Top Ten Tuesday – Favorite Books of 2019

Today’s Topic: Favorite Books I Read In 2019

Hosted by: That Artsy Reader Girl

I’m actually jumping the gun a bit this week as I usually cover my favorite books in my end of the year review. But, these books are good enough to mention twice, so lucky you. Also, I’ve included some books here which I had to brutally cut out of my end of year review.

 

For my full reviews on some of these titles, please click the title link.
Continue reading “Top Ten Tuesday – Favorite Books of 2019”

Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers Blogathon – Forever Female (1953)

It’s easy to write-off Ginger Rogers as the second half of a famous partnership with Fred Astaire. After all it is the ten films they made together which has helped cement her place in film history.

But she’s not just your typical classic movie star. No, she was a real working actress with talent. One who was equally at home in musicals, comedies and dramas. She held her own against respected actresses like Janet Gaynor and Katharine Hepburn and co-starred with in demand actors such as William Powell, Cary Grant & James Stewart.

Without intentionally planning it, I have seen a large majority of Roger’s films and was on the lookout for a new one to review for this blogathon. Forever Female perfectly fit the bill. It is one of her less discussed films, which is unfortunate given Rogers gives an excellent performance. It also boasts William Holden and Paul Douglas as cast members and talented screenwriting brothers Julius (who won and Oscar for Casablanca) & Phillip Epstein. Continue reading “Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers Blogathon – Forever Female (1953)”

Top Ten Tuesday – Christmas Bookish Wish List

Today’s Topic: Books I Hope to Find Under My Tree

Hosted by: That Artsy Reader Girl

One year for Christmas my mom gave me some jewelry. She wanted me to have some nice pieces that I could wear for years. As grateful as I was, I guess something on my face made her ask, “You would have rather received books for Christmas, wouldn’t you?” To which I guiltily answered, “Yes.”

Every year, my Christmas wish list includes a whole lot of books. Sometimes I get around to buying these books for myself, particularly when they go on sale for Kindle. This year, I’ve requested several non-fiction titles in hardback, since those tend to be a bigger investment. Also, since classic film is my other obsession, these non-fiction titles provide the marriage of two of my favorite things. Continue reading “Top Ten Tuesday – Christmas Bookish Wish List”

#PayClassicsForward Christmas Challenge 2019

Once again Aurora over at Once Upon a Screen is challenging everyone to pay it forward this Christmas by choosing classic film recommendations utilizing the Twelve Days of Christmas theme.

I’ve decided to stick as close to that theme as possible by creatively interpreting the lyrics of the song. I didn’t have as much time as I would like to elaborate on all the films and actors who are named in this post. But hopefully, they will pique your interest enough to discover them for yourself. Continue reading “#PayClassicsForward Christmas Challenge 2019”

Top Ten Tuesday – Book Covers with Winter Vibes

Today’s Topic: Freebie

Hosted by: That Artsy Reader Girl

This week’s topic is a freebie. In looking for inspiration, I didn’t have to look too hard. Top Ten Tuesday recently had a prompt for Books That Give off Autumn Vibes.

As much as I dislike winter, I decided it shouldn’t get short shrift, just because it’s my least favorite season. So, this week I’m featuring books that give me all the winter vibes. Continue reading “Top Ten Tuesday – Book Covers with Winter Vibes”

November 2019 Quickie Film Reviews

I had a very busy November, which means I didn’t have as much time as I usually do to sit in front of my TV. But what I did get to watch was an eclectic blend of mostly interesting movies and series.  And there was that weekend I binge-watched seven Hallmark Christmas movies with my family, which is not included in this month’s tally.

novemBER 2019 BREAKDOWN
  • 26 Films/Series Total
  • 8 New Classics
  • 5 Re-watches
  • 3 TV Series
  • 2 Foreign/International
  • 2 Documentaries
  • 2 Christmas movies
  • 3 Bette Davis and 2 John Gilbert films

Biggest DisappointmentJohn Ford: The Man Who Invented America – My expectations were high and it just wasn’t quite what I anticipated

The Big Parade with John Gilbert

Favorite Discovery Mum, The Big Parade & Instant Family. I couldn’t choose just one so I chose one classic, one contemporary and one series. Continue reading “November 2019 Quickie Film Reviews”

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”

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”