CD: Rejoice

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Singer: Katherine Jenkins

Type of music: Soprano, classical (maybe?)

List of songs:

1.       Rejoice

2.       I (Who Have Nothing)

3.       Sancta Maria

4.       Secret Love

5.       Le Cose Che Sei Per Me (The Things You Are to Me)

6.       How Do You Leave the One You Love?

7.       Requiem for a Soldier

8.       Somewhere

9.       Shout in Silence

10.   Be Still My Soul

11.   Kiss from a Rose

12.   I Will Pray for You

13.   Viva Tonight

My overall opinion: I have really enjoyed this CD since I received it for Christmas. Especially the title track is beautiful, and the rest are also wonderful. #3 always reminds me of Charlotte Church’s version. #’s 6, 11, and 12 are stunning as well.

The Honor Girl

Author: Grace Livingston Hill

Genre: Life, romance

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: About 180

Time period: Early 1900’s

My overall opinion: This book doesn’t have as much romance as some of GLH’s, and is definitely one that stands out from the others. As usual, it was sweet and fun.

Birthday: Charlotte Church

Charlotte Church

 

Birth: February 21, 1986

It’s her 26th birthday!

You know her because – she’s a wonderful singer, in her older albums. Be warned that the newer ones aren’t as good.

That's one of the good CD's. :)

Please Vote!

Remember my letter to Jane Eyre from Lady Catherine? Entered in the Period Drama Advice Column Tournament?


 

Well, all the entries have been collected and the voting has begun! Click here to go to Elegance of Fashion, read the other entries, and vote for your favorite! Please do vote, whether or not it's for me. See y'all over there!

 

And to the other contestants...good luck! I loved your letters. :)

Just My Type

Author: Simon Garfield

Genre: I have no idea. The subtitle is A Book About Fonts.

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Type: Non-fiction

Number of pages: 356

My overall opinion: This was a pretty interesting book! I first saw it on goodreads and was pleasantly surprised when Mom spotted it at the library and picked it up for me. It was remarkable. Pretty much a history of fonts, giving the actual history of some individual fonts, explaining our associations with some fonts, etc. It wasn’t riveting, but good. 

Safely Home

Author: Randy Alcorn

Genre: Christianity, faith, evangelism

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 401

Time period: 1990’s, future

My overall opinion: A good and interesting book concerning the persecution of Christians in China. Very heart-moving. Recommended.

Birthday: Mary I

Mary I (also known as Bloody Mary)

 

Birth: February 18, 1516

Death: November 17, 1558

It’s her 496th birthday!

You know her because – she’s one of the famous English queens, known for killing over 300 people who weren’t Catholic.

Birthday: Janette Oke

Janette Oke

Birth: February 18, 1935

It’s her 77th birthday!

You know her because – she wrote many books, including the Love Comes Softly series, and many stand-alone books. One person she co-authored with is Davis Bunn.

Spotlight: Frodo and Sam

Hi there! This is Alyianna, with the first of my two guest posts. This one is a Spotlight on Frodo and Sam - my two favourite characters in The Lord of the Rings...indeed, any book or movie.

The two  hobbits Frodo and Sam were played by Elijah Wood and Sean Astin, respectively.

"I will take the Ring to Mordor...though I do not know the way."

Frodo Baggins volunteered to take the One Ring on the perilous road to Mordor. He would destroy It at Mount Doom.

"Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me."

Samwise Gamgee, Frodo's faithful gardener, went along with his Master on this dangerous road, helping his friend all the long way.

Sam: "I made a promise, Mr. Frodo, a promise. 'Don't you leave him, Samwise Gamgee.' And I don't mean to, I don't mean to."

Even though Frodo and Sam were from different classes of hobbits (Sam from a working class, Frodo from the higher class), they became the closest of friends.

Sam was there for his friend...from the times when Frodo struggled with the power of the Ring to the times when Frodo repaid his friendship. He went even as far to battle a huge spider and storm into an orc tower just to save his Master and friend.

But when Frodo came back, he realized that he could never go back to his old life.

There is no real going back. Though I may come to the Shire, it will not seem the same; for I shall not be the same. I am wounded with knife, sting, and tooth, and a long burden. Where shall I find rest?

You can't leave!

I tried to save the Shire, Sam, and it has been saved, but not for me.

You cannot be always torn in two. You will have to be one and whole, for many years.

I must leave, must cross the sea;
The love you gave is all I take with me.

- "Use Well the Days" by Annie Lennox

Cover Focus: Leaving

Leaving by Karen Kingsbury

Book blurb from Google books : The Bailey Flanigan series begins with Bailey leaving Bloomington for the adventure of a lifetime. She has won an audition for the ensemble of a Broadway musical in New York City. She's determined to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of the city? And what of Cody? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive.In order to be closer to his mother in jail, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey Flanigan. Love, loneliness, big opportunities, and even bigger decisions highlight the first book in the new Bailey Flanigan series that features members of the popular Baxter family and finally completes the Bailey Flanigan/Cody Coleman story.

Read my review: http://austenitis.blogspot.com/2012/02/leaving.html  It was good. :)

Why I like this cover: I’ll admit that at first glance, it wasn’t really a cover that grabbed me much. But now that I’ve read it, and looked at the cover a few more times, I really like it. It goes perfectly with the book. Love it when a cover does that. J The girl, whose name is Bailey, looks so happy! I don’t have the faintest idea what she’s looking at, but I love that she has just that touch of eye makeup. Such nice blue eyes. And her eyebrows are arched so prettily. And her lips have such the faintest gloss of lipstick. Just right. J I love her brown curls. Brown curls are so romantic. Unfortunately, I’m a blond, and that really wasn’t anything you were looking to know. So let’s get back to the cover. That plum colored shirt even sounds appealing! And don’t you love that little white hat? It goes perfectly with her, both the personality and the cover in general. The background too is pretty cool. All the blue, but obviously in a big city. And the loopy yellow font…I have a thing for loopy fonts. The whole cover is just as delightful as the book inside!

Guest Blogger: Alyianna

Dear blogging friends,

Please help me welcome Alyianna! She's going to be doing several guest post in the coming days (including one tomorrow!) and we're starting with this little interview. Enjoy getting to know her, and make sure you check out her blog(s!)! :)

You have a blog...what's it about? Actually...I have three blogs. ;) The first one, Scribbles of a Catholic Teen, is my main blog, where I do daily posts (Saint of the Day, an article [usually about animals], a minute meditation, and comics) besides updates about me. I also write about things that I like (e.g. Lord of the Rings, music). Then there is my Middle Earth blog - Password to Middle Earth. Here I have news for the upcoming Hobbit film, random LOTR things I find (such as Behind the Scenes videos), What Happened On This Day In Middle Earth, and more. Finally, the latest blog I started is Alyianna's Reviews - where I do reviews on books, movies, music, etc. I actually got inspired to start this blog by Austenitis. :)

Oh, I didn't know that! I'm honored. :) And I need to check out a few more of your blogs! Since this blog is all about Austen in particular, and book in general, what are some of your favorite books? Sadly, I haven't read anything Austen...yet. But Pride and Prejudice is on my list of books to read when I have a moment away from school. My favourite book trilogy is, as you have probably already guessed, Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, which I am a complete fanatic of. I also enjoy The Chronicles of Narnia, the Edge Chronicles, the John Paul II High books, etc. etc. etc.

How about a few favorite movies? This is repetitive...but again, The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia (not the BBC movies). I also love classic Disney movies.

Finally, please give us a direct link to your blogs.
Scribbles of a Catholic Teen: http://catholicteen15.blogspot.com/
Password to Middle Earth: http://passwordtomiddlearthalaw.blogspot.com/
Alyianna's Reviews: http://alyiannasreviews.blogspot.com/

Back to Charity. Thanks for coming, Alyianna! I can't wait to read your guest posts.

Movie: Soul Surfer

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Genre: Life

Primary actor: AnnaSophia Robb

Length: Just under two hours

Based on: a true story!

Time period: Present

Quote(s): "Courage doesn't mean you don't get afraid. Courage means you don't let fear stop you."

Year it came out: 2011

My overall opinion: It was okay. An inspiring story. It is a beach story, so there are lots of bikinis. :P And one part is rather bloody. The movie does have some Christian theme (though it could have been emphasized more). I obviously didn’t love it, but didn’t hate it either.

Cover Focus: Lady in the Mist

Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes

 

Book blurb from goodreads.com : “By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets: the names of fathers of illegitimate children, the level of love and harmony within many a marriage, and now the identity of a man who may have caused his wife's death. Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, what he, a British nobleman, is doing on American soil working as a bondsman in the home of Mayor Kendall, a Southern gentleman with his eye on a higher office.

By chance one morning before the dawn has broken, Tabitha and Dominick cross paths on a misty beachhead, leading them on a twisted path through kidnappings, death threats, public disgrace, and . . . love? Can Tabitha trust Dominick? What might he be hiding? And can either of them find true love in a world that seems set against them?

With stirring writing that puts readers directly into the story, Lady in the Mist expertly explores themes of identity, misperception, and love's discovery.”

Why I like this cover: I don’t think that I think this cover uncommonly pretty…but it’s unique. The goldish green colors in the background are interesting. And the cottage. There’s even a little path leading up to it! I believe that her loose hair isn’t necessarily correct for the time period, but it sure is nice. I love her blue cloak…wish I had one! That color of royal blue is amazing. And the little clasp that’s holding it together! It looks like she’s just wearing a simple white dress underneath. I think she’s carrying something in her hands…maybe a basket? I do like this cover. Again, this is a book I haven’t read yet, but I’ve read good reviews and recommend it!

The Music Box

Author: Davis Bunn

Genre: Life

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 192

Time period: Present

My overall opinion: It was another sweet story! I like Bunn’s action stories better (like the Storm Syrrell books, which are reviewed on here), but this book and The Messenger were both good for just a quick read.

The Tutor’s First Love

Author: George MacDonald

Genre: Romance, mystery

Series: The “follow-up” book is called The Musician’s Quest.

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 238

Time period: 1800’s

My overall opinion: It was interesting! Had a dash of mystery mixed into the romance, making a delightful combination.

Period Drama Advice Event Letter #1!

 

Miss Elizabeth's Period Drama Advice Event is finally beginning! I'm so glad. :) Click on the button above to learn more.

 

The first letter to respond to is from Miss Jane Eyre:

 

 

 

Dear Period Drama Advice Column,

I am the governess at Thornfield Hall, the home of Mr. Rochester. When I first met him, he seemed to be very harsh, eccentric, and unconventional, but I now find myself falling in love with him. He has been the only person who I could talk to as an equal. I had not intended to love him: I tried to fight it. He made me love him without looking at me, but he is to be shortly married to a Miss Ingram, a beautiful but subconscious person. I cannot help but love him. I've said that my pupil, Adele, should go to school and that I should seek a new situation, but I cannot bear to leave Thornfield: I have not been trampled on there; I have not been petrified; I have not been buried with inferior minds, and excluded from every glimpse of communion with what is bright and energetic and high. What shall I do?

Sincerely,

Jane Eyre

And a reply, written by me:

Jane Eyre,

You must leave at once. It is dangerous to be in such a close proximity to a gentleman who is already engaged! Naturally, a previous engagement must be honored, and having you there may harm it. Therefore, you must leave with all possible speed! Pray, what is your age? No doubt you are too young to be falling in love anyway – not to say that such a thing as “love” is real. It is a popular illusion nowadays. Alas, my own nephew was engaged to marry Anne, my sweet daughter. But then, a young woman came along and said that she loves him and he loves her! It is most intolerable. The worst of it is, that without any considerations for his dead mother’s wishes (or, might I mention, my own wishes) my nephew Darcy married the young flirt! I know she ensnared him with her flirtatious ways.

But, as to your situation, I say that you must leave immediately. If you would like to come to Rosings Park, my own home, you would be most welcome. You shall not be “buried with inferior minds” here – the vicar of my parsonage is sure to enrich your religious well-being and thought-life. He is a most solicitous young man. Pray reply at once so that we may arrange your travel plans. I shall take it as a personal affront if you do not come immediately.  

Lady Catherine de Bourgh

I'm hoping to post more replies to more letters in the coming weeks!

Spotlight: Inigo Montoya

Inigo Montoya (Princess Bride)

Played by Mandy Patinkin (see picture of actor below).

These three are SO funny!

He's the closer one.

On the left.

Learning

Author: Karen Kingsbury

Genre: Life

Series: Bailey Flanigan series

Number in series: 2nd

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 352

Time period: Present

My overall opinion: It was a good follow-up for Leaving. Karen Kingsbury is fast becoming one of my favorite authors! I have absolutely NO idea how this series is going to end, and have mixed feelings about how I want it to end. This way or that?!?!? Can’t wait to read the final two books, Longing and Loving (which comes out this spring).