Sing

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Genre: Life, adventure

Series: The Homeward Trilogy

Number in series: 2^nd

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 373

Time period: 1800’s

My overall opinion: I enjoyed this one too! It’s deals with some harder things than Breathe did, but it’s still a pretty amazing book. It’s Moira’s story. All of it was very interesting! I wouldn’t recommend that anyone under 15 or so read it. Moira has a singing career, and ends up living with a man who’s not her husband. No detail is given, but it’s still hard. But I’m glad I read it, and if you’re someone who loves Lisa Bergren’s books, do read this series! (Sneak peek – my favorite from the series is Claim, the third one. Review coming soon!)

Birthday: Francis Scott Key

Francis Scott Key

 

Birth: August 1, 1779 (or maybe August 2)

Death: January 11, 1843

It’s his 233^rd birthday!

You know him because – he wrote the song The Star-Spangled Banner.

Guest Post: Review: Miss Potter

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9
Main characters: Beatrix Potter, Norman Warne, Millie Warne, Mr. and Mrs. Potter, 
Genre: Drama, Biopic 
Recognizable actors: Rene Zellweger, Ewan McGregor, Barbara Flynn, Bill Patterson, Lucy Boynton, Phyllida Law
Length: 92 minutes
Based on: The life of Beatrix Potter
Time period: 1900s
Year it came out: 2006
Story: Beatrix Potter, a young unmarried woman of 30, wants to get her children's book published. Her book is assigned to publisher Norman Warne, who has never published a book before. He believes in Beatrix's book and works very closely with her to get it published, and they soon fall in love.
My overall opinion: Very, very, very awesome movie! This movie is a bit of a tear jerker at parts, but it is very, very good.

I liked Rene Zellweger as Beatrix Potter. She was spunky! She was likable! She was talented! I liked how Beatrix Potter's artwork comes to life during the movie: they didn't over-do it and it was very cute and sweet. 

Ah! a familiar face to those who have seen Sense and Sensibility (2008)! Lucy Boynton portrays a young Beatrix Potter in flash backs. We get a glimpse into Beatrix's early life, her early love of animal, drawing, and the country. It was a very nice touch.

Love blossoms between Beatrix and her publisher, Norman Warne. It was very sweet, but Mr. and Mrs. Potter didn't approve of the match since Norman was a tradesman. I won't say how, but this was the sad part of the movie. Definitely the tear jerker part of the movie. But, in one way, everything worked out in the end.

The costumes in this film were not my favorite. They are a little more drab than other period dramas, but they weren't horrible. They just weren't the highlight of the film. What is a highlight of this film is the gorgeous scenery! The scenes in London weren't much to be talked of, but the country setting! Wow!

I highly recommend this film! It is rated PG for brief mild language: I think only one swear was dropped in the entire movie (at least that I detected). Other than that one word, there really isn't anything objectionable in here... Just a sad part.

If you would like to read my original review of Miss Potter at my blog, you can find the review here.

Make sure you visit my blog Elegance of Fashion for reviews, tournaments, and other events!

Spotlight: Jane Bennet

Spotlight: Jane Bennet (Pride and Prejudice 2005)

Much as I do love the 1995 Jane Bennet (and I did a Spotlight on her!), I admit that I really like this one too! She was played by Rosamund Pike.

(Yes, that's just the actress. So pretty!)

(With her sisters.)

I heart that scene below. It's my favorite in all of that movie.

The Unquiet Bones

Author: Melvin R. Starr

Genre: Mystery, adventure

Series: Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon

Number in series: 1^st

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 256

Time period: 1500’s (?)

My overall opinion: In all my reading, I have never before read a medieval mystery! And that is exactly what this one is. :) It was interesting and exciting – not to mention that I learned stuff about medieval things from it! I didn’t love it, but it was an interesting one time read.

Guest Post: Sense & Sensibility (1995) Soundtrack by Miss Laurie

CD: Sense and Sensibility (1995)

This soundtrack isn't anything new, in fact it's probably a favorite for a lot of you as it is for me, but it's still so beautiful.

The music was composed by Patrick Doyle especially for Sense and Sensibility (1995) and is some of the prettiest music in a period drama. 

Tracks:
1. Weep You No More Sad Fountains
2. A Particular Sum
3. My Father's Favourite
4. Preying Penniless Woman
5. Devonshire
6. Not A Beau For Miles
7. All The Better For Her
8. Felicity
9. Patience
10. Grant Me An Interview
11. All the Delights of the Season
12. Steam Engine
13. Willoughby
14. Miss Grey
15. Excellent Notion
16. Leaving London
17. Combe Magna
18. To Die For Love
19. There is Nothing Lost
20. Throw The Coins
21. The Dreame

All of the music on this soundtrack is amazingly written and orchestrated. It carries you away on a sea of emotion from the very first note! The tracks Weep You No More Sad Fountains and The Dreame are songs Marianne Dashwood sings in the film but on the soundtrack they are sung by opera singer Jane Eaglen. Also the song My Father's Favorite is one that Marianne plays toward the beginning of the film. Steam Engine, Willoughby and Miss Grey are all dancing tunes that were dance to in the film.
One of my favorite tracks is Excellent Notion because it is played by a harp and is just so pretty! It's also one that's fun to play on the piano. My second favorite track is A Particular Sum because it's a bright and happy tune but still very beautiful.

Some of the above track titles are linked to YouTube clips of complete songs for you to enjoy. Here's a music video I made with photos from the film and clips of A Particular Sum, Devonshire, Excellent Notion, Preying Penniless Woman and The is Nothing Lost.

Sense & Sensibility (1995) - Short Themes

I highly recommend this soundtrack because of it's stunning music. It's lovely to listen to especially while you're reading, writing or crafting. It can be found at most local libraries or you can buy your own copy on Amazon.

Very Truly Your's,
Miss Laurie

Miss Laurie is the author of Old-Fashioned Charm where she blogs about Jane Austen, period dramas, classic literature and everything old-fashioned under the sun.

Breathe

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Genre: Life

Series: The Homeward Trilogy

Number in series: 1^st

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 400

Time period: 1800’s

My overall opinion: The library kindly got me this whole trilogy so I can expand the number of books by Lisa Bergren that I’ve read! I must confess, this one did not disappoint. Each book follows one of three siblings especially. This book was Odessa’s. Yes, the names are a little strange, I though: Odessa, Moira, and Dominic (generally known as Nic). However, having finished the books, I wouldn’t have them any other way! Anyway, Odessa has consumption (now known as tuberculosis). It was very interesting to read her story! There was a bit of romance, and some really exciting parts too – as in, shooting, escape, capture, hostage, and other key words like that…it’s exciting. If you loved the River of Time series, you’ll definitely enjoy these books!

Oh, as with the other Bergren’s I’ve read, these were published by David C. Cook. The reason that’s awesome is because DCC puts a little “After Words” at the ends of their books: discussion questions, notes from the author, an interview with the author, etc. As they say, it’s like the dessert after a wonderful meal! I love that, and wish all publishers did it.

Birthday: Jackie Kennedy

Jackie Kennedy

Birth: July 28, 1929

Death: May 19, 1994

It’s her 83^rd  birthday!

You know her because – she’s one of the best-known presidents’ wives. Especially known for her clothes. This is not a woman I “like” or emulate, but she had some really neat outfits!

Cover Focus: The Inheritance

The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander

 

Book blurb from goodreads.com : “McKenna Ashford moves west with her rebellious younger brother Robert. U.S. Marshall Wyatt Caradon's well-meant attempt to help Robert brings him face-to-face with the one situation he never wanted to encounter--and the one woman who holds the key to helping him find his future.”

Why I like this cover: I guess I’d better tell you up front that this isn’t one of my favorite covers. But the more I look at it, the more I like it! McKenna looks quite like a Western girl, with the dark tan she has, and her rather messy dark hair. I think the dress looks about right (though maybe a little elaborate) for being out in the middle of nowhere. But the thing about this cover that interests me (other than her smile) is the man behind her! I assume he’s probably Wyatt. He really looks Western, with that hat, and the way he’s standing, and his clothes, and of course, the gun. Finally, the landscape is beautiful! The brown grass, green trees, towering gray mountains, and then the dusty blue sky over all…and the cabin. It’s all pretty much just right! I can’t wait to read this book.

Birthday: Hilaire Belloc

Hilaire Belloc

 

Birth: July 27, 1870

Death: July 16, 1953

It’s his 142nd birthday!

You know him because – he wrote some very interesting poems. If you haven’t heard of him, that’s not too shocking. See one of his poems below. It’s more of a nice poem than the one I was thinking of – check out Matilda.

The Yak by Hilaire Belloc

As a friend to children, commend me the Yak;

You will find it exactly the thing;

It will carry and fetch, you can ride on its back,

Or lead it about with a string.

 

The Tartar who dwells on the plains of Thibet

(A desolate region of snow),

Has for centuries made it a nursery pet,

And surely the Tartar should know!

 

Then  tell your papa where the Yak can be got,

And if he is awfully rich,

He will buy you the creature – or else he will not

(I cannot be positive which).

Tag: Emma

Since I am into making tags, Emma, one of my favorite Jane Austen's, seemed a good choice of topic! Here we go. :) Feel free to "steal" for your own blog!

Have you read Emma? What did you think? I have, several times – once aloud to myself! It’s one of my favorite books, has dozens of amazing quotable passages, and is altogether a delightful read. If you haven’t read it yet, you really must!

Have you seen any of the movie versions? If so, which ones? Yes, I've seen three. The 1996 Kate Beckinsale version (she’s the one with brown hair), the 1996 Gwyneth Paltrow version, and the 2009 Romola Garai version. Of the them, the 2009 one is my favorite, but the GP version is a close runner up. The 2009 one is about four hours long…and worth every minute. Garai is the perfect Emma! (Check out my comparisons: Post 1 and Post 2). (Wish the two below had starred together...)

Are you more like Emma or Mr. Knightley? I’m like both, in some ways. I plan other people’s lives, whether or not they want me to…that’s somewhat like Emma. But I’m not quite so forward as she is, and rather more shy. As to Mr. Knightley, I think I’m more rational, so to speak, like he is. Neither Emma nor Mr. Knightley is an exact copy of me, far from it, but I have a little of both. J

Tell us your thoughts about Frank Churchill. I dislike him. He’s much too flirtatious with Emma (though it’s true that she didn’t exactly deter him). He didn’t love his father enough to come sooner, for I’m sure he could have if he’d actually wanted to. Of course, it’s good that he cared for his aunt like he did. But none-the-less.

Would YOU have still married Churchill like Jane did? I’m afraid not. After seeing him flirt with Emma like he did? After he teased me about Mr. Dixon in such a shameless manner? After sending the un-thoughtful gift of a piano (when there really wasn’t room for it)? Nope.

Do you find Miss Bates or Jane Fairfax more annoying? Miss Bates. Like Emma, I would probably become tired of her sooner than I ought to. Frustrated with her. She talks too much, and is way too gossipy. But she is certainly a woman with a kind heart. Jane is somewhat annoying too…rather too cool and collected, I guess. But overall, I’d be more frustrated with Miss Bates.

What, in your opinion, is Emma’s largest fault? Oh, that’s hard. Maybe the fact that at times (as Mr. Knightley pointed out) she’s quite insensitive to others’ feelings. I’m specifically thinking of that day on Box Hill with Frank Churchill and Miss Bates. There she was unkind to Miss Bates merely to impress (or at least to make laugh) Frank primarily, and the rest of the group in general.

What’s Harriet’s biggest fault? Much too easy to influence. Spineless people are annoying, and Harriet is quite spineless, and too easily wowed and influenced by Emma.

What kind of mother do you think Emma would be? Since I made this tag, I must admit that this is something I’ve wondered more than once! I think she would be very fun…but other than that? I’m really not sure. What do you think?

The Shadow Within

Author: Karen Hancock

Genre: Fantasy (and according to the publisher, allegory)

Series: Legends of the Guardian King

Number in series: 2^nd

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 445

My overall opinion: I enjoyed it! More than Light of Eidon, the first book in the series. I’m glad I decided to keep reading despite not loving that one. This one had plenty of excitement, and either the creatures were better explained, or the first book laid enough foundation for figuring out what they were, cause it wasn’t so confusing. I’m looking forward to finishing this series at some point.

Presenting Miss Jane Austen

Author: May Lamberton Becker

Genre: Life

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Type: Biography

Number of pages: 204

Time period: 1800’s

My overall opinion: I enjoyed it! It was one of those biographies that you occasionally come across where it’s quite short, but well-written and interesting. I found it interesting how they kind of underplayed Jane’s liking for Tom Lefroy. It very much implied that she never really loved anyone – but according to other biographies I’ve read, she liked him a lot! So that was interesting. Other than that, I enjoyed it a lot!

Into the Deep

Author: Colleen Coble

Genre: Mystery, adventure, life

Series: A Rock Harbor Mystery

Number in series: 3^rd

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9 (actually, 9.25 :)

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 291

Time period: Present

My overall opinion: I really enjoyed this book! More than the first two. Everything about it was exciting and fun. Great read!

In Harm’s Way

Author: Irene Hannon

Genre: Suspense, romance

Series: Heroes of Quantico

Number in series: 3^rd

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 324

Time period: Present

My overall opinion: This one was different from any Hannon I’d read before. You see, there’s this Raggedy Ann doll that belongs to a kidnapped baby. A certain woman finds it in a parking lot, but as soon as she touches it, she exhibits all the signs of a severe panic attack. This continues every time she touches it. So that “psychic” twist was interesting! I enjoyed it. The story had several very surprising turns. A great read!

Roses for Mama

Author: Janette Oke

Genre: Life, romance

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 222

Time period: 1800’s

My overall opinion: This is one of Janette Oke’s really sweet books. Angela is a wonderful “heroine,” and the title fits the book perfectly, although you don’t realize it until you reach the end of the book. Great book, and one of my favorites by Janette Oke!

Cover Focus: Sweeter Than Birdsong

Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliot

 

Book blurb from goodreads.com : “Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles...but real freedom is sweeter."

In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter's dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she'll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance--and use it to mask her flight.

Ben Hanby, Otterbein College's musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing-and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.

A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage-and her voice-if she is to sing a new song for their future. “

Why I like this cover: I want a dress like that… :) Yes, I really do. Not for all the time, just for dress-up and photoshoots. :) That big skirt and the lace around the short sleeves at the top combine to make it a pretty dress, though the color and material strike me as slightly boring. One interesting thing about this cover is that you can’t see Kate or Ben’s faces. Most covers you see someone’s face – that makes this one stand out. You can see her silhouette though. Speaking of which, don’t you love the way the light is falling on Kate? Actually, now that I think about it, I don’t think that light is coming through the window…but maybe I’m being too nit-picky. All the red elements are wonderful – the curtain and the red seat in front of the window. Another thing that adds a different touch to this cover is the violinist over on the right side…you can’t see most of him. Neat touch. :)