Movie Monday - 11/28/2022

We were on a short trip and then there was Thanksgiving; so, it was hard to watch Hallmark Christmas movies, let alone regular ones.

I had heard good buzz about Everything, Everywhere, All at Once. It’s about a woman trying to finish her taxes, but who is pulled into parallel universes to fight negative forces while she figures out what is really important. Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis star. It was different.

Recent Binges:

The Handmaid’s Tale - Season 5

The Vow - Season 2

Dead to Me - Season 3

The Crown - Season 5

MK out.

Book Chat - 11/24/2022

I have noticed that Elin Hilderbrand’s books are not all written in the same way, nor are they formulaic. In The Love Season, Marguerite hasn’t seen her goddaughter Renata in many years. The girl has come to Nantucket with her fiancé and wants to meet with Marguerite to find out more about her mother. Candace had been Marguerite’s best friend, but she was tragically killed when Renata was a young girl. The action of the book takes place over the course of one day, but we get the backstory from Marguerite’s recollections. It was very good. 

Happy Thanksgiving to my three readers! I had a great day - we hosted our family at the club. No cook, no clean up. Merry Karma was happy, as evidenced by this shot:

MK out.

 

Book Chat - 11/17:2022

I figured out why I’ve been reading so many books. I walk on the treadmill for an hour on most days. Doh!

Out of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristan Higgins

Just when her son is graduating from high school, a woman finds out her husband is leaving her for another woman. The story is told by the point of view of the woman and the other woman. It was good - plus, it’s set in Cape Cod.

The Vibrant Years by Sonali Dev

Three generations of women come together to create the perfect add on for dating apps, while learning more about themselves in the process. Set in the beautiful beach town of Naples, Florida, Bhindu inherits a fortune from a man in her past. She uses the money to live out loud and sets an example for her daughter-in-law and granddaughter. It was delightful!

The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

But is it a love triangle? A woman needing a job is hired by a restaurant owner to be the assistant manager over the summer season. Sparks are flying, but he has a deep connection to the chef and co-owner of the restaurant. It was very good.

And to break from the beach theme:

Well Behaved Wives by Amy Sue Nath

Great story set in the early 1960s. A group of ladies meet and become friends in an etiquette class. Women’s empowerment is put to the test against the social constraints of the time. It was good.

MK out.

Movie Monday - 11/14/2022

I love watching Lesley Manville in her roles. Fortunately for me, she’s working a lot right now. I have Magpie Murders on my list to watch, and I noticed she’s playing Princess Margaret in this season of The Crown.

In Mrs. Harris Girls to Paris, Lesley Manville plays a widowed cleaner who aspires to own a Dior gown. It was delightful!

MK out.

Book Chat - 11/10/2022

I’ve read FIFTY books so far this year without thinking about it. Maybe, I need a life!

Someone Else’s Secret by Julia Spiro

Set in Martha’s Vineyard, this story follows a young woman who takes a nanny job for a wealthy family who can help her find a job in her field. The act of protecting the daughter in the family from a situation has repercussions later down the road. It was good.

Summer People by Elin Hilderbrand

Despite being one of her earlier books, Hilderbrand really takes off with this one. A recent widow packs up her 17-year-old twins, another teen who is virtually a stranger and heads to Nantucket Island for the summer. It was a very good read.

He Gets That From Me by Jacqueline Friedland

A woman sees an ad about becoming a gestational carrier, which she considers as a way to help her financial situation. It brings up an interesting twist that keeps the reader engaged. The ending didn’t ring very true to me, but it was good overall.

MK out.

Movie Monday - 11/7/2022

It’s “based on a true story” week.

First up, God Forbid: The Sex Scandal That Brought Down a Dynasty is a documentary about  Jerry Falwell, Jr. and his wife who had recruited a young guy to join them in their bedroom exploits. It was quite entertaining. 

In The Good Nurse, we learn about Charles Cullen, a nurse who is suspected of killing over 400 patients. Jessica Chastain plays the title character, who helped bring him to justice. He remains in jail serving several life sentences. What a creeper!

MK out.

Book Chat - 11/3/2022

It’s interesting how I am still enjoying beach reads, while simultaneously watching Hallmark Christmas movies. I guess I’m a complicated individual.

We Were Mothers by Katie Sise

A birthday party, a missing person, a college girl’s journal - all (and more) add up to many secrets being revealed. I liked this book.

The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford

A woman undergoes therapy to treat the trauma she inherited from all the women in her past. It was good.

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons

Eudora is old and is ready to die on her terms. And then a new family moves in next door with a little girl who is as bright and loud as her retina searing outfits. It was a delightful read.

Summer of ‘69 by Elin Hilderbrand

Elin did not disappoint with this story about a family who summers at their vacation home on Nantucket Island. It’s 1969 - the moon landing, Woodstock and the Viet Nam war make appearances. It was very good.

MK out.