Book Review-- The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck

I seem to be on a review trend lately, so here is another one.


The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y'Barbo (WaterBrook Press 2011)

I did not realize when I selected this book for my next Blogging for Books read that it is actually third in a series, The Rocky Mountain Heiress Collection; however, the novel is quite independant and works well as a stand alone.

Charlotte is eager for independance and bent on recieving a higher education so that she can help run the family business, but the only way her dad will agree to let her attend the renowned Wellesley is if she agrees to marry Alex Hambly, a handsome English Viscount. Alex is also offered strong incentive by Charlotte's father to marry into the Beck family, and the two agree to wed but make a secret agreement to annaul the marriage after a short time. What follows is an entertaining and lighthearted, if somewhat predictable, story which I enjoyed reading, even if it didn't exactly turn my world upside down. It seemed like a quick read, though the writeup says it's 352 pages (I read it on kindle). The book did contain some fresh aspects which I really appreciated, such as Alex being an astronomer and Charlotte somehow managing to be both spoiled, even outright bratty at times, and yet endearing. Overall, a pleasant and simple read. I wouldn't go out of my way to seek out the other books in this series, but may read them if given the opportunity.

I recieved the kindle edition of this book for free from the editor, in exchange for my honest review.

Les Misérables film review

It suddenly occurred to me whilst I sat pondering what ever in the world to make my next blog entry about, that I have not written a review for the Les Misérables film! How could this be!? I shall promptly remedy such an oversight. So...DUN DUN!

The film was released on Christmas day and I had the joy of seeing it just after. My pulse was pounding the instant it started-- how could it not be with Look Down thundering pleasantly in my ears? The story focuses on a man named Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), an ex-convict who has spent the past 19 years working in the galleys as the repercussions of stealing some bread. At the beginning of the story Valjean's sentence is up and he is released into a world too unforgiving to accept him because of his "dangerous" reputation. He finds refuge, however, in the home of a kind Bishop (Colm Wilkinson), but repays the Bishop's kindness by stealing from him. Valjean is caught and hauled back to the Bishop who orders the officers to release him and insists that he gave the man the silver. With this deed the Bishop tames Valjean's wild heart and thus the hardened criminal becomes a changed man, committing his life to good. The story that follows is of a man redeemed in the eyes of God but ever pursued by the strict and unforgiving laws of man personified through the legalistic Inspector Javert (Russel Crowe).

I will tell you flat out that if you do not like musicals you will hate this movie, because I could count the times the actors spoke their lines as opposed to singing them on my hand, but that's the way the play was written and that's the way the movie goes and that's one of the reasons I love it. I do feel that the story as read in Les Misérables the book could definitely be better represented than the play on which the movie was based, but as a film and as a work of art, it was beautiful.

Keep in mind that the title of the movie IS Les Misérables, and it IS a portrayal of "the miserable", so the story is not at all times uplifting, and you will likely cry more than you smile; in fact, it will break your heart, but in that emotionally binding way that we humans seem to love. Also, be warned that some scenes are inappropriate for children (the film is rated PG-13 and I did avert my gaze on a couple occasions).

The only thing I have left to tell you is, even if for NO other reason at all, see this movie for Anne Hathaway's performance as Fantine singing I Dreamed a Dream-- there has never been and likely never will be a more powerful performance of that song than hers.

I mentioned a while ago that I was reading the novel and wanted to finish it by the time this film was released; well, sadly I did not meet that goal, but I am still working my way through the very, very long --and incredibe-- story. Also, my wonderful fiancé is taking me to the play next month-- yeah, I'm more than just a little bit excited about that. So, certainly more thoughts and reviews to follow!


ARose

Book Review-- The Girl in the Glass

"The Girl in the Glass" by Susan Meissner (WaterBrook Press, 2012 )

Since her grandmother promised her as a child that she would take her to Florence someday, Meg has dreamed of little else. Then after her grandmother passes away, the promise to take her to Florence passes on to Meg's unstable father. Finally, after years of saying they would go only to let her down, it looks like he is finally going to pull through. Then everything goes wrong, and it seems that Meg's job as editor for a travel book company is the closest she is going to get to Italy. Her father let her down. Again. Or did he? When a ticket to Florence shows up on Meg's doorstep, she risks everything and takes the trip, hoping her dad will be waiting on the other end, but when she arrives no one is there to meet her. It falls to Meg's clients, brother and sister Lorenzo and Reneta, as well as Sophia, a woman who's memoir Meg is trying to convince her company to publish, to host her visit. Amid the tours of awe-inspiring cathedrals, statues and paintings, Meg discovers, not only the beauty of an ancient city, but the complexity of the human soul, and the necessity of dreams.

This book has a pull akin, perhaps, to the tantalization of Florence itself, and once I hit a certain point it was difficult to put it down. Though this is the first of Meissner's work I have read, I caught on quickly to her distinct style; while some authors paint their stage and leave most detail to the imagination, Meissner seems to pinpoint and give detailed descriptions as she chooses, leaving most of the broader setting to the imagination. While I found her style tedious at times, I can not fault a writer for having a voice, and she is good at what she does. The characters were well-rounded (we meet a diversity of personality types within these pages, not just generic cutouts), and the plot alluring, though I did stumble a little over the first several chapters while I waited for the story to get moving, but when it does begin to move it holds its pace well.

As for the overall message, I'm somewhat torn. I consider myself a dreamer, but can we make something true simply because we believe it to be so? This book seems to suggest that we can. On the other hand, Meg does draw the conclusion that dreams are good as long we know where the dream stops and where reality begins; both have a place. I like to think that dreams can change reality. While we cannot always change the circumstances around us, we can choose the attitude with which we handle them, and that can make reality easier to bear. A dream, a simple dream, seems empty if it does not contain some substance. I feel that Meissner's characters are dreamy creatures who move to the winds of their emotions, and by the end of the story have at least half learned that we can take charge of our own destiny and make our dreams, the ones worth having, a reality.

The fact that this novel is considered Christian and didn't seem very Christian both pleased and disappointed me: on one hand I do not like overly "religious" books that manipulate a story to make God into something that He isn't, but on the other hand it perhaps could have carried a more resonating message of the healing and change that is possible when we look to God for our strength.

Overall, an enjoyable read, and I would pick up another one of her books in the future.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.

Why We Believe Pt. 1

With Christmas coming on, I thought it an appropriate time to reflect on the gifts of the holiday. I was thinking last night, about how the birth of Jesus Christ into our world is everything. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not (and I know Dec. 25th isn't Christ's actual birthday), the fact that God designed a redemption plan for mankind because He loved us enough to give us a second chance, is both heartbreaking and astonishing.

Amid these reflections, I ask myself: do we really understand what was given? Do we comprehend the price paid by the Father and the Son?

Sometimse I feel I sypathize better with the reverent Abraham grasping the dagger above his long promised only son upon that solitude mountain alter, than to the Father of humanity upon His heavenly throne, beholding as His son's life painfully resigned amid the slanders and ridicule of His own brethren. I suppose it's the human aspect that makes it easier to relate to the human Abraham. But is not man created in the image of God, and are not our attributes the whisper of His own? Most undoubtably, God's heart broke at Golgatha. And what of Christ? Willingly led to His own crucifiction to give sinners such as those condemning him the opportunity to be loved by God? No wonder the apostle John was inspired to pen these words, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: ..."! (1 Jn. 1:3)

Jesus gave himself in both life and death, through ministry and through crucifiction. God help us overcome our petty cares. I'm not saying this to heap guilt on anybody, I'm saying it because it's truth. And I'm not saying nothing we do is good enough, God accepts what we are able to give-- all of our heart, mind, soul and strength. It's so easy, at times, to make God abstract. Dare we aspire to live in the reality of a mighty, loving, terrible, gracious, merciful God?

How? With your heart. I don't care whether you open a soup kitchen or give everything you have to the poor, if your heart is not perfected and purified by God then these are but empty offerings. God wants you; an obedient, willing heart. When you simply open yourself to the Lord, you enable Him to freely work in your life. Are you willing?

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Rom. 8:18

I think we can easily become decieved into thinking that our struggles with Christianity are worse than everybody else's. All those strong Christians we see and know must have it so easy, right? Wrong. Usually the reason someone is strong is because they have experienced and endured and triuphed the same trials you face. Loving God is not a feeling. It's a purpose of the heart. It's a willful decision to fight the tide, to throw ourselves upon the Rock and be broken, because we cannot stand alone; to climb over the roadblocks satan puts in our path. Christianity is not a key that unlocks an easy life, but it is the key to peace. Paying the price of toil is nothing compared to the price that was payed to pave our way. "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." 2 Tim. 2:3

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Rom. 12:2

It's so easy to just give up, to lose ourselves to the tumbling current of this world, to stop fighting; but the instant we do, just as on the battle field, we are dead. Those who endure recieve the victory. The fight's not over, not in this lifetime.

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. ... Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." Jam. 1:2-4, 12

Fighting the good fight,

ARose

Pride & Prejudice ... and Politics (and wisdom from Marilla)

Last night millions of Americans held their breath as they awaited the fate of our country's future. When it was all said and done, a lot of people I know were pretty let down (though I have close friends on both sides of the fence); the person they thought could save our country from its moral and economic tailspin had just lost.

So what now?

Here are some thoughts.

Christians, do not forget your Leader. "I know, I know! God is still Lord and He's still in charge of His people-- I know! But that doesn't mean I want my country to go to the dogs."

Neither do I, but listen up-- do you think God could have changed the outcome of the election if He wanted to? Of course He could have, "...the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will." (Dan. 4:32) Sometimes God just gives people what they deserve. Maybe this leader is what our nation deserves. Maybe God allowed it because He wants to see if His people will still trust Him, no matter how hard things get. I don't really know, I'm not God. I do know, however, that blaming people isn't going to do any good. Perhaps the outcome of this election is a sad reflection of the state of our society-- that does grieve me, but does it change who I am in Christ? Only if I allow it to embitter me and destroy my witness and my faith; if I allow that, then the enemy has truly won.

If you're feeling particularly down because of the election, then just say this with me...

So what!? Has God changed? Is Jesus Christ still on his throne? Am I still a part of God's kingdom? Is His government still just and moral? Will God's promises still apply to me even when the world in which we live changes? YES! "For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." Malachi 3:6 . What hurts the rest of the world, is not going to hurt God's people! "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee." Psalm 91:7

Thank goodness we do not serve a fickle God. His kingdom is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Maybe God doesn't want us to get too comfortable in this world, because He wants us to remember that IT IS NOT OUR HOME. If your heart is broken because SOME MAN isn't sitting on the earthly throne in the oval office, then perhaps, dearest friends, you need to reconsider your values. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:34)

Are you worried about our country's future? Please carefully read this passage from Matthew 6...

²⁵ Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

²⁶ Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

²⁷ Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

²⁸ And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

²⁹ And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

³⁰ Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

³¹ Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

³² (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

³³ But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

³⁴ Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Maybe life is going to get harder for us. Are we going to whine about it or rise to the occasion and LIVE HARDER FOR GOD? Maybe Christians have been too pampered in America and we've grown complacent, so God is giving us a wake up call. Jesus said we would have persecution, and He said to REJOICE when we do. This world is only getting darker, so it's time for Christians to start shining stronger. It is so important that we know where we stand-- on the Rock, Jesus Christ, or we will fall. Don't let bits of sand, faith in mankind, sneak into your foundation. God wants to know if He has your heart. "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes." Psalm 118:9 Don't let the results of this election bring division, do not let it embitter you against your brothers and sisters in Christ for not voting how you thought they should or for not voting at all. It's not worth it.

You want to change our nation? Do it from the core up. Change the hearts of the people-- tell them about Jesus Christ. Tell them to depart from sin. Then pray, because prayer is more powerful than a ballot.

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." Prov. 14:34

As Marilla Cuthbert might say (if she lived in the US), "'The sun will keep on rising and setting' whether a Democrat or a Republican is president."

Now, go watch a good movie like Pride and Prejudice, and remember that even when things look poorly, we're not seeing the big picture, and sometimes --always-- God is working, whether we see it or not.

Yours Thoughtfully,

aRose

Read this... "That's all I ask of you!"

Update time! Why? Because I know that you love reading about my life. Truly love it.

According to my kindle I am 67% of the way through Les Miserables. I have been reading since July. Please do not judge me, it's a long book! And I have been enjoying it on the deepest level. When I finish I'm sure I will write a marvelous review explaining in great detail what I think the book is about and how impressed I was with it. For now, I won't even get started.

Last month I did lots of research on publishing houses and ended up with a big lump of discouragement in my soul; nevertheless, I have been working on editing my book so that it will be ready when I am prepared to attack the writer's market and change it forever! On the bright side, I just submitted my latest article to Encouraging Word, so at least I am accomplishing something.


Okay, I have a confession to make... just about the only music (besides praise and worship) that I have been listening to for about the past month is the Broadway show tunes station on Pandora. I can't seem to get enough of it. Well, wait, that's not true, I'm actually craving some more variety... I just can't decide where to look. Any suggestions? Oh, as long as we are talking about musicals, let me share a recent discovery with you!


I have been a fan of The Phantom of the Opera film (2004) for several years. Well, some of you may have noticed that recently a movie was released of the 25th anniversary performance at the Royal Albert Hall. This was available for instant play on Netflix (I allow myself the small luxury of the cheapest subscription you can get to Netflix-- what can I say? I'm positively extravagant), so I gave it a shot. Wow! I was blown away, and I don't think I will ever be fully satisfied with the movie from now on. I can't exactly pit Emmy Rossum (Christine from the movie) against Sierra Boggess, the beautiful and talented actress who played Christine in the 25th anniversary performance, because they were both adroit performers and outstanding singers. My opinion is that Emmy has the prettiest voice, and Sierra, perhaps, has more heart and character (her performance of "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" demolished my soul)-- which, I suppose, is more desirable in a stage performance than a Hollywood drama.

 
As for the Phantom, I was sold on Gerard Butler in the film, but Ramin Karimloo just about has me convinced to back out of my contract (I still need to do some comparisons). I am certainly no theatrical critic, but my humble opinion is that all was well cast and well preformed in this stunning 25th anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber's (who, by the way, seemed very pleased with the production also) The Phantom of the Opera.




In summery, if you are a Phantom fan, or simply a musical fan, I recommend you watch this and enjoy (only a brief caution that all may not be deemed suitable for children).


So, there are a few random musings to tide you over. I look forward to talking again soon.

Yours ever,

ARose

"Would You Like to Hear a Poem?"

As far as skill goes, this poem has little, but it was born from the depths of my musings, and it was time for a blog update (post title compliments of "Joe vs. The Valcano").

Of Being Reborn by aRose

We see and wake while part asleep and partly blind,

Our eyes conceal what our heart hesitates to find;

Then, a cog is turned, a piece relented,

A raindrop falls; our world is reinvented.

And, with the gracious blow of a clap of thunder,

The barred doors are split, the veil rent asunder;

Light breaks upon our midnight shore,

And we, the least, by the least become something more.

Our ragged souls, torn and trodden, are again engendered,

And through pain and pleasure, in ghastly beauty newly rendered.