A Fun Reimagining of "Robin Hood" with Time-Travel! --"The Maid of Sherwood Forest" by Sian Bessey--Review

 My Review:

"The Maid of Sherwood Forest" by Sian Bessey is the second book in “A McQuivey's Costume Shop Romance” series. I really loved the first book in the series and thoroughly enjoyed this one as well! This time-travel romance series is so fun, and I especially love that this new book focuses on the Robin Hood legend, which is one of my favorite subjects to read about. As a huge Robin Hood fan, I appreciated the nods to the popular film versions of Robin Hood in today’s pop culture. It was great to see the familiar characters of Robin’s Merry Men in this story. It is clever how the author puts her own unique spin on the story and makes the “Maid Marian” character, Mariah Clinton, be a strong female heroine. It was so neat to see Mariah be so good at archery and even at one point help save Robin Hood and go toe-to-toe with him in an archery contest! It was also cool that Mariah could take her skills in archery and cooking from the present and use them in the past (it was interesting to see how she adapted to the medieval period). The historical details were well researched, and I felt like I was in the time period. The romance is what really shines in this book. The chemistry between Maraih and Robin is sizzling. I especially loved the ending and a certain surprise that Robin Hood aficionados will cheer for and recognize. This was such a fun story that fans of historical romance and Robin Hood will love!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content: a character curses, but the words are not actually written.

TW: a person thinks they are hallucinating; physical abuse; PTSD.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

 

A Sweet and Festive Holiday Retelling! --"A Carol for Mrs. Dickens" by Rebecca Connolly—Review

My Review:
 

"A Carol for Mrs. Dickens" by Rebecca Connolly is a sweet and festive holiday retelling of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. I loved this beautiful, short, and poignant story of what Christmas may have been like for Charles Dickens’ wife after the success of his book “A Christmas Carol.”  It conveys how Catherine might have felt extra pressure to enjoy Christmas and make it special. It was neat to see things from her point of view, and she was very relatable. The book has themes of family, faith, love, and service. I enjoyed following Catherine on three journeys through her memories (which mirror those taken by Scrooge and the three ghosts in “A Christmas Carol”). The message of Christmas and its true meaning was so beautifully shared. Catherine also learns to take the good with the bad, to not take things for granted, and to share the beautiful light of Christmas with the world. I loved the message of finding joy where it already exists and to keep Christ at the center. The book itself is beautiful, with illustrations throughout, and includes “A Christmastide Calendar” and “Victorian Christmas Traditions and History” in the back. This sweet and easy read will be sure to bring joy to your heart!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content: loss of a child; mention of ghosts from “A Christmas Carol.”

TW: loss of a child.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

$10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway and Review--A Fun Fall Movie Filled with Heart! --"Grow" Movie Review

 

GIVEAWAY: One winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. US winners only. Enter via the raffle below.

$10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Fall plans just got bigger. #GrowTheFilm is in theaters October 17! Tickets are on sale now. More Info

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Watch this fun fall film with your family - Grow is only in theaters starting October 17! 

Buy tickets today to see Grow in theaters starting October 17! 

A story of love that grows. At the heart of GROW is the touching bond between a prickly aunt and her spirited niece. Their journey shows that sometimes the family we need grows where we least expect it. 

The most colorful cast of characters. From curmudgeonly farmers to over-the-top rivals, every character feels like they’ve stepped out of a cozy, autumnal fairy tale. Charlie’s pumpkin “Peter” isn’t the only thing full of personality—the whole town bursts with quirky charm.

Pumpkin spice in film form. GROW is perfectly timed for fall and Halloween season: cozy, funny, and a safe, whimsical alternative to scary movies. 

“Wild gardening” meets whimsy. Charlie’s affinity for plants will inspire kids—and kids at heart—to dance to their plants and care for the environment. 

Synopsis: In the Pumpkin Capital of the World, stoic farmer Dinah Little (Golda Rosheuvel) begrudgingly takes in her spirited niece, Charlie (Priya-Rose Brookwell). But Charlie isn’t an ordinary child—she has a special knack for connecting with plants that quietly reflects her own longing to feel just as seen and loved. As the town prepares for the annual pumpkin-growing contest, Charlie sets her sights on winning. With the help of quirky Arlo (Nick Frost), plot and pumpkins thicken as rival growers pull every trick in the book. Will Charlie and Dinah’s unlikely entry stand tall against the fiercest competition the town has ever seen? As her pumpkin grows, so does her bond with Dinah, and together they learn the real prize is joy, laughter, and family. 

My Review: "Grow" is a fun fall family film that is heartwarming and full of humor. The movie is filled with great characters, including eccentric neighbors and a curmudgeonly aunt. I especially love the main character, Charlie, and that she magically connects with plants, dances and uses music with them. It is neat that the movie focuses more on the light side of the season, instead of the darker aspects. There is one lighthearted trick-or-treating scene, but most of the story revolves around a pumpkin growing contest and a pumpkin festival. I was especially moved by the family bonds, messages of hard work and the pro-adoption message. Charlie learns (regarding pumpkins and life in general) that it does not matter what the surface looks like, it is the inside that matters. She is also told to not waste time worrying about what others think. It was wonderful watching her bloom and grow in her new situation with her aunt, who takes her on when her mom leaves. The whole movie is delightful and whimsical and takes place in a small, rural town in England that is obsessed with pumpkins and the pumpkin growing contest. I highly recommend this family friendly, charming comedy, perfect for fall.

Content: This movie is rated PG. Some examples of the content:  kids engage in fighting; a few sexual references; potty humor; a woman threatens a man with a gun; someone stabs a pumpkin, and it looks like blood (like from a horror movie); people drink alcohol.

TW: a parent leaves and a child must live with their relative; the child wants to find her missing mother; possible alcoholics; kinship foster care.

Many thanks to US Pumpkin Distribution, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

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Witty and Clever Novellas! --"Mercury Raine: Ghost Broker" and “Mercury Raine: A Whisper in the Wind" by Sarah Eden—Review

 

My Review:"Mercury Raine: Ghost Broker" by Sarah Eden is the first installment in the “Mercury Raine” novellas. It is so witty, clever, and fun! This novella is short, fun and will leave you smiling. Ms. Eden’s writing is wonderful. "Mercury Raine: Ghost Broker" is perfect for spooky season, with its cast of benign ghosts and Mercury, the resident Ghost Broker. I loved getting to know the different ghosts and their personalities. The writing reminded me of a P.G. Wodehouse novel. I love that it has secrets and the possibility of romance. I do not want to give a lot away, but I will let you read this delightful novella for yourself. I definitely recommend this hilarious novella that was quick, easy to read and left me wanting more!

Content: I give this a G rating. Some examples of the content: ghosts.

TW: orphan.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

My Review: “Mercury Raine: A Whisper in the Wind" by Sarah Eden is the second installment in the “Mercury Raine” novellas. I loved the first novella and was excited to read more about Mercury and the different ghosts. I enjoyed this one even more than the first! It was great to see familiar characters and get to know them more in “Mercury Raine: A Whisper in the Wind.”  I loved Aventine Manor, where the novella takes place. It was also fun to see more of the possible love interest and how that played out (I love their interactions). The mystery was great, and I am so impressed by the witty writing. I cannot wait to read more of this series!

Content: I give this a PG rating. Some examples of the content: mention of alcohol.

TW: past child abuse; possible PTSD.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.