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"Love Don't Run:" A Video that Fellow Fans of Period Dramas Will Adore!

I just watched a new country music video for Steve Holy's song "Love Don't Run." It reminds me of the British period dramas that I enjoy so much. The production is beautiful and the video tells a moving story.  I was immediately intrigued by the location and was surprised to learn that the video was filmed at the Cheekwood mansion in Nashville, Tennessee.

Tags: Love Don't Run, Steve Holy, Steve Holy Video

Movie Review: North & South

Rating: 5 Stars

Review: The word masterpiece best describes this BBC mini-series, adapted from Elizabeth Gaskell's riveting novel North & South.  Gaskell delves into the disparity between southern and northern England during the Industrial Revolution and, more importantly, the social struggles between the working class, union members, factory owners, and the citizens caught between the groups.  In the midst of poverty, conflict, and tragedy, lies a beautiful love story between the southern-bred Margaret Hale and the northern-bred, factory owner John Thornton.  

North & South provides a moving and authentic portrayal of industrial life in England during the 1800s.  The scenery, ranging from the sunny and picturesque southern countryside to the cotton-filled and noisy factories of Northern England, is both stunning and realistic. Daniela Denby-Ashe and Richard Armitage starring as Margaret Hale and John Thornton, fully embrace their characters, bringing Gaskell's hero and heroine to life.  The supporting cast is equally strong, and the talented actors fit into their roles seamlessly.

Restless in Carolina by Tamara Leigh

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Synopsis from the Publisher: Tree-huggin', animal-lovin' Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan is on a mission. Well, two. First she has to come to terms with being a widow at thirty-three. After all, it's been four years and even her five-year-old niece and nephew think it's time she shed her widow's weeds. Second, she needs to find a buyer for her family's estate-a Biltmore-inspired mansion surrounded by hundreds of acres of unspoiled forestland. With family obligations forcing the sale, Bridget is determined to find an eco-friendly developer to buy the land, someone who won't turn it into single-family homes or a cheesy theme park.

Enter J. C. Dirk, a high-energy developer from Atlanta whose green property developments have earned him national acclaim. When he doesn't return her calls, Bridget decides a personal visit is in order. Unfortunately, J. C. Dirk is neither amused nor interested when she interrupts his meeting-until she mentions her family name. In short order, he finds himself in North Carolina, and Bridget has her white knight-in more ways than one. But there are things Bridget doesn't know about J. C., and it could mean the end of everything she's worked for and break her heart.

Review: Restless in Carolina is the first novel that I have read by Tamara Leigh, and the third book in the Southern Discomfort series.  The fictional Pickwick family provides a basis for story-lines of a clean and faith-infused southern soap opera.  Leigh builds her plot with humor, heart-break, romance, relationships, mystery, hidden agendas, and secret pasts.  Restless in Carolina offers sub-plots and secondary characters that set a steady pace for the story while keeping readers in touch with members of the Pickwick family featured earlier in the series. 

Bridget Pickwick is a quirky, outspoken, and hard-headed environmentalist with emotional baggage.  Some of her antics made me cringe, while a few others made me laugh.  I wanted to connect with Bridget; and I did sympathize with her struggles, but I often found it hard to relate to her humor and personality quirks.  Despite being a thirty-three year old, Bridget is slightly immature in the beginning of the novel.  As she works through her emotions and relieves herself of her "widow's weeds," Bridget matures and grows emotionally and spiritually.  Her growth is inspiring and helps to balance some of the more eccentric aspects of Bridget's personality. Restless in Carolina  is a well-written novel that readers looking for a modern day love story with the promise of happily-ever-after.
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Restless in Carolina is available for purchase on the following sites: Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, Barnes & Noble.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Multnomah/ WaterBrook Press through their book review program. 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.”

Revisiting a Favorite Novel

I love finding a book that is truly a timeless treasure.  This weekend, I revisited Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz.  I first read this novel last year on a 10 hour plus train ride home from vacation.  From the first page, maybe even the first sentence, I was completely captivated.  What better way to spend one's confinement on a swaying train than engrossed in the pages of an amazing novel by a favorite author? I finished the book in one sitting and still had time to enjoy the passing scenery outside of my train window after I read the last page.

This weekend, despite having a list of new books to read, I was once again drawn to the story of Morrow Little.  Although it has only been a year since I read the novel, I was as engrossed in the plot as the first time I opened the book. In fact, I stayed up well past midnight lost in Courting Morrow Little. That is a strong testament to the power of a 5 plus star book from the pen of a skilled author.  Needless to say, I am anxiously awaiting the release of The Colonel's Lady, as I have no doubt that it will be another treasure!