BOOK: Midnight in Austenland (Shannon Hale)

Midnight in Austenland
by Shannon Hale

I read the author's Austenland years ago and enjoyed it, giggling through it and finding it mostly silly and predictable.  But still, very fun.  I expected much of the same from this book but was surprised, and not in a bad way.  Though the premise is still the same (single woman, Jane Austen fan, struggling with love life spends time at a fantasy Austen-theme park) the story takes a turn into a bit of mystery and suspense.  

There may have been some mild language, but if there was I don't remember any.  And because this a "Austenland" everything is very proper.... translation:  no sex scenes. 

Recommended for:  Women 16 and up

BOOK: Friday's Child

Friday's Child
by Georgette Heyer

Every time I read one of Heyer's extremely enjoyable novels I can't help but think, "Why on earth has this book not been made into a film?  BBC, where are you?  This is perfect material for your audience!"  This book is particularly suited for film... I can well imagine it as a delightful and extremely popular "Masterpiece" mini-series.

I don't know how she managed to do it, but though every one of her novels is set in similar circumstances and setting, they are all quite unique in plot and character development.  As in the other Heyer novels I have read, I found myself frequently sighing, grinning, or laughing out loud.  Even though I knew all would end well, I found myself on the edge of seat, eager to find out what would happen next, never quite sure who would end up with whom, or how the author could possibly bring it all around to the inevitable "happily ever after."  What can I say?  It's just pure fun!

None of Georgette Heyer's books contain anything offense other than an occasional mild swear word or reference to a dishonorable man who has taken advantage of some naive damsel. 

Recommended for.... anyone who loves to read and be entertained!

FILM: One Day (2011)

One Day (Rated PG-13)
Starring Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess

This is another film I watched sans-husband, though not because he was gone.... just busy preparing a Sunday School lesson for the next day.  I had heard of this one (unlike this one), probably because it starred two big names, rather than two relatively unknown actors.  The story follows the friendship of the two main characters on the same day (July 15th) through the years, as best friends, though they drift apart and back together again, on and off.  It is a heart-wrenching journey at times.

Unfortunately, though there isn't any actual sex there is lots implied (and quite a bit of discussion of it), and some partial nudity (though mostly in a non-sexual context).  Also, an f-bomb and some other mild language.  I thought it definitely pushed the PG-13 rating to the limit!

FILM: Take Me Home (2011)

Take Me Home (2011)
Rated PG-13
Starring Sam Jaeger, Amber Jaeger

Has anyone heard of this film?  I stumbled upon this little gem on Netflix one night when my husband was away.  I was specifically looking for something he wouldn't watch with me (I have to take every opportunity!), but I actually think he would have enjoyed it too.  It's billed as "Romantic Comedy" and I suppose that's accurate (there is comedy and romance) but the drama seemed more prominent, and that's what pulled me in. 

The premise is interesting.... a down-on-his luck man ends up driving a distraught woman across the country in his cab.  As they spend the days together they deal with their own personal issues, rely on each other in unexpected ways, and form a deep friendship.  There is particular scene of intense honesty that took my breath away.  It's a simple story really, but something about it stuck with me; one of the best films I never heard of.  

There is some language (no F-bombs... whew!), but no violence, nudity, or sex, though it is briefly implied. 

P.S.  This isn't really a spoiler, but it is...sort of... since I didn't know this before hand.  (And I'm glad I didn't know.)  So, in case you, like me, like to be surprised, don't read on.   The two starring actors are actually married in real life. 

BOOK: Glamorous Illusions

Glamorous Illusions ("Grand Tour" series)
by Lisa Tawn Bergen

This novel is an enjoyable romance/adventure mixed with a tiny bit of faith and spirituality.  It's clean and fun, plus there is some actual depth to the characters who have good values and morals.  This is the first in a series so the story is not really resolved; in fact, the reader is left hanging just a bit....enough to entice you to read the next book, which unfortunately won't be available for a while.  No matter; I'm sure I will find PLENTY to read in the meantime.

Recommended for age Adults and Teens (14 and up)

BOOK: Edenbrooke

Edenbrooke
by Julianne Donaldson

I'm always a little apprehensive when reading an author's first novel.  And because I'm a fan of Jane Austen and Regency Romance as a genre, I get nervous when I read one written by a contemporary author, novice or not.  Therefore, I read the book with low expectations, and literally no background information on the author or the book.

I was pleasantly surprised.  The romance is cute and fun, the story is action-packed and fast-paced, the author did a good job or remaining true to the time period and language, and there was nothing offensive.  I'm not saying the novel is without flaws, just that they are minimal and easy to overlook.  And I really enjoyed it!

This is not fiction aimed at young adults in particular, but I think teenage girls would enjoy it (my 16 and 17 year old nieces certainly did), and their parents don't need to have any hesitation in letting their daughter read it!

Recommended for ages 14 through adult

BOOK: The Masqueraders

The Masqueraders
by Georgette Heyer

I had taken a break from Georgette Heyer for a while, so it was time for another one.  Oh, yes, I was seriously overdue.  I realized again how much I truly enjoy her books!  It's true, not everyone can enjoy these books... only those who don't mind challenging language, as in archaic and old-fashioned.  And yes, it's true, I find I sometimes have to re-read passages to make sure I understood what was just said.

But the books are wonderfully witty and fun, and the characters are delightful and varied.  This one is filled with drama, adventure, humor, romance, and even a little mystery.  It kept me guessing, giggling, and grinning.  And I couldn't put it down.  I think it might possibly find a spot in my top-ten favorite books!

Recommended for:  Jane Austen lovers, and those who enjoy great wit

TV SERIES: Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey (Seasons 1 & 2)
PBS Masterpiece
Starring Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern

You might not have heard of Downton Abbey.... if you have been living under a rock.  :)  I kind of resisted watching it at first because I knew I would be hooked and I didn't have time for another obsession.  Well, as expected, I was completed addicted after the first very episode.   My husband (he is just as hooked) and I even stayed up until 2:30 a.m. watching the last five episodes of the second season.

As we finally went to bed (but couldn't stop thinking about it and talking about it, and the next day too), I said to my husband, "You know, we would never want to actually endure the gut-wrenching heartbreak that these characters experience, but we certainly enjoy watching it!"  I suppose that is because we have all felt brokenhearted for one reason or another (and not necessarily romantically) so we recall our own feelings as we watch these fictional characters suffering. 

During several episodes I actually said out loud, "I can't stand it!  It's just too heartbreaking!"  I felt like I was about to explode.  It just feels so real that I felt like my own heart was breaking.  It's so emotional and powerful....and human.

The series is extraordinarily well-acted, the sets and costumes are exceptionally realistic and carefully controlled to maintain historical accuracy, the characters are extremely fascinating, and the story lines and events are incredibly compelling.  I imagine I am not the only one who is waiting breathlessly for season 3 to begin.

As for any objectionable material; there are some intense scenes of war, including some violence and visible injuries, and a couple of scenes of a sexual nature, but they are relatively mild and viewers don't see anything inappropriate.  Some of the serious subject matter makes it inappropriate for children, but they wouldn't find it interesting anyway.

Are you a fan?  Have you seen this hilarious parody?  It's spot on!

FILM: This Means War (2012)

This Means War (PG-13)
starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine

I will watch anything with Reese Witherspoon in it, and my husband thinks Chris Pine is funny, so this seemed like a great choice for date night.  It has a cute premise, a nice romance, plenty of action, lots of humor, and appealing stars.  Great recipe.  It was a lot of fun and we enjoyed it.

BUT, there is way too much sex and language.... we were both very surprised it had received a PG-13 rating rather than an R.  (We avoid R-rated movies unless they are edited.)  Maybe we are prudes (probably).... or maybe movie ratings have gotten more lax through the years (definitely).  The language is pretty bad (lots of the s-word, one f-word, lots of sexual references), but the sexual situations are worse.  There is quite a bit of action violence (spy stuff), but it's generally mild and never graphic or gruesome.

I should have read the "fine print."  It would have been better to wait for the DVD and watch it on our ClearPlay.  Oh well.  Lesson learned.

BOOK: The Woman in White

The Woman in White
by Wilkie Collins

This thrilling novel written in 1859 and first published as a serial is considered to be one of the first mystery/detective novels ever written.  The book takes the form of personal testimonies of various characters and compiled as "evidence" of a sort.  It's very intriguing and compelling.

I listened to the audiobook, which used different readers for each character, making it easy to know who was "speaking."  I imagine it might be a little bit difficult to keep track of the current narrator when reader it in print form.  It will keep you on your toes, as will the story!

BOOK: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
by Anne Bronte

This short novel has a few interesting plot twists and drama, but is seriously lacking in several areas.  The love story develops for seemingly no reason at all and between two characters the reader never really gets to know.  These problems are likely the result of the format of the novel, which takes the form of a letter, and which includes long passages from a diary and other letters.  It was interesting enough to finish, but just so-so.

BOOK: Persuasion (audio)

Persuasion
by Jane Austen

Here is another book I should have read long ago, but never got around to it.  I have seen a couple of excellent film versions of it, and it has long been one of my favorite Austen stories (though Pride & Prejudice will always top the list).  Here is another story of deep and enduring love overcoming obstacles, including time.  It doesn't have the wit of Pride & Prejudice, making it much more serious in tone, but it's no less romantic and sigh-inducing.  (If you don't believe me, just read Captain Wentworth's letter to Ann, below.)  Sigh.  See?  You just can't help it. 

I listened to the audio recording of this one as well.... the reader was fine, but when compared to the excellent Joanna David (Jane Eyre) she was merely mediocre. 

Spoiler:

"I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone, I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes? I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in

F. W.

"I must go, uncertain of my fate; but I shall return hither, or follow your party, as soon as possible. A word, a look, will be enough to decide whether I enter your father's house this evening or never."

from Persuasion by Jane Austen, vol II, chapter XI

BOOK: Jane Eyre (audio)

Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Bronte

I don't know how it is that I hadn't read this book earlier in my life, though I have seen several film versions of it, which I enjoyed.  However, as is usually the case, the book is SO much better! I think that perhaps as a younger woman (and an immature one) I didn't fully appreciate the depth of the love story, finding it rather less than romantic because of the age difference ("But he's so old and gross!"), whereas now, as a wife of 15 years and a mother of three children I see it so differently.... true, deep, abiding love that triumphs over every adversity. 

I especially enjoyed listening to this audio version read by Joanna David... she is amazing!  Her voice is extremely pleasing to listen to, her pacing is perfect, and the character voices are excellent.  I can't say enough good about it.  

FILM: Leap Year (2010)

Leap Year (PG)
starring Amy Adams, Matthew Goode

I realized that I don't bother posting about many of the movies I watch because they are just OK... entertaining but nothing worth taking the time to write about.  (Or, it's so popular, like Harry Potter, that I needn't bother.)  But this one is worth it.

Three things led me to watch this film.  First, I'm always excited when a movie is rated G or PG.... there seem to be so few these days.  Second, I love Amy Adams.  And third, it's a romantic comedy, which I always enjoy... and this is a very good one.  Most films in this category are very predictable, and though this one isn't exempt in that area, it also has plenty of surprises.  Plus it's pretty clean (a few mild swear words, a short, mild fight scene in a pub, and some mild innuendo), the love story is cute and "real" (based on real depth, not just physical), it's funny, the characters seem to have morals and values, there is good chemistry between the actors, and there is a traditional happy ending that is very satisfying.  What can I say?  It's the perfect formula for a romantic comedy. 

P.S.  I won't post about them, but two movies I really enjoyed over the holidays were the new installments of Sherlock Holmes and Mission Impossible.  Super fun!

BOOK: These Old Shades (Georgette Heyer)

These Old Shades
by Georgette Heyer

OK, one more Heyer book and then I'm taking a break from "Regency Romance" for a while.  But I had to write about this one because it's quite different from the other books of this genre I have read by the author.   Actually, that's not completely true... each one has been surprisingly different from the others, even though they are all "similar" over all.

This one was different in, well, different ways.  First of all, the story takes place mostly in France, rather than England, so many of the characters are French... that's enough difference right there.  (Stereotypically French rather than stately English.)  Secondly, the hero is more the center of the story rather than the heroine, and it's told more frequently from a male point of view, and in quite a different voice.  (Besides, I hated the hero at first.... until I got to know him.)  Lastly, although there is a romance, the.... "Intrigue" is more central to the story.  Yes, that's just the word for it... intrigue. 

Because of these marked differences it took me a while to "get into" this book.  But once I did I was hooked... yet again.

Other good words to describe this book:  clever, witty, and shocking.

FILM: Strictly Ballroom (1992)

Strictly Ballroom (1992)
rated PG

I first saw this delightfully quirky Australian film many, many years ago... and several times since.  I watched it again recently first the time in years and enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time.  It's a charming and funny story with hilarious characters, touching moments of truth, and a lovely "Cinderella" twist.  There is a bit of mild language*, the ballroom costumes show quite a bit of skin and some of the dancing is a bit on the sensual side, but it's fairly tame.

And should you think that your tough-guy hubby or boyfriend won't like it, think again.   If he has a sense of humor, he will.

[I give out 5 stars only very infrequently, and only after careful deliberation.  Before I gave it much thought I was going to give this film 4 stars, but after thinking about it a moment longer I realized there is really nothing wrong with it, and MUCH that is excellent... a story filled with great characters, touching moments, and timeless themes of romantic love, family love, friendship, loyalty, perseverance and hard work... plus lots of humor.  There is something for everyone, and it deserves 5 stars.]

* Apparently, but I didn't catch any, possibly because there are a few un-subtitled phrases blurted out in Spanish, or, more likely because of the heavy Aussie accents. 

BOOK: The Nonesuch (Georgette Heyer)

The Nonesuch
by Georgette Heyer

I know, I know; I'm sort of obsessed with Georgette Heyer right now, but I just can't help myself.  I had some fairly major surgery last week and I'm required to "take it easy" for a while.  This kind of book is perfect for saving me from boredom... the characters are interesting, the story is entertaining, and it's quite funny and witty too.  What can I say?  I'm a sucker, and I get sucked in.

A word of warning:  Heyer's "Regency Romances" are of a distinct genre and style, and they certainly don't suit everyone.  If you aren't used to the language you might perhaps be utterly bored and confused, but if you persevere you just might find yourself enchanted and supremely entertained.  (Now read that again, out loud, in your best British accent.)

BOOKS by Georgette Heyer

Well, I have been reading a lot lately, but they have all been books by Georgette Heyer.  I'm totally loving them!  Since I already posted about one of her books recently, I'm just combining several into one post.  They all fit into the same category anyway.

Here are a few I have read in the last month (I guess I'm sort of obsessed):

Black Sheep:  Fun and interesting characters and plenty of humor.

Sylvester:  Good story and characters, change-of-heart themes a la Pride & Prejudice

The Grand Sophy:  Great heroine, hilarious antics, perfect ending

Arabella:  Lots of humor, fun romance, and even a moral... always be truthful!

Thankfully there are plenty more out there for me to enjoy.


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BOOK: Cotillion

Cotillion
by Georgette Heyer

My sister only recently introduced me to Georgette Heyer.  What a find!  This is a very fun, clever and witty story, well-told and utterly delightful.  (It would make a great film/mini-series.... BBC, are you listening?)

The period slang is a little difficult at times, but it doesn't take long to get the hang of it.  Jane Austen fans, grab a Georgette Heyer novel and enjoy.  If you are not an Austen fan, best steer clear. 

Apparently Heyer was quite prolific, publishing two books a year on average.  Many were "Georgian" and "Regency" as this one is (a la Jane Austen), but she also wrote thrillers, historical novels, contemporary novels, and short stories.  I'm looking forward to reading more!

BOOK: The Miracles of Santo Fico

The Miracles of Santo Fico
by D.L. Smith

I just finished reading this for my book club.  It's a sweet and fun read about love and miracles in the lives of the inhabitants of a tiny village in Tuscany.  There are some interesting characters and plenty of quirkiness, and aside from a smattering of mild language and mildly suggestive moments, nothing offensive. 

It might also get you thinking about miracles, and what constitutes one.  And you might also start to see more in your own life.

P.S.  After reading the book, you might read this article from the author regarding the origins of the story.
P.P.S.  I was surprised to learn that "D.L." is a man.... for some reason I assumed it was a woman.