A Believable Man Lives an Unbelievable Life (Book Review)

 

The Unbelievable Life of a Country Boy: from Country Plowboy to Lt. Colonel by Age 30 by Peter Newton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What a great and refreshing life adventure this book is! I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review and I am most grateful for it. In fact, I'm thinking of going to get myself a paper/hard copy version of it too.

This is the story of a remarkable man, although I doubt he thinks so, who makes no apologies about the way he lived his long life. He doesn't swear or drink, he believes devoutly in God, was married to only one woman his entire life, loves his family, and just happens to have survived both the Great Depression and World War 2. Whew!

His memoirs are not the act of a great writer, although obviously a very intelligent person, but rather the desire of a sincere individual to leave a legacy in writing. Much of what you first think of as typos has been left in on purpose as a reflection of the way he actually speaks as he weaves his various anecdotal tales filled with wisdom and humor. It is fascinating to learn how things were done in his days and he doesn't shy from giving us details knowing that these ways are foreign to us now and will be even more so to those who are reading it in the future.

Although it will never be considered great literature, it is written by a great person, which is so much more important. There is nothing profane or graphic in this story. Safe for even the most sensitive of readers as Peter Jack Newton calls you near and tells the stories that make up the fabric of his life as only he can. And if you don't think all that classifies him as "Remarkable" yet, consider the Foreward of his book written by all his children which permeates their continuing respect, pride, and love for the man who is their father.

Like meeting someone who is unique and heroic in all the best ways, The Unbelieve Life of a Country Boy is just exactly that. And fits right into my own vision of everything a life can be as I often describe my own journey as "an ordinary life led by an extraordinary God." Whether you love history and memoirs or not, this book is definitely worth your time because Lt. Colonel Newton has something to say and pass on to you. Don't keep him waiting.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee


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Unbelievable Life of a Country Boy Plowboy from AMAZON

"Ahead" to England's Past" (Audiobook Review)

 

Full Steam Ahead: How the Railways Made Britain by Peter Ginn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is added information to the popular BBC living history TV show with Alex Langlands, Peter Ginn, and Ruth Goodman. Read by the two authors, Peter and Ruth.

Full Steam Ahead discusses how the advancements of train travel spurred on the industrial revolution and touched EVERY aspect of life in the UK. To say it holds a wealth of information is a gross understatement for both this book and the TV series it is based on, which has three historical experts thrust back to recreate and experience what life would have been like during this time period in Scotland, Wales and England.

This audiobook is definitely a case of "too much, but not enough". It serves to enhance and add things that there wasn't enough time to show in the TV series but misses the thing which makes the show version so great. It's spontaneity. Although the enthusiasm for the subject comes through while Peter and Ruth take turns narrating the following chapters, they are READING it not LIVING it. What has made their series of living history documentaries so wildly popular is that through the years and previous series these three people have gone from colleagues to friends to family. Not just obviously to each other but to us the viewers as well. Funny, informative, poignant, thoughtful, and heartfelt describe the show but are elements missing from the book and therefore you are left feeling unsatisfied.

But if you've seen the series, Full Steam Ahead, and can't get enough of this sweet and unique "family" of historians run amok, go for the book in audio or paper. But it will never take the place of watching them attempt to fulfill their hearts' desires; bringing the past to life to understand those who lived it ... and ourselves.

TV Series with Alex Langlands, Peter Ginn, and Ruth Goodman:
(Currently available for free viewing on YouTube)

Full Steam Ahead
Tales of the Green Valley
Victorian Farm
Edwardian Farm
Wartime Farm and
Secrets of the Castle

Thank you for reading my review and I hope you avail yourself of the opportunity to watch these warm, entertaining and somewhat addictive series' as well. Be prepared for some binge-viewing that's safe for the entire family.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

PS. Ruth Goodman is my hero. I want to be her when I grow up. 😊

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Full Steam Ahead: Episode One

Victorian Farm: Episode One

BOOK REVIEW: Travel by Wagon Train via Janette Oke

Love's Long Journey by Janette Oke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book #3 in the Love Comes Softly series, by beloved author Janette Oke, continues the story of Marty and Clark's eldest daughter, Missie, as she travels with her new husband, Willie, by wagon train to their new home in the west. It is an accurate and sometimes gritty portrayal of this time period (late 1800s) and events in North American history, as people left their homes and loved ones to face immense hardship and sacrifice to open up this new frontier.

Although this is a stand-alone novel, I highly recommend you read the next one in the series, "Loves Abiding Joy", which reunites Missie and her parents and adds another, deeper layer to the series. I always read the two books (#3 and #4) as companion stories.

They contain a Christian worldview, Bible quotations, and are suitable for all ages. And even though most readers will be women, there is lots of good, "macho", taming-the-wild-west stuff here for the men to enjoy as well.

This has been made into a Hallmark movie, which I thought was rather lackadaisical and portrayed very different events to the book. But whether you did or did not enjoy the movie, this book (and #4 too remember) are definitely worthy of your time, as Janette Oke weaves one of her best stories at the pinnacle of her writing powers.

Thank you for taking the time to read another one of my book reviews.
Sincerely, Laura-Lee (Was Here)

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[Immediately FREE] Wholesome Weekend Date Movie (Nov. 18, 2016)

This week it's a double feature in honor of American politics (sort of).
 A "main attraction" and then the "B Movie" as it used to be called in the 'olden days'. These days we just refer to it as the "sequel". (Yes. I meant to be funny but "funny" rarely works for me).

"A hunting we will go ..." 

Unless you're a hermit, you've probably heard of our first film. "National Treasure" which stars Nicolas Cage and Jon Voight surrounded by a wonderful supporting cast including Sean Bean and Harvey Keitel as well as relative newcomers, Justin Bartha and Diane Kruger.
I loved every moment of this film as it completely swept me away in its adventure. 

Our second film is the sequel to "National Treasure" called, (aptly enough) "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" and, as well as the original cast returning, it can also boast that Helen Mirren and Ed Harris have jumped on board for this ride. 
It's not quite as "tasty" as the first one, but it does a pretty good job of satisfying our "hunger" for adventure.

Together they make for quite a spectacular double bill as we follow Ben Gates and his merry band of friends and family around the globe as they follow the clues, unravel the puzzles, commit a few crimes, make friends and enemies and learn about life, love, and family. All while searching for treasure. 

I would have featured these films sooner but finding uploads that are of a good enough quality that they don't distract you from the plot took some time. So let me also add that you haven't suddenly developed a bad case of dyslexia. The backward lettering in the films is just part of the upload.

"Being a History "Geek" ...

"... and a Bookworm ..."

"... becomes 'COOL' again"

Theses movies are a lovely blend of 
historical fact and Hollywood fiction but I will leave it to you and your "date" to debate what percentage of each the films contain.

Diane Kruger & Nicolas Cage

As always, I wish you a wonderful weekend and hope you enjoy these films.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee


LAURA-LEE'S   REQUIREMENTS:   

• Good Story
• Appeals to BOTH Men & Women
• Funny
• Witty
• Good acting
• Plot Twist
• Evokes "warm fuzzies"
• Motivates snuggling
• No Graphic Sex, Violence or Swearing
• Leaves you with good feelings/thoughts
• "Jazzed" and anxious to share it
• Available on the Internet right now for FREE (so you can watch it Immediately)

LINK to "National Treasure" at YouTube

LINK "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets at YouTube

( A BONUS for all of you who scrolled all the way down here. 

LINKs to "Behind the Scenes" videos about "National Treasure")

LINK to "National Treasure - Behind the Scenes Interviews"

LINK to "National Treasure: Behind the Scenes. Part 1"

LINK to "National Treasure" Behind the Scenes Part 2

(Another LINK to make you aware of my "Behind the Scenes" Play List at my YouTube Channel. CAUTION: Some of the videos on this Play List may include harsher language)

LINK to Laura-Lee's "Behind the Scenes/ Making of PLAY LIST" at YouTube

LINK More Info of "National Treasure" at IMDb website

LINK to more Info "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" at IMDb

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(To get a bit nearer to the truth about Mount Rushmore, click on this "Smithsonian" LINK)

LINK to FACTS about Mount Rushmore (Smithsonian Website)

    

[Immediately FREE] Wholesome Weekend Date Movie (Oct. 28, 2016)

Several weeks ago I was trying to pick which film to recommend and came across a couple that made me think, "That one is pretty good" or "that one isn't too bad".  I suddenly realized what lame and half-hearted praise that was. I'm sure you can find mediocre entertainment without any help from me.

I didn't recommend either of those films to you and I decided for the first time since I started this weekly feature it was time to add something to my list of  "Laura-Lee's Requirements". If I am not actually anxious to tell you about a film and equally anxious to know what you think of it (in short), if I'm not "jazzed" about sharing it with you, then it's simply not good enough to share with  you.
So as you read down my list of requirements you will find a new, highlighted one.

The film I'm recommending this week I am quite anxious for you to see. I've been checking and searching for it on YouTube for more than a year and finally someone has uploaded it.
It is the 1997 British film, "Mrs. Brown" which portrays the story of the days of extended grieving of Queen Victoria after the death of her beloved husband, Albert in 1861. 

Her family and certain members of the royal court, hoping to shake the Queen from her grief and encourage her back to her public duties summon John Brown, who was the groom and trusted servant of her late husband. However, they may get more than what they wished for when it appears Mr. Brown may have more influence over the Queen than anyone could have imagined.

It is beautifully made and wonderfully acted by all, especially the two principal actors, [Dame] Judi Dench and Billy Connolly. And also the first film role for Scottish actor Gerard Butler, who plays John Brown's brother Archie.

Gerard Butler

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee




LAURA-LEE'S   REQUIREMENTS:

• Good Story
• Appeals to BOTH Men & Women
• Funny
• Witty
• Good acting
• Plot Twist
• Evokes "warm fuzzies"
• Motivates snuggling
• No Graphic Sex, Violence or Swearing
• Leaves you with good feelings/thoughts
• 'Jazzed' and anxious to share it
• Available on the Internet right now for FREE (so you can watch it Immediately)

An extra photo of Gerard Butler because
he's so very, very pretty.  (L-L)

LINK to "Mrs. Brown" FREE at YouTube

LINK to Group Jesus4Gerard Twitter page

 Christian fans of Scottish Actor, Gerard Butler share info about him and pray for him and each other. GB+GB= God Bless Gerard Butler

LINK to Laura-Lee's YouTube Channel

 I am gathering quite a lot of good recommendations and Play Lists at my YouTube channel. You are most welcome to stop by and check them out.

LINK to more INFO about "Mrs. Brown" at IMDb website

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