Movie Review: Sweet Land: A Love Story

Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis from Amazon.com: Adapted from a Will Weaver story, Ali Selim's Sweet Land is a truly sweet story about unlikely immigrant lovers whose struggle for integration into 1920's America earns them a work ethic more American than many of their narrow-minded neighbors. Set in rural Minnesota, the sentimental film focuses on tribulations that Scandinavian settlers experienced, with a cinematic serenity reminiscent of Terrence Malik's Days of Heaven. Norwegian farmer Olaf Torvik (Tim Guinee) invites a non-English speaking German siren, Inge Alltenburg (Elizabeth Reaser), to relocate and marry him, but discovers that neither the town's Lutheran pastor (John Heard) nor the local judge will marry a German into their community for fear of wartime German spies. Inge finds friendship in neighbors Frandsen (Alan Cumming) and his wife, Brownie (Alex Kingston), who disregarding local gossip, welcome her into their home. Finally, Inge proves herself, settling in so that Sweet Land's historical narrative is framed by Inge, fifty years later, speaking to her adult son about her husband's death and their plot of land. This multi-generational tale of social acceptance and land ownership is ultimately the story of America, though the regional specificity of Sweet Land will speak especially to those familiar with Midwestern culture. --Trinie Dalton

Read more at www.sweetlandmovie.com

Review: I discovered Sweet Land at my local library and checked it out on a whim, mainly because the synopsis sounded like the plot of a book I would read. I am so glad I struck gold with this discovery! Sweet Land is one of the rare and special movies that lingers in your mind long after you finish watching it.  I definitely understand why it has received numerous accolades and awards.  The acting is spectacular and real; the scenery is stunning; and the plot is touching, heart-warming, and heart-breaking. 

Some of the conversation occurs in German with no subtitles to offer translation to those of us who don't speak the language.  Despite the lack of subtitles, I could understand the gist of situations based on tone and nonverbal cues.  I confess that I would love to know what Inge is saying at the beginning of the clip. The fact that Inge is not fluent in English when she arrives in Minnesota and is misunderstood by many of the townspeople adds to the realism of the story and helps to make the viewer sympathetic to the plight that immigrants faced (and still face) when moving to a new country.  The gentle love that blossoms between Inge and Olaf during the course of the movie in spite of adversity is inspiring.  This is a love story that I will not soon forget!

The Good Ole' Days

Today I was thinking about all of my favorite shows from my childhood. My reminiscing led me to YouTube, where I spent too much time searching for and watching clips. Wishbone was on the top of my list at one point. I think I watched most of the episodes at least three times! And honestly, I found myself getting caught up in the clips tonight. Not only is Wishbone an adorable dog, he makes literary classics interesting and accessible to children. I didn't appreciate that at the time, but I do now. Even now when I hear about some of the classics that were featured on Wishbone, I know the premise of the story based on that show. While visiting Washington Irving's home and Sleepy Hollow on vacation, Wishbone's version of Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow did cross my mind.



One of my other favorite book-themed shows was Reading Rainbow.  This video brings back memories of the highlight of some of my school days.  I still remember the theme song; and after watching this clip, I think it will be stuck in my head for at least a day.



Please share some of your favorite childhood shows!

A Wedding Blunder in the Black Hills by Kim O'Brien

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis from the Publisher: David and Millie both have big problems. A widowed dentist with an almost-teen son, he’s being stalked by an amorous patient. Millie’s mom keeps sending her on blind dates, even though the café owner has trust issues. So when a lost filling lands Millie in David’s office, the two of them find a solution—a faux relationship. No one gets hurt and no one gets nagged. It’s a great plan—until they really start to care. Now what will they do?

Review:   After realizing that A Wedding Blunder in the Black Hills is the classic story of a "faux relationship" that turns real, I knew that I had to give the novel a try.  No matter how formulaic the plot, I usually love these type of storylines. While I anticipated that the main characters Millie and David would fall in love as they "un-dated" each other,  I was pleasantly surprised by the depth that O'Brien wove into her novel.  Millie  harbors secrets from her past and struggles to trust others in relationships; and while David is a successful dentist, he does not know how to approach the problems that seem to be enveloping his eleven-year-old son.  O'Brien did a wonderful job of addressing the concerns and challenges that many young teens and their parents face today; and I especially enjoyed the often comical input from David's housekeeper.  Even more delightful was Millie's meddlesome, but fun-loving, mother and the encouragement that Millie often received from her "aunts".  As a reader, I was drawn into Millie's and David's small-town lives in the the Black Hills of South Dakota as they encounter the ups and downs of everyday life, while trying to build a "faux" relationship. 

I recommend A Wedding Blunder in the Black Hills, which is available for purchase from Christian Book Distributors and Amazon.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from NetGalley, courtesy of Barbour Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Surrender the Dawn by MaryLu Tyndall

Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis from the Publisher:
You’ll be gasping for air in this seafaring romance by popular author and Christy Award nominee MaryLu Tyndall. Baltimore’s Cassandra Channing will do anything to provide for her family—even if it means hiring the town rogue as a privateer. Luke Heaton is a handsome rake with a tortured past who is blackmailed by the British into selling supplies to their ships just off the coast. Cassandra and Luke’s worlds collide as they are drawn into danger, secrets, romance, and war. But when the British begin to bombard Fort McHenry, how long can they protect their love—and each other?

Review:  With her third installment in the Surrender to Destiny series, MaryLu Tyndall has once again delivered a novel that is packed with just the right mix of adventure, suspense, and romance.  In Surrender the Dawn, MaryLu Tyndall focuses on the headstrong and independent Cassandra Channing and the charming, but rebellious, Luke Heaton.  Through vivid descriptions and strong characterization, Tyndall has a true talent for bringing these characters to life and pulling her readers into the action.  I enjoyed the sassy dialogue and tension between Cassandra and Luke as their relationship developed.  The secondary characters, which included Luke's younger brother, Cassandra's siblings and Dexter the dog, added both light-hearted and heart-tugging moments to the story. Danger always lurks just beneath the surface, and both Luke and Cassandra must learn to "surrender the dawn" to successfully navigate during these turbulent times.

I always love reading Tyndall's books; and since they are set on the coast, I find them to be perfect summer reads.  I highly recommend Surrender the Dawn; and if you have not had a chance to read any of her other books, please pick up a copy.  You will not be disappointed!  

Here is a link to MaryLu Tyndall's website: http://www.marylutyndall.com/

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from NetGalley, courtesy of Barbour Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Cowboy's Touch by Denise Hunter

Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis from the Publisher: Abigail is just in Moose Creek, Montana for the summer to temporarily care for her great aunt. But a tender-hearted cowboy beckons her to stay.

Abigail Jones intends to spend just one summer in middle-of-nowhere Montana with her Aunt Lucy. Time away from her job is just what Abigail needs to reassess her life. The slow pace has her breathing deeply for the first time in years. And the majestic scenery encourages her to get reacquainted with herself . . . and God.
What she didn't count on was the handsome widowed cowboy who owns the ranch where her aunt lives. When the rancher loses his daughter's nanny, Abigail decides to lend a hand for the summer.

Wade Ryan can't help being attracted to Abigail. But he's given up everything to protect his daughter, and he's not about to risk it all on a pretty face.
Under Abigail's care, Wade's home and daughter thrive. And with Wade's touch, Abigail's heart feels at home at last. But Abigail knows this elusive rancher is hiding something. Will her own secrets separate her from the cowboy who finally captured her heart?

Review:  After reading The Inconvenient Groom by Denise Hunter a few months ago,  I was anticipating the release of  A Cowboy's Touch, the first in her new "Big Sky" series.  My expectations for a light and enjoyable read were fulfilled, and I even surprised myself by reading the novel in practically one sitting! 

The plot of  A Cowboy's Touch moves along at a steady pace, and in many ways it reminded me of a Hallmark movie.  While Wade has a past that threatens their relationship, Abigail has secrets of her own.  I was very sympathetic to Wade and his daughter Maddy; and at times, I became very exasperated by Abigail's actions.  But any great story needs to have its share of tension and characters who make their share of mistakes.  Ultimately, it is is a story of forgiveness and finding new beginnings. 

I look forward to Denise Hunter's next novel in this series, The Accidental Bride, which is scheduled to be released in January 2012. 

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from  NetGalley, courtesy of Thomas Nelson  Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”