When Calls The Heart, DVD reviews

• Studio: Shout! Factory
• DVD Release Date: September 8, 2015
• Run Time: 84 minutes

• ASIN: B00YTSH1YC

OVERVIEW

From celebrated author Janette Oke (The Love Comes Softly series) comes a rigorous and romantic adventure as epic as the wide frontier. Erin Krakow (Army Wives), Daniel Lissing (Eye Candy), Jack Wagner (Melrose Place) and Lori Loughlin (Full House, 90210) star in When Calls The Heart, "a beautiful story with roots in relationships, self-empowerment, and the enduring power of love", (Common Sense Media). 


Jack and Elizabeth leave Hope Valley and rush back to the city of Hamilton when they learn that Jacks’ brother, Tom, was involved in an automobile accident... with Elizabeth’s sister, Julie! But Tom and Julie are hiding something about the incident, a deceit that puts Jack and Elizabeth at odds with their families… and with each other. Their trip is further complicated when Tom and Julie endeavor to run off together (via train this time) and Elizabeth’s father offers Jack a job: an offer that puts Jack and Elizabeth’s fledgling romance in peril yet again.

• Studio: Shout! Factory
• DVD Release Date: October 13, 2015
• Run Time: 84 minutes
• ASIN: B0112HPTSC

OVERVIEW:


While Jack and Elizabeth’s relationship has cooled following their arguments in Hamilton, Jack is hot on the trail of a counterfeiter right in Hope Valley! When he finds the culprit, a two-fisted brawl ensues as Jack apprehends the man. Seeing Jack in danger prompts Elizabeth to confront her feelings and seek him out… but she inadvertently sets Rip, Jack’s dog, loose at the same time. As a violent storm bears down on Hope Valley, Jack and Elizabeth search for Rip and take shelter in an old mineshaft together. But the storm won’t be escaped so easily, and the unstable shaft begins to collapse…


My thoughts on both offerings:


My family has enjoyed very much this series inspired by Janette Oke's novel of the rugged Canadian frontier. From the exclusive behind the scenes interviews it appears the actors also feels the same and perhaps we might see more episodes in the future!

In these latest two episodes of When Calls The Heart we see a deeper relationship evolving between the honest and trustworthy Mountie and Elizabeth the city born teacher whilst both characters demonstrated their love and care for Hope Valley, the community they live in and its citizens. 
Of course as in any relationship there are always some rocky moments...
And if some of the developments are a little predictable, it is easily forgiven as we find our favourites amongst the series. Let's not forget the great sceneries and beautiful costumes!

There is no denying the chemistry between both main characters is owed to a good script and the sterling reputation of its director! 
When Calls The Heart series 1 and 2 reminds us of Little House On The Prairie, a timeless sitcom any family may sit down with and enjoy even today. 
So When Calls The Heart continues in a tradition of good family entertainment with excellent values for young viewers to grow with at the opposite of Hollywood's often tasteless assaults on our senses!

This Hallmark series is well worth checking if you are looking for something to gather the family around and spend quality time!

5 Stars for both episodes!!


Michael Landon Jr. – Executive Producer:  Michael Landon Jr., son of the late television legend Michael Landon, has been in the film business for over 25 years.  With two of the highest rated films in the history of the Hallmark channel, and several top ten releases targeted to the Christian market, Michael has become known for creating heartfelt, inspiring films that connect to the family.  He has developed and/or produced, directed, and written screenplays for Fox, CBS, NBC, Disney, Sony, Lifetime, and others.

About Word Entertainment:  A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, for KING and COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Love and The Outcome, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Print, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records, Word Worship and Fervent Records.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the DVD courtesy of EDIFY MEDIA Inc. as part of the series promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Adrenaline, DVD review

• Studio: Word Films
• DVD Release Date: September 8, 2015
• Run Time: 93 minutes
• ASIN: B00ZCIQ3U6

OVERVIEW:

After a crash leaves him paralyzed, drag racer Joseph Jenkins thinks his life is over. But his hospital roommate Elijah slowly gives him new perspective. When he returns home, his Uncle Paul gets him competing again---and winning. But can he face his nemesis Jason Skynard, the man he was challenging when the accident happened?

My thoughts:

Sometime life takes such a turn we think all is over and it is certainly the case for Joseph when he crashes and finds himself in hospital. 
There is however no rain without a rainbow and meeting Elijah is definitively the turnover point in Joseph's life who reluctantly learns to appreciate the older man's humour as he waits patiently for a heart transplant. For Elijah, everything is possible with God by your side, even the strength of living in and out of hospital for the last 40 years.
For Joseph, life without the thrill of racing feels hopeless but his friendly therapist tells him there is always hope and with hard work, nothing is impossible.

This is story that will touch you on many levels even if you are not into drag racing! John Schneider brings us as usual his own brand of faith and the supporting cast showcases well all the emotions each of the characters feels as the story develops.

I give it a 4 stars!

About Word Entertainment:  A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, for KING and COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Love & The Outcome, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/Veggie Tales among others), Word Print, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records, Word Worship and Fervent Records.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the DVD courtesy of EDIFY MEDIA Inc. as part of the series promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

On Reading And Other Things...

As I have shared with readers this year has seen a few challenges in my life including a pesky eye problem which I am told cannot be diagnosed or cured...because of lack of research...

After seeing a fair amount of doctors, I have been told to learn to live with 'it' as no change has been detected. Easier said than done, the original problem remains and it has taken a toll on life in more ways than I ever imagine. No complaints though, there is worse but it upset my one favourite pastime...you guessed it, READING!

It would appear I must alter my banner from 'Book Reviewer'...Sad!

Still, KINDLE has been a lifesaver as I can adjust the print (providing I can keep at bay the recurring headaches...).
Thus I have been able to enjoy a few good books (particularly as I have been flying a lot lately and layovers are sometimes lengthy).

So here are a couple of titles I would like to bring to your attention if you enjoy reading:

The House By The Dvina: A Russian Childhood by Eugenie Fraser

• ISBN-13: 978-1845965730

Synopsis:

The House by the Dvina is the riveting story of two families separated in culture and geography but bound together by a Russian-Scottish marriage. It includes episodes as romantic and dramatic as any in fiction: the purchase by the author's great-grandfather of a peasant girl with whom he had fallen in love; the desperate sledge journey in the depths of winter made by her grandmother to intercede with Tsar Aleksandr II for her husband; the extraordinary courtship of her parents; and her Scottish granny being caught up in the abortive revolution of 1905.

Eugenie Fraser herself was brought up in Russia but was taken on visits to Scotland. She marvellously evokes a child's reactions to two totally different environments, sets of customs and family backgrounds, while the characters are beautifully drawn and splendidly memorable.

With the events of 1914 to 1920 - the war with Germany, the Revolution, the murder of the Tsar and the withdrawal of the Allied Intervention in the north - came the disintegration of Russia and of family life. The stark realities of hunger, deprivation and fear are sharply contrasted with the adventures of childhood. The reader shares the family's suspense and concern about the fates of its members and relives with Eugenie her final escape to Scotland.

In The House by the Dvina, Eugenie Fraser has vividly and poignantly portrayed a way of life that finally disappeared in violence and tragedy.

What I thought:

I have always been fascinated by the Russian history and particularly the events leading to its revolution. This beautifully written autobiography will capture your imagination with its romance and dramatic developments. 

And it all starts with the author's great grandfather purchasing a peasant girl with whom he had fallen in love..

.

To note: the book includes many photos to recapture a world gone by!

One of the best books I have read lately and rating 5 stars!!

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

• ISBN-13: 978-0316228589

Synopsis:

A big novel about a small town...
When Barry Fairbrother dies in his early forties, the town of Pagford is left in shock.
Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.
Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils...Pagford is not what it first seems.
And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity, and unexpected revelations?
The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling's first novel for adults. It is the work of a storyteller like no other.

My thoughts:

I purchased this novel during a lengthy layover (that's what happens when you miss your flight!) and thought the story to be about Pagford, an idyllic village with colourful characters strolling amongst their cobbled market square, tending their little gardens etc...One look at the cover and I thought I was on a good thing...

Far from being the page turner I expected this one was disappointing. In fact it was hard to get into it and at 639 pages, more than I wanted to read. Those who are fans of the author and her work might well appreciate it but I can only declare it 'not my cup of tea'. I never bothered reading the Harry Potter series and fell asleep not one but twice through the movie...

To be noted: A movie was made of the book starring none other than the talented Michael Gambon so my suggestion is try that instead, it might make more sense!

I'll rate this one 3 stars!

Happy reading!

When Calls The Heart: Heart Of The Family

• Studio: Shout! Factory
• DVD Release Date: August 4, 2015
• Run Time: 88 minutes

OVERVIEW:
(From AMAZON)

From celebrated author Janette Oke (The Love Comes Softly series) comes a rigorous and romantic adventure as epic as the wide frontier. Erin Krakow (Army Wives), Daniel Lissing (Eye Candy) and Lori Loughlin (Full House, 90210) star in When Calls The Heart, "a beautiful story with roots in relationships, self-empowerment, and the enduring power of love", (Common Sense Media). 


Elizabeth returns to Hope Valley and immediately volunteers to look after a neighbor’s rural homestead… and his two children, an undertaking which proves to be a bigger chore than she’d imagined. But when Jack lends a hand, and they wind up chatting by the fire, all seems right in Hope Valley and the world. Meanwhile, in Hamilton, Bill Avery sets about busting a counterfeiting ring wide open, an endeavor which surprisingly leads him to Hope Valley, where he mysteriously declines Jack’s help. But Bill isn’t the only big-town visitor: Elizabeth is even more surprised to see her former suitor, Charles Kensington, standing right in the middle of her schoolhouse!

MY THOUGHTS:

Gather the family together (no electronics allowed), a cup of something sweet and warm and enjoy one of the latest episodes of this well known series!
Michael Landon Jr. directorial talents and Janette Oke's inspirational novel comes to life once more in this episode and the actors are so likable, you cannot but get into the story. In fact it is a toss between that beautiful Mountie uniform and the ladies' finery!

This is everything in one: a bit of romance, an adventure and a lesson for any of us: together as a family, we can overcome obstacles no matter how trivial or serious. 

This is one of those series which you might say is timeless, the scenery featured is breathtaking and the ladies' costumes continues to be a hit with any romantic! 

This one was a 5 Stars!


Michael Landon Jr. – Executive Producer:  Michael Landon Jr., son of the late television legend Michael Landon, has been in the film business for over 25 years.  With two of the highest rated films in the history of the Hallmark channel, and several top ten releases targeted to the Christian market, Michael has become known for creating heartfelt, inspiring films that connect to the family.  He has developed and/or produced, directed, and written screenplays for Fox, CBS, NBC, Disney, Sony, Lifetime, and others.

About Word Entertainment:  A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Love & The Outcome, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Print, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records, Word Worship and Fervent Records.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the DVD courtesy of EDIFY MEDIA Inc. as part of the series promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

When Calls The Heart: Heart And Soul, DVD review

• Studio: Shout! Factory
• DVD Release Date: June 23, 2015
• Run Time: 88 minutes
• ASIN: B00UART216

• 
  

Overview:


From celebrated author Janette Oke (The Love Comes Softly series) comes a rigorous and romantic adventure as epic as the wide frontier. Erin Krakow (Army Wives), Daniel Lissing (Eye Candy) and Lori Laughlin (Full House, 90210) star in When Calls The Heart, "a beautiful story with roots in relationships, self-empowerment, and the enduring power of love", (Common Sense Media). 


Further complicating their new romance, Jack and Elizabeth must part company so that Jack can return to Hope Valley and his duties as a Mountie. Elizabeth, however, remains in Hamilton, where she finds herself tending to her family and spending time with the handsome Charles Kensington. Meanwhile, back in Hope Valley, Rosemary has been offered a role in a play in San Francisco and makes preparations to leave with her two producers. When Jack learns that the "producers", have taken Rosemary in the opposite direction, for New York, he races after them to rescue her… a gamble that ends up being the talk of the town when they spend a night together

(Source Amazon)

My thoughts:

An Hallmark favourite with many to date who remember Little House On The Prairie sitcom, this series is inspired by Janette Oke's novel about the rugged Canadian frontier and produced by non other than Michael Landon Jr. 

So far each episode highlighted the life in a small frontier town which depend entirely on mining until the company proves to be guilty of endangering its employees and forced to close its doors. 
Enter a lumber company, new faces and of course new developments. Our heroes remain the amiable Mountie and the young socialite turned teacher, both ready to make a difference in the community.

An enduring series, When Calls The Heart: Heart and Soul is perfect for family viewing and offers a chance to chat about good Christian values without laying a heavy hand.

Heart and Soul episode features Elizabeth's family home and to spice it just a little, a childhood friend and suitor whom her parents believes perfect for her.
Will Elizabeth follow her parents wishes or her heart?

Exquisite costumes and great scenery sets the over all atmosphere and one can forgive the occasional overacting in exchange for clean language and no violence.

4 Stars!

Note: DVD includes exclusive behind the scenes interviews.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the DVD courtesy of EDIFY MEDIA Inc. as part of the series promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

For Lucienne

(Photo source HERE)

You probably know how it feels...Wherever you are, you find yourself yearning to be elsewhere...

SKYPE helps of course but it is not the same as being near your loved ones. And sharing daily news means you feel what the others experience and you want to help, knowing all you can do from afar is offer prayers and encouragement.

And sometime you are so thoroughly confused you need a little help...just to keep sane...

I found the above print and could not resist sharing: it features a Corgi and MAC the Corgi gave his seal of approval!

And now I repeat...again and again...

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

(Source St Francis prayer)

Note: This post was written for a dear friend who only a few months after being the victim of a hit and skip accident (yes, the driver actually left the scene) and suffered countless brain surgeries as a result now slipped in the bathroom and broke a vertebra... 

Our prayers goes to you Lucienne!

The Best Of News...

A simple phone call can bring such wonderful news...
Our mountain cabin made it through the wild land fires!

It was reported that firefighters brought a bulldozer to build a firewall, clear trees and brushes and thus prevent any substantial loss to our 20 acres.
We are forever in their debt! Their tremendous courage and thoughtfulness helped us to retain a little piece of paradise.

Thank you Folks and God bless!!!!

All You Need Is Love...

True love stories never have endings.

(Richard Bach)

 

All you need is love but a little chocolate now and then does not hurt...

 

(Charles M. Schulz)

40 years of marriage
Celebrated on 19th of July...
On two continents...
With a little champagne and some chocolates.

Thank goodness for SKYPE!!

Such Darlings Could Never Do Anything So Naughty...

Hi Folks,

MAC here, wishing you a lovely day!

Mum says I am at times naughty: Hey, I thought that little peep squeak in the ball (make that plurial, I go through a lot of balls!) was to be removed IMMEDIATELY! Chiche!

She trusts me though enough to keep the house safe whilst she is away; I keep an eye on Dad whilst he is a bachelor and tending his garden (when he is not flying his simulator)...I sunbathe, he works...

Maira, being a cat (and a girl!) just roams around the house and gives us 'those' looks...

We get along just fine, no worries. Just take a look at nap time here (I won't share a photo of Dad snoring in his chair though...He might say no treats after that little jest!)

See how relaxed we are?

How could you ever describe us as being naughty? Whom? Us? NEVER! We are just angels in furry coats!

There are of course some amongst us, canine and feline friends around the world, whom one could perhaps describe as being just a tad naughty...

(Photo source HERE)

Those sweet looks might fool you though so read the whole story at DOWN BY THE SEA.

No matter, we are loved and we know it well!

Mum is writing about us from faraway (under the curious scrutiny from another friend) but we keep always in touch.

Until the next time,

When Calls The Heart: Trials Of The Heart, DVD review

• 
  
• Actors: Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, Lori Loughlin, Jack Wagner
• Directors: Neill Fearnley
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: Shout! Factory
• DVD Release Date: May 26, 2015
• Run Time: 88 minutes

SYNOPSIS:

(From Amazon)

Elizabeth Thatcher (Krakow) is an independent, strong-willed teacher who has foregone the life of the big city and found a job, a home (and romance with a handsome Mountie named Jack) in the small frontier town of Coal Valley. But when she learns that her mother has taken ill, she returns to Hamilton, her hometown, with Jack as her escort. 
Once in the comparably opulent Hamilton, Elizabeth and Jack are confounded by Jack’s ne’er-do-well brother and Elizabeth’s former suitor, Charles Kensington. But it is Elizabeth’s father, William, who drives a wedge between them when he suggests to Jack that Charles would be a better match for his well-bred daughter.






My thoughts:

Inspired by Janette Oke's novels about a well bred city born teacher moving to the rugged Canadian frontier, this series brings to mind Little House on the Prairie. Producer Michael Landon Jr. follows in his father's footsteps (Producer/Director of the 1980's sitcom) with this new series, always family oriented and a little gem in a otherwise blase world of cinematography.

It is a relief to see such movies for any family and the charismatic relationships makes even adults look forward to see what happens next.

That said, this episode surprised us as new actors were introduced to replace established characters and along with inaccuracy in details such as period costumes (few women wore such colours or even ventured outside without hat/head covering) and too many 'newcomers' to remember, this episode disappointed. The series might well soon fall in the 'deja vu' category.

Still, I enjoyed the chemistry between our favourite Mountie and spunky teacher and I too cannot resist wondering what happens next in the series!

4 Stars.

From director Michael Landon Jr., son of the late television legend Michael Landon, who has been in the film business for over 25 years.  With two of the highest rated films in the history of the Hallmark channel, and several top ten releases targeted to the Christian market, Michael has become known for creating heartfelt, inspiring films that connect to the family.  He has developed and/or produced, directed, and written screenplays for Fox, CBS, NBC, Disney, Sony, Lifetime, and others.

About Word Entertainment:

A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this DVD from  EDIFY/MEDIA as part of the movie's promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

A Heartfelt Thank You!!

Folks, each of your comments made my day! 

Thank you kindly for the support and prayers!!

I needed it!

As Anne Shirley would say (that's Anne with an e): 

“True friends are always together in spirit"

and

"Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it!"

Let's see what tomorrow will bring each of us.

Until the next time,

And For A Little Bit Of French Countryside...

In a very small French village near Verdun (total 5 homes) there is a stone house... 

With a beautiful barn and two large ponds...

With one lone duck (he just appeared one day and elected residence)

If you look well through the reeds you will notice all the frogs...

Through the many acres runs a small brook...

Nearby is the mayor's office...

And a lovely church...

Its very simplicity the better to be closer to God...

Its one single stained glass window, a mosaic of colours...

There is also a very old cemetery...most graves date back to the 19th Century...

Villagers take turns in tending these and have their own key to the church to pray...

With the shortage of priests around the world, there are very few services held here but God is here as everywhere...

And then there are those hard to leave behind when it is time to say goodbye...

Including a lovely bunny named Nana...

Thank you for stopping by and especially to all those who kindly took the time to leave a comment or two. You made my day!!

I have an announcement to make in the near future but first there will be a book review and of course, tomorrow is...the occasion to remember a special date...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

As Promised...

Standing tall and proud, the nation's guardian...Le Lion des Flandres (Flemish Lion).

Monument to King Leopold 1, Laeken.

Located in the Royal Gardens, this magnificent example of Gothic architecture is credited to Louis de Curte (known also for the St Michael and Gudula Cathedral in Brussels), recognized at the International Exhibition of 1876 for his excellent designs and command of elaborate and faithful details.

A mere 7 km from Brussels, Spring is showing all its colours in the 14 hectares gardens of Groot Bijgarden. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and roses abound here for visitors to admire late April and early May.

First edified in the 12th Century, the newer 17th Century Flemish Renaissance Castle of Groot Bijgarden is not opened to visitors but with such beautiful gardens none the less a must seen if you happened to be in the vicinity. 

Trees are only showing their buds but the flora is well evident in the park.

I have to laugh...I did not want to sound like a tourist yet I do! 

Tomorrow I would like to share my visit to a beautiful grotto in Brussels and perhaps introduce you to a lovely farmhouse close to Verdun the next time?!

See you then,