The Bible & The Biz: World History

Saturday, August 15, 2020

"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. 😊

View all my reviews

Full Steam Ahead: Episode One

Victorian Farm: Episode One

Friday, July 15, 2016

[Immediately FREE] Wholesome Weekend Date Movie (July 15 2016)

"The Hiding Place" (Behind the Scenes during filming)

The Real Corrie Ten Boom & the Actress who portrays her: Jeannette Clift

Also starring: Julie Harris, Arthur O'Connell, Eileen Heckart, Nigel Hawthorne,

When I found this film on YouTube earlier this week I was so thrilled I immediately "shared" it with everyone. I believe it to be the BEST film I've ever seen. I think that 'earns' it a second recommendation (at least).

The best part about this World War 2 action film?
It's ALL true! Right down to the dialogue being what people actually said and it being filmed at the actual locations where the action took place. Gripping, intense, full of action and compassion. This one you do NOT want to miss!

"The Hiding Place" is the story of two middle-aged spinsters and their elderly father who saved many Jews by hiding them in their home in occupied Holland during World War II. Proving again that God uses ordinary people to do EXTRA-ordinary things.

What is YOUR destiny?