Hit by The Governess

 

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are familiar with my reviews I'm sure you know by now that Romance is NOT one of my favorite genres. Even/especially Christian romance novels which I find repetitive and pappy. But I'm glad to say this one is a cut above the rest.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall is a fictional, historical, stand-alone, romance novel with a Christian foundation. It starts with a widowed governess who accompanies her five charges to their new home at Penwythe Hall after they are orphaned and must go to live with their uncle. It proceeds as the usual book of this nature does. There is a time of adjustment, various enigmatic characters are introduced as well as a hidden past and a big mystery hinted at and "unspoken passions" constantly referred to. Same old, same old. (sigh)

However, I got my copy of this popular book from my library so I had to initially wait weeks for it, couldn't renew it immediately, had to wait weeks for it again, had to give it back, and then decided to switch to the audiobook format in order to finish it. I was surprised to see myself so determined to complete something that was "same old, same old". But the characters are what make this journey worthwhile. More complex than one would usually find in a book of this nature, I found myself continually drawn to them even if not finding the story itself anything unique. But in the final chapters, there were some events that were rather thrilling and unexpected and family relationships (apart from the main " Romance") that were complex and rang very true to life.

As far as the Christian elements, they are mostly in the periphery and merely hinted at as our main characters ponder human nature, how to deal with their pasts, and conquer their fears. That is until we are led to the deathbed of one of the "periphery" characters who hits us with God's truth right between the eyes, into our brains, and then planted into our hearts. So much so that I found myself reaching for something to wipe my eyes with. Yes. I admit I cried. Though not very willingly.

But I am happy to say my "standing" in the Holds lineup was worth my wait, the book worth my time, and the Governess of Penwythe Hall worth my recommendation.

Without any profanity or graphic sex and only some mild violence (some shoving, a few punches, and gunshots ringing out) it is appropriate for preteens as well as sensitive readers.

May I also add that the audiobook format was well done by English lady, Jude Mason. She read it with a good amount of emotion without being melodramatic and varied the voices and accents without overdoing it. There is a fine line between narrating a book and performing it. One enhances while the other upstages.

Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

View all my reviews

FREE Books: Clean Historical Romance Kindle

I've been roaming around Amazon and found 3 FREE ebook downloads for Christian Historical Romance stories.

These all had high ratings and good reviews in both Canada and America. You need to have the Kindle app  (which is also free) or a Kindle device so these can be downloaded.
But other than that, just choose and click.

I like to tell you about free or extremely cheap books from all different genres on a regular basis, so it may be worth your time to get the Kindle app downloaded on your device if free books interest you.

Follow the Links below. They are to the CANADIAN Amazon site but there is a link to Amazon.com on each book's page. (Top right corner)

These books are currently being given away NOW as a part of a promotion, so you will need to jump on these offers. I don't know how long it will last.

Also, you might like to leave a short review or at least a star rating as a "Thank You" for the book. Even if you didn't like it. 

But they all sound interesting although not overly complex. These are meant to be fast, easy, enjoyable clean stories.  If you have some free time why not spend it with a good book and your imagination?

And don't forget to visit the Master's Peace Theatre blog later in the week when we post short story, "Laura's Choice" by guest contributor Werner Lind who is the author of the popular Christian vampire book, "Lifeblood".

Thanks for dropping in for a blog visit. I hope I was helpful.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

LINKS TO CURRENTLY FREE BOOKS:


Let Your Heart Beat Again by Janith Hooper FREE Kindle Download

REDEMPTION'S EDGE by Shirleen Davies FREE Kindle download

THAT HEALING TOUCH by Kit Morgan FREE Kindle Download

[Immediately FREE] Wholesome Weekend "Date" Movie

I'm not very  good at doing something on an absolutely routine basis, but I would really like to start a feature at this blog where I weekly recommend/highlight one film that I think would be a perfect DATE-NIGHT film to watch sometime during the weekend. 

When my Mom was still alive and I would leave a film to go to the washroom or get something to eat, I'd return to ask, 
"So, what did I miss?"

Mom would jokingly answer,
"Well, they have yet to have the big car chase where they overturn the vegetable cart, they haven't done much 'suck face' and they haven't  'done the nasty'  either."

Those were her three big hates in every film. She found those elements cheap catering to the lowest common denominator.
I've discovered most people agree with her and watch a film in spite of those things, but consider them a waste of time. (Both Christians AND Non-Christians)

So we continue to search in hope for that good film without the gross out violence, graphic sex and constant swearing. that doesn't make you want to yell at the screen.
"Common, common. Let's get back to the story'!"

Here's the list of things I will be looking for in the films I recommend:

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
• Available somewhere on the Internet for FREE (so you can watch it Immediately)

For my FIRST pick:

"Count Three and Pray" (FREE at YouTube)

Joanne Woodward & Van Heflin

Starring Van Heflin, Joanne Woodward (in one of her very first film roles) and Raymond Burr.
It's technically classified as a "Western" but now-a-days we would call it  a "Romantic-Comedy".

It revolves around a man returning to his small, hometown from fighting the American Civil war, but he fought for the North while most of his town fought for the South.

Before he left for war he was known as the local "hell- raiser", but during the war he "saw the light" and became a Preacher. He goes back home to rebuild the church that was burned down during the war and take over as the "New preacher." 

In the Parsonage (the house next to the church where the Minister lives) he discovers Joanne Woodward has taken up residence with "squatters rights".
Let the fun and fighting begin. And not  just between the wonderful two lead actors. This new Preacher discovers that old habits are hard to break AND winning over a town when you are considered a "Traitor" is not an easy task either.

Enough of my blabbing. 
Follow the main Link to YouTube (Count Three and Pray) to watch the entire film for Free right now and if you want all the information about the film (and I mean ALL) click on it's  IMDb LINK: Count Three and Pray


It has all the things from my "required" list above and a heavy handed dose of laughter through the entire thing. And feel free to leave me a comment or some feedback here. (You know I love  to hear your opinion).

(I  love these old movie promo posters)

Hope you enjoy my first Recommendation of  "Count Three and Pray".

Have a great weekend.
Love Laura-Lee

Also check out,
First Date - Christian Date Film LIST at IMDb

My Complete Films Play List

Realized my Play List of Full Films I watch (and save) at YouTube is getting long and full of very good movies. So I thought I would "tidy" it up, add some comments, some ratings (see the amount of asterisks out of a possible 10) and then share them with you.

Although most are for adults they are still "safe" for viewing by your entire family and will be enjoyed by men & women alike.

Hope you enjoy them. There is something for every persons' tastes. From Romantic - Tear Jerkers to Thrillers.

Have a wonderful weekend and a Happy Sabbath as we approach tomorrow to focus on the Lord and leave all our worries in His big, capable, comforting, compassionate hands ... for at least one day.

Love Always; for my Friends. 
Sincerely, Laura-Lee

Follow the LINK below

"Complete Films Play List" Link from My YouTube Channel


UPDATE: My "Complete Films Play List" (see LINK above) now has close to 100 films on it as I continue to add them as I find them. If you are looking for a good film to watch this weekend, that might be a good place to start. (And you can't beat the price either) Enjoy! 

And if you are looking for a good idea for a "Date Night" film without a bunch of embarrassing graphic sex scenes remember to check out my List/Reviews/Recommendations at IMDb. That's expanding too. See Link below.

Christian Date Night Film Recommendations at IMDb

FIRST Date - CHRISTIAN Date Romantic Films List

I  have started a list of films that are "safe" to watch over at my IMDB (Internet Movie Data Base) profile. It can be rather embarrassing if you're watching a film and people start doing "the nasty" or excessively "sucking face" (as my Mom used to say). 

So I created a list of films that are just hard core romance but you can relax because you won't suddenly be watching explicit sex or nudity or anything overtly suggestive.



Follow the LINK at the bottom of the page to my LIST and remember to check back. (I've just barely started the list but already have almost 30 films) I will be adding to it without notice.

Enjoy!


First Date/ Christian Date Romantic Films List

NEW YEARS EVE ALONE? What to do.

If you don't have any plans for New Years Eve think of it this way, you won't end up being the victim of someone who is drinking and driving, or waking up with a huge hang-over!

But if you want something to do, I suggest a trip to the video store, netflix, itunes or however you rent films.

These are my choices for some little "treasures" for you to watch and get lost in their adventure (while everyone else is getting drunk and kissing strangers). And since I am very ecclectic, these will run the gammet of genres):

MAIDRYN'S NEW YEARS EVE FILM PICKS

• Wait Until Dark (Audrey Hepburn) Thriller (but okay for kids)
• Breaking Away (funny, witty entertainment for kids to grandparents - NOTE: watch for a very young Dennis Quaid)
• Moonstruck (Romance for women & MEN)
• Breaker Morant ( an australian gem and true story for those who are anti-establishment and enjoy a thoroughly well made and interesting movie - your brains and heart will need to be available for viewing this one)
• Aliens (Thrill-ride/Sci-Fi  hang onto your popcorn)
• Gallipoli  (early Mel Gibson - World War I - Tragedy & Friendship)
• Galaxy Quest (a MUST for every Star Trek fan who wants to laugh the night away)
• Fried Green Tomatoes (Friendship/ bridging the generation gap - for ALL ages & BOTH men and women)
• Gone in 60 Seconds (Nic Cage & Angelina Jolie - a total guy flick/ car chases, beautiful women, brothers sticking together, you know " it's a guy thing" (but I like it too. shhh)
• 300 - Gerard Butler, David Wenham, Lena Headly - BLOOD EVERYWHERE but this is not just a "GUY and GUTS" thing. Women & Men will like this movie but it is rated - R for a very good reason! Not a kids' movie.
• Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole - Not only a kids's movie. Beautifully animated with voices by EVERY ACTOR KNOWN TO MANKIND ;-) This is MY personal pick. I "double-dog-dare" anyone to watch this film and not LOVE it. Yes I said LOVE. (see my blog at, http://maidrynsmedia.blogspot.com/2011/06/legend-of-guardians-owls-of-gahoole.html/ for a more indepth review.

So a "Merry viewing to all and to all a good (new years eve) night".