Film Review – Penelope (2006)

Don’t you love a good fairy tale? I certainly do. But you can only watch so many versions of Cinderella or Beauty and the Beast. Sometimes a fairy tale with a new story and fresh perspective is needed. And that’s just what Penelope offers.

PENELOPE SYNOPSIS

A long time ago, a witched cursed the Wilherns. The first daughter born into this wealthy family would be born with the face of a pig. The only way to break this curse is for her to be accepted by one of her own kind – a blueblood. After many generations of sons, Penelope becomes the unfortunate bearer of this cruel curse.

Ashamed of her daughter, Jessica Wilhern has hidden her away in the family home for most of Penelope’s life. But in recent years, she has been working with a professional matchmaker to find an aristocratic man willing to marry Penelope and break the curse. Edward Vanderman, the most recent man to reject the sweet natured “pig-girl” has teamed up with Lemon, a journalist holding a long-standing grudge towards Jessica. They hire Max Campion, a gambler they believe to be a fallen blue-blood. Max agrees to secretly snap a picture of Penelope for a pay-off thousands of dollars.

But Penelope is gun-shy and doesn’t show herself to Max right away. Instead he is forced to make multiple visits to the Wilhern mansion. With a one-way mirror between them, Max and Penelope develop a friendship through many conversations. However, the individual plans of Jessica Wilhern, Edward, Lemon and Max all go awry when Penelope finally decides to run away from everyone’s plans for her. What will happen to a girl who has lived in seclusion all her life, when she finally discovers the world? Can the curse truly be broken or will Penelope find another way?

To read the full review, please follow me over to The Silver Petticoat Review.

 

Book Review – A Fallen Lady

SYNOPSIS

Six years ago, to the outrage of her family and the delight of London gossips, Lady Helen Dehaven refused to marry the man to whom she was betrothed. Even more shockingly, her refusal came on the heels of her scandalous behavior: she and her betrothed were caught in a most compromising position. Leaving her reputation in tatters and her motivations a mystery, Helen withdrew to a simple life in a little village among friends, where her secrets remained hers alone.

For reasons of his own, Stephen Hampton, Lord Summerdale, is determined to learn the truth behind the tangled tale of Helen’s ruin. There is nothing he abhors so much as scandal – nothing he prizes so well as discretion – and so he is shocked to find, when he tracks Helen down, that he cannot help but admire her. Against all expectations, he finds himself forgiving her scandalous history in favor of only being near her.

But the bitter past will not relinquish Helen’s heart so easily. How can she trust a man so steeped in the culture of high society, who conceals so much? And how can he, so devoted to the appearance of propriety, ever love a fallen lady? Continue reading “Book Review – A Fallen Lady”

Top Ten Tuesday – Places Mentioned in Books That I’d Like to Visit

Today’s Topic: Places Mentioned In Books That I’d Like to Visit

Hosted by: That Artsy Reader Girl

Travel is one of my passions. I love going someplace new and experiencing the culture and sights of that place. However, time and money limits the amount of travel I’m able to do.

That is one of the reason I enjoy reading. It’s armchair travel at it’s best. As soon as I crack open the pages, I’m instantly transported and experiencing that place vicariously through the characters. And of course, it also allows me to time travel, which is sadly still impossible in real life. Continue reading “Top Ten Tuesday – Places Mentioned in Books That I’d Like to Visit”

Foreign Film Friday – Mr. Sunshine (2018) KDrama

SYNPOSIS

It is a time of great internal and political conflict in Korea. The nation is slowly losing it’s autonomy to it’s more power neighbor, Japan. The disintegration of  Korea’s freedom and identity is hastened by the modernization forced upon it by American and Japanese influence. Compounding the problem is that many of Korea’s nobles are actively working against their homeland for their own personal benefit.

The events of this time are seen through the eyes of five young adults whose own personal backgrounds influence the way they react to Korea’s slow death. Continue reading “Foreign Film Friday – Mr. Sunshine (2018) KDrama”

Top Ten Tuesday – Books I Love that Need More Love

Today’s Topic: Books I LOVED with Fewer than 2,000 Ratings on Goodreads

Hosted by: That Artsy Reader Girl

In my own mind, I am a champion of the under-rated book or author. There’s nothing I like better than discovering a book that is under the radar and then raving about it to everyone I know. Honestly, it makes me feel “in the know.” But I also like the idea of bringing to attention authors or books who I feel deserve it.

This week’s list includes several series, as well as single titles.

 

Price of Privilege Series 

One of the most stunning series I’ve ever read. It’s also my very favorite. This historical drama follows a young woman who unexpectedly becomes an heiress and finds herself as a pawn in a game played by some very powerful men.

Carry Me Home

I’d heard about this Australian historical novel for years. It did not disappoint! I liked the marriage of convenience story line, but I really loved the hero the most. My review

 

Drawn by the Frost Moon/Creek Country Saga

This historical series set in 19th century Florida is unique in its’ portrayal of the Indian culture. I also appreciate how multi-cultural the series is.

Seeing Miss Heartstone

What a surprise, another historical fiction title makes my list! I enjoyed this sweet tale of an heiress managing her father’s empire who teaches through correspondence, a nobleman, the details of business finance. My review

 

The Girl Next Door Series

This series is contemporary romantic suspense with an emphasis on ROMANCE and SUSPENSE. I’m always exhilarated and exhausted after finishing one of these stories. Review of If Spring Comes

 

Storm and Silence Series

This series is on many of my lists. I love it so much. The chemistry and dialogue between the two main characters is just so zippy and feisty. Review of Storm and Silence and in the Eye of the Storm.

 

California Rising Series

As much historical fiction that I read, I rarely come across anything featuring the history of California. It is a fascinating time as portrayed in this series.

With This Curse

I love a good gothic-lite romance and this one features a wounded, skittish heroine and one of the most patient, self-sacrificing heroes I’ve ever read.

 

The Bridge Duo

Ya’ll, the first book in this duo only has 157 ratings on Goodreads. That is a crime! This YA/New Adult duology has heart and unexpected depth. Plus, some of its’ settings include Paris and Ireland. Review of The Bridge and The Long Walk.

 

Raleigh Harmon P.I. Mysteries

I don’t read a lot of crime drama or mysteries, but I find this one about a female forensic crime investigator fascinating. This series is a spin off the earlier Raleigh Harmon FBI Mystery series.

There you have it. My top ten underrated books (series). Have you read any of these? What are some of your favorite underrated novels?

Book Review – The Matrimonial Advertisement

ABOUT THE MATRIMONIAL ADVERTISEMENT

As a last resort, Helena Reynolds answers an advertisement for marriage to a complete stranger. She is desperate for the security of a husband’s name and the safety of living in a remote estate in Devon.

Justin Thornhill is a former soldier still recovering from the tragedy and torture of his last assignment in India. He didn’t place the ad for a wife, but is drawn to Helena’s beauty and refinement. Something about her also draws out his prospective instinct.

These two strangers marry, but their complicated pasts will prove a challenge they must overcome before they can find love.

For the full review of this book, please follow me over to The Silver Petticoat Review.

 

Meet-Cute Blogathon – My Five Favorite Classic Film Meet-Cutes

I love a good meet-cute. You know, it’ the moment where two characters meet for the first time. In most films, the meet cute sets the stage and the tone for all that is to follow. It immediately tells you what type of relationship the two characters will have as they get to know each other better. Some meet-cutes are in fact cute, others are antagonistic. Meet-cutes are actually one of my favorite moments in a film.

Which is why I am thrilled that Phyl of Phyllis Loves Classic Movies decided to give these moments some much deserved attention by hosting the Meet-Cute Blogathon just in time for Valentine’s Day. When the opportunity arose to participate in this blogathon, I couldn’t pass it up. I also couldn’t narrow my choice down to just one film. So, I am celebrating by sharing my top five favorite classic film meet-cutes. Continue reading “Meet-Cute Blogathon – My Five Favorite Classic Film Meet-Cutes”

Film Review -What’s Up Doc? (1972)

Have you ever allowed your prejudice or bias influence your ability to enjoy something? I have. Aside from the music, I pretty much avoid anything from the seventies. I’m just not a fan of most of what originated from that decade. Which is why, despite hearing nothing but positive things said of What’s Up Doc? I was pretty sure I wouldn’t like it. Boy, was I wrong! What’s Up Doc? is one of the funniest films I’ve ever seen. And I say that as a connoisseur of comedic film. It’s my favorite genre. In fact, I think I laughed even harder the second time I viewed it than the first time around.

REVIEW

It all begins with four matching travel bags. One contains top secret stolen documents and papers. A government agent is hot on the trail, tracking them for recovery. The second belongs to the wealthy Mrs. Van Hoskins and contains her jewels. Dr. Howard Bannister is the owner of the third. It holds his beloved igneous rock collection. Howard is in town as a finalist for an important grant which would allow him to continue his studies on the effects of rocks in creating music. Accompanying him is his uptight fiancée Eunice Burns who manages his life like an automaton.

The fourth bag holds the personal effects of Judy Maxwell. Judy is a street smart young woman whom disaster seems to follow at every step. She is also remarkably book smart, full of random knowledge which she spouts off to the surprise of everyone around her. None of those carrying the bags are aware that anyone else has a bag resembling their own. And that is where the fun starts.

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

Top Ten Tuesday – Favorite Book Couples

Today’s Topic: Favorite Couples In Books

Hosted by: That Artsy Reader Girl

I’ll let you in on a little secret if you promise not to tell anyone. I’m a romantic at heart, always have been. I appreciate the ideas of commitment, faithfulness and sacrifice that are present where real love exists.

It is this type of love that makes relationships last. Because, let’s be honest. We are all human, prone to make mistakes and hurt those we care about. But people who choose to love each other work hard to prioritize each other and their relationship by practicing forgiveness, thoughtfulness and mercy.

With Valentine’s Day a couple of days away, I’m glad that this week’s prompt gives me the opportunity to share some of my favorite book couples who exemplify some of the characteristics of real love. Continue reading “Top Ten Tuesday – Favorite Book Couples”

January 2019 Quickie Film Reviews

With the start of a new year, I decided to change my approach in watching films. In the past couple of years, I chose to watch as many new-to-me classic films as I could, whether or not they interested me. I wanted to broaden my knowledge and experience with them. And while I found some real gems, I also found myself spending a lot of time watching films I didn’t really enjoy.

This year I want to continue to watch classic films I’ve never seen before. But I also want to re-watch classic films I’ve not seen in a while or which I really enjoy watching. I also want to get back to watching newer released foreign films and series. In addition, I will be watching more contemporary films as well.

This month I had great success in newer series, especially on the foreign side. The only one of the series I listed that I didn’t love was Beauty and the Beast. I enjoyed re-watching several classic and contemporary films.

Photo Source: IMDb

I watched quite a bit less in classic films, but the ones I did see were entertaining. My favorite discovery of the month was Operation Mad Ball with Jack Lemmon. Continue reading “January 2019 Quickie Film Reviews”