – Holiday Reads”

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Top Ten Tuesday – Thankful Freebie

Today’s Topic: Thankful Freebie

Hosted by: That Artsy Reader Girl

Well, I’m taking this week’s topic literally. My list this week is a free-for-all. I am naming all of the books I love and/or books I’m glad I discovered based on the letters in the word thankful. And since we should never limit our thankfulness, I did not pare down my choices, but named them all.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. I hope you find much to be thankful for this week. Continue reading “Top Ten Tuesday – Thankful Freebie”

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Mini Series Review – Charles II: The Power and the Passion (2003)

ABOUT KING CHARLES II

England’s King Charles II occupied the throne during a fascinating time in the nation’s history. During the English Civil War and Oliver Cromwell’s rule his father was beheaded and he was exiled. After Cromwell’s death Charles II returned to England as its’ king. Charles II reversed many of the rules implemented by Cromwell’s government. He also continued his father’s battle with the English Parliament. The years of his reign are known as The Restoration. Charles II: The Power and the Passion presents a portrait of this multi-faceted historical figure.

REVIEW

Charles II: The Power and the Passion is an apt title for this mini-series which splits its focus between Charles personal affairs and political battles. The first half of the series threatens to become mired down with a soap opera style approach to Charles relationships with his many mistresses. Barbara Villers is the most important and depraved of these, a woman who tries to leverage her influence of the king into political power. Helen McCrory gives a deliciously wicked and clever performance of Barbara. But I quickly grew tired of watching the king’s multiple sexual escapades.

Fortunately, the series eventually allows the king’s political battles to take center stage. This makes for a much more compelling and fascinating dramatic narrative.

For my full review of this surprisingly interesting mini-series starring Rufus Sewell, please follow me over to The Silver Petticoat Review.

 

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Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) – A Musical That is Pure Fun Entertainment

In my opinion, no one made better color musicals than MGM in the Fifties. It was during this decade that the studio released classics like Singin’ in the Rain, An American in Paris, Gigi, A Star is Born and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. But one of my personal favorites is Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

ABOUT SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS

Millie is a young woman used to hard work. But she dreams of the day that she can invest all of her energy into loving a man and building a life together.

Adam Pontipee arrives in town after months in the mountains with his six brothers, Benjamin, Caleb, Daniel, Ephraim, Frank and Gideon. He is determined to find a wife to take back with him. After all, the Pontipee brothers need a woman to look after them and their needs. He is impressed with Millie’s backbone and willingness to work. Before she knows it Millie is swept off her feet, married and headed to her new life with her stranger husband.

But Millie and Adam have very different ideas about what their marriage should be. Not to mention, Millie’s presence in the Pontipee home prompts the other brothers to begin thinking of marriage themselves.

These  “seven slumachy back woodsmen” may think they have found a woman to cook and clean for them. But little do they know Millie is about to reform them all.

For my full review, please follow me over to The Silver Petticoat Review.

 

 

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Top Ten Tuesday – My Favorite Book Marks

Today’s Topic: Favorite Bookmarks

Hosted by: That Artsy Reader Girl

I decided to have some fun interpreting this week’s prompt. This one took quite a bit of research, especially for the characters. One thing that surprised me is how much more frequently the name Mark (or a variation of it) pops up in historical fiction. It doesn’t seem to be as popular a choice for contemporary book heroes. Continue reading “Top Ten Tuesday – My Favorite Book Marks”

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October 2019 Quickie Film Reviews

Well, this month was a slow start. It took me a while to find some films/series that were memorable. But I ended the October with a bang, at least when it came to classic titles.

OCTOBER 2019 BREAKDOWN
  • 31 Films/Series Total
  • 18 New Classics
  • 6 TV Series
  • 5 Re-watches
  • 4 Foreign/International
The Picture of Dorian Grey
Photo Source: IMDb

Biggest Disappointment – The Talented Mr. Ripley

Favorite Discovery – It’s a toss-up between The Million Pound Note & The Picture of Dorian Gray Continue reading “October 2019 Quickie Film Reviews”

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Series Review – The Indian Doctor (2010-2013)

I adore British historical series and am always on the lookout for ones I’ve not yet seen. So, it was by happy accident that I recently discovered The Indian Doctor streaming on Prime and Acorn TV.

SUMMARY

Still recovering from a personal tragedy, Dr. Prem Sharma and wife Kamani decide to leave their home in India. Kamani encourages Prem to apply for a post in London. Instead they find themselves assigned to a small mining village in Wales.

The culture shock is immediate, both for the Sharmas and the villagers who are not expecting a foreign doctor. Nor do they expect the Sharmas to be so cultured and highly educated. Prem is content to stay in his new position. But the wealthy and well-connected Kamani has no desire to stay in a back-water town which has no appreciation for the finer things. Continue reading “Series Review – The Indian Doctor (2010-2013)”