Looky Here Imma Reading

Simply love to read.

[hallmark-movie-fanatics]

Hallmark Publishing - Book List 

(Updated)

Journey Back to Christmas by Leigh Duncan (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - October 17, 2017

Christmas in Homestead by Kara Tate (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - October 24, 2017 

Love You Like Christmas by Keri F. Sweet (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - October 30, 2017 

A Heavenly Christmas by Rhonda Merwarth (Based on the Hallmark Hall of Fame Original Movie) - November 7, 2017 

Dash of Love by Liz Isaacson (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - December 26, 2017 

Moonlight in Vermont by Kacy Cross (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - January 2, 2018

Love Locks by Cory Martin (Based on the Hallmark Hall of Fame Original Movie) - February 20, 2018 

The Perfect Catch by Cassidy Carter (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - March 27, 2018 

Like Cats & Dogs by Alexis Stanton (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - April 17, 2018 

Dater’s Handbook by Cara Lockwood (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - May 15, 2018 

A Christmas to Remember by Rebecca Moesta (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - June 26, 2018 

Christmas in Evergreen by Nancy Naigle (Book 1) (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - July 10, 2018

A Country Wedding by Leigh Duncan (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - July 24, 2018 

Sunrise Cabin by Stacey Donovan - September 16, 2018 

The Christmas Company by Alys Murray - October 16, 2018 

A Timeless Christmas by Alexis Stanton (Made into a Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - October 21, 2018 

October Kiss by Kristen Ethridge (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - August 21, 2018 

At the Heart of Christmas by Jill Monroe - November 6, 2018 

The Secret Ingredient by Nancy Naigle (Made into a Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - February 12, 2019 

Love on Location by Cassidy Carter - March 12, 2019 

Beach Wedding Weekend by Rachel Magee - May 15, 2019 

Love at the Shore by Teri Wilson (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - June 11, 2019 

A Down Home Christmas by Liz Talley - July 2, 2019 

Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa by Nancy Naigle (Book 2) (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - July 16, 2019

Out of the Picture: A Shepherd Sisters Mystery by Tracy Gardner (Book 1) - September 3, 2019 

A Royal Christmas Wish by Lizzie Shane - September 10, 2019 

A Gingerbread Romance by Lacey Baker (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - September 17, 2019 

An Unforgettable Christmas by Ginny Baird - September 24, 2019 

Wrapped Up in Christmas by Janice Lynn (Book 1) - October 1, 2019 

Love by Chance by Kacy Cross (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - December 26, 2019 

The Game Changer: A Parkwood Mystery by Jennifer Brown (Book 1) - January 7, 2020 

Country Hearts by Cindi Madsen - January 20, 2020 

The Story of Us by Teri Wilson (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - February 4, 2020 

A Simple Wedding: A Heart’s Landing Novel by Leigh Duncan (Book 1) - March 10, 2020 

In Other Words, Love by Shirley Jump - April 21, 2020 

A Cottage Wedding: A Heart’s Landing Novel by Leigh Duncan (Book 2) - June 2, 2020 

Christmas in Bayberry by Jennifer Faye - July 7, 2020 

Sailing at Sunset by Cindi Madsen - July 21, 2020 

Behind the Frame: A Shepherd Sisters Mystery by Tracy Gardner (Book 2) - August 11, 2020 

Dead-End Detective: A Piper & Porter Mystery by Amanda Flower (Book 1) - August 25, 2020 

Christmas Charms by Teri Wilson - October 6, 2020

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn (Book 2) - October 27, 2020 

Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy by Nancy Naigle (Book 3) (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - November 3, 2020

Rescuing Harman Ranch by Jennie Marts - February 23, 2021 

Murder by Page One: A Peach Coast Library Mystery by Olivia Matthews (Book 1) - March 23, 2021 

A Waterfront Wedding: A Heart’s Landing Novel by Leigh Duncan (Book 3) - April 20, 2021 

Wedding in the Pines by Cassidy Carter - May 4, 2021 

South Beach Love by Caridad Pineiro (Made into a Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - May 25, 2021 

Once Upon A Royal Summer by Teri Wilson - June 15, 2021 

Sweet Tea by Piper Huguley - July 13, 2021 

An Amish Flower Farm by Mindy Steele - July 27, 2021 

Still Life and Death: A Shepherd Sisters Mystery by Tracy Gardner (Book 3) - August 10, 2021 

On Christmas Avenue by Ginny Baird - September 21, 2021 

Mistletoe in Juneau by Dahlia Rose - October 19, 2021 

Wrapped Up in Christmas Hope by Janice Lynn (Book 3) - October 26, 2021

Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing by Lacey Baker (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) - November 2, 2021 

Cowboy Ever After by Jennie Marts - June 28, 2022 

The Beach Escape by Rachel Magee  - August 9, 2022 

Murder Out of Character: A Peach Coast Library Mystery by Olivia Matthews (Book 2) - September 13, 2022 

Once Upon A Royal Christmas by Teri Wilson - November 1, 2022 

Christmas at the Amish Market by Shelly Shepard Gray - November 8, 2022 

Frozen Detective: A Piper & Parker Mystery by Amanda Flower (Book 2) - December 6, 2022 

Coming Soon 

Sweeter than Chocolate by Lizzie Shane - January 17, 2023  Love Under the Apple Blossoms by Kristi Hong - April 18, 2023 

[hallmark-movie-fanatics]

Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas: Celebrate the Movie Magic (REVISED EDITION) 

The brand-new edition of the official Hallmark Channel Christmas bestseller offers even more festive recipes, decorating and wrapping tips, and star photos and memories.

This ultimate deck-the-halls guide is an exclusive inside look at the making of everyone’s favorite holiday classics with secrets from the stars, screenwriters, set designers, costume designers, and directors who create the movie magic.

The network’s top leading ladies and gentlemen—Lacey Chabert, Kristin Chenoweth, Chris McNally, Christina Milian, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Jodie Sweetin, Holly Robinson Peete, Alexa and Carlos PenaVega, and many others—share their personal holiday recipes, favorite ideas for Christmas decorating and gift giving, as well as ways to savor and share the true meaning of the holidays. This revised edition includes even more recipes (gingerbread houses! Christmas morning brunch! festive cocktails!), tree trimming techniques, DIY moments (gift wrapping ideas! ornaments! garlands!) and watch-party ideas and menus (including new bingo cards and tasty nibbles!) to enjoy alongside your Christmas movie marathon.

Inside you’ll find:

60 recipes for delicious holiday meals, Christmas cookies, desserts, drinks, and snacks, plus recipes from the Hallmark Channel movie stars such as Chris McNally’s Classic Eggnog, and Lacey Chabert’s Sweet Potato Pie

Decorating and gift-wrapping ideas and thoughtful ways to express gratitude

Everything you need to host a watch-party including super-fun quizzes to test your Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie IQ  

Color photos throughout including captivating images from your favorite holiday romances

It’s the must-have gift for your favorite Hallmark Channel movie fan or for anyone who wants to put a little more happily-ever-after into the happiest season of all! 

Available October 18, 2022 

Pre-Order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble

[looky-here-imma-reading]

Looky Here Imma Reading turned 4 today!

[looky-here-imma-reading]

Amish Country Secret by Lenora Worth (Amish Seasons #5)

My rating: 2 1/2 out of 5 stars 

Synopsis: 

This murder witness is returning home…

With a secret someone wants to bury. 

With a hit out on her life, Samantha Herndon escapes to the one place she knows she’ll be safe—her Amish grandmother’s empty home. But when a tornado flings her car into Micah King’s field, her plans for solitary refuge end. The Amish bachelor knows the Englischer is trouble, but he’s falling for her anyway. Can Micah keep Samantha alive…and convince her to stay? 

My Review: 

It took me a moment to get through this book, so much of it is absolutely unbelievable which is completely fine, but in the end I just didn't buy the romance at the center of it all. That's a major part of this story. It started well, Samantha running away from something dangerous, and getting caught up in a tornado and literally landing in Micah's field got my attention. Samantha then hiding out with the Amish, and the bad guys trying many a dastardly deed to get to her was some fast paced unbelievably entertaining moments. The whole drone flying over the field and shooting it up had me like 'are you serious', but in a good way. When the story focuses on just the growing bond between Samantha and Micah is when I got bored with it. Those moments I found stalled the story, when nothing dangerous was happening it just dragged. Actually if I'm being honest I found Micah to be dull, they're just wasn't much to him. Yes he was heroic, and obviously a caring person, but he seemed a tad underdeveloped. All that build up for the main bad guy, the tension of it all, and it kinda ended on a whimper.

Apparently this is the last book, the fifth, in the Amish Seasons series. I could tell because certain characters that were introduced got mini detailed introductions that felt like chunks were missing from their backstory and they never got back to it. Sure sign that these characters were the leads in other stories. That said this totally works fine as a stand alone, and I wasn't lost not having read any of the other books in the series. This is the first novel I ever read by Lenora Worth, and while this one didn't hit it out of the park for me, totally would read more from her.

[looky-here-imma-reading]

Lessons From The Mountain 'What I Learned From Erin Walton' by Mary McDonough

3 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis:

For nine seasons, Mary McDonough was part of one of the most beloved families in television history. Just ten years-old when she was cast as the pretty, wholesome middle child Erin, Mary grew up on the set of The Waltons, alternately embracing and rebelling against her good-girl onscreen persona. Now, as the first cast member to write about her experiences on the classic series, she candidly recounts the joys and challenges of growing up Walton--from her overnight transformation from a normal kid in a working class, Irish Catholic family, to a Hollywood child star, to the personal challenges that led her to take on a new role as an activist for women's body image issues. Touching, funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and always illuminating, Lessons from the Mountain is the story of everything Mary McDonough learned on her journey over--and beyond--that famous mountain.

My Review:

I love The Waltons, and I honestly didn't know that any of the cast members wrote autobiographies of their time on the show so I was pretty excited to come across this. Mary McDonough who played Erin Walton is the first to do so. Though I found out Joe Conley who played Ike Godsey wrote a book as well. I guess I should amend this and say the first main cast member to write a tell all, or the first of the Waltons kids to write a memoir. Coincidently outside of John Boy, Erin was my favorite character.

If you're hoping for a lot of talk on the making of the show, behind the scenes antics, maybe even potential scandals this ain't the book for you. It really doesn't dwell on the show, or really any other show or movie McDonough did. I have to be honest, that was super disappointing. I wished she would've shared so much more about her time doing the show. Maybe that's unfair on my part, her life is more than just that show. She does talk about her acting career and drops a few juicy tidbits here and there, but her memories are shared randomly and in no particular order. She went through some harrowing stuff, and Judd Nelson was a dick to her one time. Honestly I struggled to the finish line, I kept putting the book down. I found the second half far more interesting, when she talks about her implants and how they made her sick, her Lupus diagnosis, and her activism. I will say she was honest enough about her self doubts as a child star, her body image, and her struggles to make it post Waltons. This book is not a tell all, it's not even a biography, it really is about tidbits of lessons McDonough learned along the way that had a profound impact on her. So if you think about it the title of this book is pretty accurate. McDonough doesn't really ever tell a whole story, just fragments of one. A lot of it feels so incomplete. She shared what she was gonna share, and that's that. Not an entirely bad read, there are some interesting factoids, just not enough for anyone looking for a deep dive into her life or the Waltons.

[looky-here-imma-reading]

The Princess Game by Soman Chainani (Faraway Collection #3) 

3 1/2 stars ⭐⭐⭐ 

Synopsis: 

There are no happy endings for the Princesses of Chaminade High in this short, twisty tale of teenage murder games by the New York Times bestselling author of The School for Good and Evil series. The victims are the most popular girls in school, each murdered and arranged in a grim fairy-tale tableau. To find the killer, rookie detective Callum Pederson has gone undercover where the Princes hold court. He’s found enough secrets among the bros to bring them in for questioning—but he could very well get lost in the games the Princes play. 

My Review: 

Pretty good. So far the best story I’ve read in the Faraway collection. Really liked the flow of the story, and it moved along at a good pace and kept me interested. I knew there was gonna be a twist to the ending so that did not disappoint. A real messed up story filled with unlikeable characters that leaves you feeling like you wished certain folks had been smarter. That ending played out like I thought it would, and for this type of story it was the perfect way to close out. Really enjoyed this one.

[looky-here-imma-reading]

Hazel and Gray by Nic Stone (Faraway Collection #2) 

2 stars ⭐⭐ 

Synopsis: 

Two anxious young lovers lost in the woods. A beckoning mansion in a dark clearing. A short modern-day retelling of Hansel and Gretel by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin. It’s bad enough that Hazel and Gray have defied the demands of Hazel’s foul stepfather. The Monster has forbidden their romance. Now they’ve awakened in the forest, phones dead, hours past curfew. But not far away is a grand estate in the middle of nowhere. The door is open. In this short story about choosing your own path, the fury of the Monster that awaits them back home may be nothing compared to what lies ahead. 

My Review: (Kind of Spoilery) 

Not for me. A modern day retelling of Hansel and Gretel, but with an even darker twist than throwing kids in an oven to eat them. The story is heavy, really dark, and unpleasant which is fine if your okay with the subject matter. Just to let people know, and it’s spoilers, we’re dealing with underage sex trafficking. This will definitely not be for everyone. The twists were very predictable which was a bummer. There was not one moment when I couldn’t figure out what was going on, where they were, or who were the baddies. There’s definitely some social commentary going on in this story as well. I’d say give it a read if your interested. For me it was just to dreary and predictable.

[looky-here-imma-reading]

The Prince and the Troll by Rainbow Rowell (Faraway Collection #1) 

2 1/2 stars ⭐⭐

Synopsis: 

A charming everyman and a mysterious something-under-the-bridge cross paths in a short fairy tale by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eleanor & Park and the Simon Snow series. It’s fate when a man accidentally drops his phone off the bridge. It’s fortune when it’s retrieved by a friendly shape sloshing in the muck underneath. From that day forward, as they share a coffee every morning, an unlikely friendship blooms. Considering the reality for the man above, where life seems perfect, and that of the sharp-witted creature below, how forever after can a happy ending be? 

My Review: (Slight Spoilers)

What a bummer. I don’t need my fairytales to have a happy ending whether they’re a modern day retelling or not, I just want to be satisfied. This story really didn’t do anything for me. It’s well written, but it lacked something, and I couldn’t get invested. I was intrigued at first, I figured out it was some kind of allegory to climate change and all that which is fine, but I don’t really think there was enough there to make me care. I think it’s fine for a short story, but I was really sick of the whole Starbucks thing. I mean I know it’s a plot device to get these two together and taking, but it felt more like a Starbucks commercial in the middle of a beware of climate change message. Maybe that was the point, but it annoyed me to no end. This isn’t gonna be for everybody, but I don’t regret reading it, and I think there’s gonna be quite a few folks who will enjoy this story, so it’s definitely worth the read. There just wasn’t enough to hook me in.

[looky-here-imma-reading]

The next 'Outlander' book finally has a release date - plus, see the cover

See the cover for Diana Gabaldon's next 'Outlander' book, 'Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone,' and find out the release date.

[looky-here-imma-reading]

The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel 

4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Synopsis: 

Olivia Dunne, a studious minister's daughter who dreams of being an archaeologist, never thought that the drama of World War II would affect her quiet life in Denver. An exhilarating flirtation reshapes her life, though, and she finds herself banished to a rural Colorado outpost, married to a man she hardly knows. Overwhelmed by loneliness, Olivia tentatively tries to establish a new life, finding much-needed friendship and solace in two Japanese American sisters who are living at a nearby internment camp. When Olivia unwittingly becomes an accomplice to a crime and is faced with betrayal, she finally confronts her own desires. Beautifully written and filled with memorable characters, Creel's novel is a powerful exploration of the nature of trust and love. 

My Review: 

I read this book because I loved the Hallmark movie they made based on it, and I don't regret it one bit. If anybody has seen the movie it's slightly different than the book, but both are a great read/watch. This book is so good, absolutely loved it. While the movie makes choices so you can root for the romance, and have a happy-ish ending, the book goes into far greater and deeper emotional depths. Book wise I wish Olivia would've made the opposite choice than she did. That's the beauty of this book, all of Livy's choices are so believable and we as readers want her to go one way or another, but in the end whatever she chooses we're happy for her because she deserves it. This book isn't afraid to make our lead unlikable at times, exploring her very real human nature. Theres so much richness in this novel, the characters leap off the page. I do wish we could've seen or understood Ray a touch better. We solely see him through Livy's point of view, and even as she gets to know him better he's still puzzle of sorts. I just wish there was more to him. There's definitely an exploration of one's self while you're reading. 

[looky-here-imma-reading]

The Cold Dish (A Walt Longmire Mystery #1) by Craig Johnson 

4 out of 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟 

Synopsis: 

Walt Longmire, sheriff of Wyoming's Absaroka County, knows he's got trouble when Cody Pritchard is found dead. Two years earlier, Cody and three accomplices had been given suspended sentences for raping a Northern Cheyenne girl. Is someone seeking vengeance? Longmire faces one of the more volatile and challenging cases in his twenty-four years as sheriff and means to see that revenge, a dish that is best served cold, is never served at all. 

My Review: 

This book is so freaking good, could not put it down. What a great read. I love the television series so I thought it was about time I check out the books. I was hooked from page one. Great characters, surprisingly witty, has a good mystery, and such vivid storytelling. There are elements of this book that play through out the first season of Longmire, so it was neat to see how close yet different the show is from the novels. Definitely a must read. 

[looky-here-imma-reading]

The Bride to Belle Island by Julie Klassen 

3 1/2 stars 💫💫💫 

Synopsis: 

After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn't satisfied with Bow Street's efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Eager to leave London for a while, Benjamin agrees. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon he finds himself falling for the main suspect--a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But should he trust her? On Belle Island, Isabelle feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee's murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man's death. Or is it a memory? She had been furious with him, but she never intended . . . this. When a second person dies and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn't know who to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on the island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling. 

My Review: 

I enjoyed this one. It's a quick read, has a lot of characters and moving parts, an interesting who done it with an action pack climax. The romance of it all was just okay. Doesn't quite feel set in 1819, read to me more like a cozy 1930s mystery. You can feel the homage too Agatha Christie through out the novel. The language was a bit too modern, but not a deal breaker. Still very much a fun read.

[hallmark-movie-fanatics]

Hallmark Publishing - Book List 

Journey Back to Christmas by Leigh Duncan (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

Christmas in Homestead by Kara Tate (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

Love You Like Christmas by Keri F. Sweet (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

A Heavenly Christmas by Rhonda Merwarth (Based on the Hallmark Hall of Fame Original Movie) 

Dash of Love by Liz Isaacson (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

Moonlight in Vermont by Kacy Cross (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

Love Locks by Cory Martin (Based on the Hallmark Hall of Fame Original Movie) 

The Perfect Catch by Cassidy Carter (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

Like Cats & Dogs by Alexis Stanton (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

Dater’s Handbook by Cara Lockwood (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

A Christmas to Remember by Rebecca Moesta (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

Christmas in Evergreen by Nancy Naigle (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

A Country Wedding by Leigh Duncan (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

Sunrise Cabin by Stacey Donovan 

The Christmas Company by Alys Murray 

A Timeless Christmas by Alexis Stanton (Made into a Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

October Kiss by Kristen Ethridge (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

At the Heart of Christmas by Jill Monroe 

The Secret Ingredient by Nancy Naigle (Made into a Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

Love on Location by Cassidy Carter 

Beach Wedding Weekend by Rachel Magee 

Love at the Shore by Teri Wilson (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

A Down Home Christmas by Liz Talley 

Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa by Nancy Naigle (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

Out of the Picture: A Shepherd Sisters Mystery by Tracy Gardner 

A Royal Christmas Wish by Lizzie Shane 

A Gingerbread Romance by Lacey Baker (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

An Unforgettable Christmas by Ginny Baird 

Wrapped Up in Christmas by Janice Lynn 

Love by Chance by Kacy Cross (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

The Game Changer: A Parkwood Mystery by Jennifer Brown 

Country Hearts by Cindi Madsen 

The Story of Us by Teri Wilson (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

A Simple Wedding: A Heart’s Landing Novel by Leigh Duncan 

In other Words, Love by Shirley Jump 

A Cottage Wedding: A Heart’s Landing Novel by Leigh Duncan 

Christmas in Bayberry by Jennifer Faye 

Sailing at Sunset by Cindi Madsen 

Behind the Frame: A Shepherd Sisters Mystery by Tracy Gardner 

Dead-End Detective: A Piper & Porter Mystery by Amanda Flower 

Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy by Nancy Naigle (Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie) 

Christmas Charms by Teri Wilson 

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn 

Rescuing Harman Ranch by Jennie Marts 

Murder by page One: A Peach Coast Mystery by Olivia Matthews 

A Waterfront Wedding: A Heart’s Landing Novel by Leigh Duncan 

Wedding in the Pines by Cassidy Carter - COMING SOON 

South Beach Love by Caridad Pineiro - COMING SOON 

Once Upon A Royal Summer by Teri Wilson - COMING SOON 

Sweet Tea by Piper Huguley - COMING SOON 

An Amish Flower Farm by Mindy Steele - COMING SOON 

Still Life and Death: A Shepherd Sisters Mystery by Tracy Gardner - COMING SOON 

Will Update this post with new releases. 

[looky-here-imma-reading]

The Wisdom of Call The Midwife: Words of inspiration from the Sisters and midwives of Nonnatus House by Heidi Thomas 

3 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐  

Synopsis: 

Call the Midwife is loved across the world for its moving and intimate insights into the colourful world of midwifery and family life in the East End of London in the 1950s and 60s. The residents of Poplar and of Nonnatus House have brought comfort and joy to millions of people through their words and shared experiences. In this book you will find a collection of the best, most heart-warming and inspiring narrations and life-affirming quotes, taken from the original scripts by Heidi Thomas, alongside beautiful photographs from the show. There are lessons on love, friendship, motherhood, faith, family, home and much more - and we will hear from, among others, the voices of glamorous but vulnerable Trixie, forthright Nurse Crane, the delightfully witty Sisters Evangelina and Monica Joan and of course the wise and iconic narrations of Jennifer. The perfect book to see you through both hard and better times, this lovely collection will inspire and entertain in equal measure. 

My Review: 

Nice.

I love Call the Midwife, it’s such a wonderful show and this book of quotes from the nine series thus far is pretty neat. I normally wouldn’t buy something like this, but I couldn’t pass up that Kindle sale. Reading all the quotes reminded me of how much of this show rings true, and how well written it can be. I totally wanted to watch the show right after reading this. The layout is solid, it’s got cute little illustrations and photos from the series. Nice gift for the die hard fan. 

[looky-here-imma-reading]

Turner Classic Movies: Christmas in the Movies: 30 Classics to Celebrate the Season by Jeremy Arnold 

4 out of 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟  🎄🎥 

Synopsis: 

Turner Classic Movies presents a bucket list of the best and most beloved holiday films of all time, complete with spirited commentary, behind-the-scenes stories, and photos spanning eight decades of Christmastime favorites.

Nothing brings the spirit of the season into our hearts quite like a great holiday movie. "Christmas films" come in many shapes and sizes and exist across many genres. Some, like It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story, are perennials, while others, such as Die Hard, have only gradually become yuletide favorites. But they all have one thing in common: they use themes evoked by the holiday period - nostalgia, joy, togetherness, dysfunction, commercialism, or cynicism - as a force in their storytelling.

Turner Classic Movies: Christmas in the Movies showcases the very best among this uniquely spirited strain of cinema. Each film is profiled on what makes it a "Christmas movie," along with behind-the-scenes stories of its production, reception, and legacy. Complemented by a trove of color and black-and-white photos, Turner Classic Movies: Christmas in the Movies is a glorious salute to a collection of the most treasured films of all time.

Among the 30 films included: The Shop Around the Corner, Holiday Inn, Meet Me in St. Louis, It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas, A Christmas Story, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, Little Women, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. 

My Notes: 

It’s amazing that many of these Christmas classics, staples of holiday film, were box office bombs or not released during the actual Christmas holiday season. 

They’ve included Die Hard! 

Hmm, I’ve never thought of 1994’s Little Women as a Christmas movie but this book makes a great case for it. Best version of Little Women ever done, hands down. And yes it’s 1001 times better than the 2019 version directed by Greta Gerwig. 

My Review: 

A really fun read. I found this book delightful. I loved reading about all the holiday films, as a lover of Christmas films I felt I had to read this book. I’m sure in the thirty films this book highlights somebody’s favorite was left out. I questioned a few omissions myself, but overall I thought the thirty they did pick were a good variety of films spanning from the nineteen thirties to the early two thousands. The pictures were lovely, the snippets and facts about the films were interesting, and the layout of the book was solid. It was never dull for me. I loved it. It’s also a great read for folks if their interested in discovering some classic Christmas movies that aren’t as well know today.

[looky-here-imma-reading]

Masterpiece: America’s 50-Year-Old Love Affair with British Television Drama by Nancy West 

2 out of 5 stars ✨✨ 

Synopsis: 

What accounts for Masterpiece's longevity and influence? Masterpiece offers two reasons: the power of its drama and its aspirational appeal. West delivers great stories, stories that transport, enthrall, enrich, and comfort us, while also speaking to a uniquely American belief in the possibility of self-improvement, even self-transformation, through the acquisition of "culture." 

My Notes: 

"Enjoying this so far, but clearly the editor fell asleep at the wheel. I’ve noticed a bunch of stupid little mistakes. Like they ask a question that has an A, B, or C answer then say the answer is D. What? Number the questions with 2.2 or 7.2, all clear mistakes. Plus no spacing between certain words. I’m glad I only paid 99 cents for the Kindle version." 

"I don’t think the author watched the Downton Abbey movie right, or totally misinterpreted it." 

"I knew this wasn’t right but I double checked and rewatched the video of Fred Rogers giving his speech to Congress in 1969, he was not wearing his trademark cardigan sweater as the author states in this book. He’s wearing a suit. There’s a bunch of photographs of it as well. Sigh." 

"Sometimes I feel while reading this that I’m getting yelled at for being a fan of Masterpiece." 

"I’m fairly certain 2005’s Bleak House had fifteen episodes, not sixteen. Unless she’s splitting the first episode in two because that one was sixty minutes while the other episodes were only thirty minutes. Gonna look that up, be right back. I’m back, and I was right, it’s only fifteen episodes. I do remember when this aired on Masterpiece in hour long installments, it was eight episodes." 

"Mas terpiece. Did nobody edit or check this book before print? Either they don’t space between two words or put a space in the middle of a longer word." 

"Bette Davis never played Queen Victoria in film or television. She did however portray Queen Elizabeth l twice. Takes two minutes to fact check folks." 

"It says here in 2015 Wolf Hall was the first Tudor program to air on Masterpiece in 25yrs is incorrect. In 2003 they aired Henry VIII and I only remember that cause Sean Bean was in it. That’s only like 12yrs. Plus the Virgin Queen in 2006." 

"Now they calling my fav 80s fun crime shows indisputably crappy with low grade actors. Damn lady. WTF. 😆" 

"Jolyon was not Soames’ brother but his cousin. Come on, it takes just a minute to fact check this stuff." 

"In the 2008 rebranded opening for Masterpiece while Colin Firth is in the montage it is not from Pride & Prejudice because that program was not broadcast on PBS in America originally. The image is from 1999’s The Turn of the Screw." 

"I fully believe no one edited or saw a finale copy before publishing. Did no one notice the countless words running together without a space between them? You can forgive an error like this sure, but this book is riddled with them." 

"How dare they forget to add Kelley Hawes to the cast of 1998s Our Mutual Friend." 

And again they forget to put Kelley Hawes’ name in the cast list for Wives & Daughters. Two strikes. I know they limiting the cast list to three, but come on now." 

"I see they are putting the big names for this cast list, but they leave out Miranda Richardson for The Lost Prince and Gillian Anderson for Bleak House." 

"I’m that person I know, but I just gotta point out for the 2007-2008 season they just say The Complete Jane Austen. Like no, they were all separate movies. You had Persuasion, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, and the miniseries Sense & Sensibility. They premiered for the first time (originally aired on A&E) Emma starring Kate Beckinsale, and 1995’s Pride & Prejudice." 

"Weird that while they are listing all the programs, at least till publication of this book, they don’t mention all the Sharpe films, or even all the Prime Suspect." 

"Can we really consider The Collection or the excellent recent adaptation of Howard’s End true blue Masterpiece programs? I mean Howard’s End first aired on Starz then a year later on Masterpiece. The Collection was exclusive to Amazon Prime for like two years I think. Hmm." 

"Ah, Prime Suspect is in the Mystery section. Makes sense. 

"The few photos are left to be viewed at the end of the book. Wouldn’t it have been more practical, and more visually appealing, to have the photos on the pages were the programs/actors were discussed. Like we’re talking Downton Abbey here’s the text and a photo. I don’t know about this layout they got going here." 

"The best photo for Sherlock they found was the region 2 dvd cover? Are you fucking series?" 

"Why include a photo of 1995’s Pride & Prejudice when it’s not an original production of Masterpiece? I mean they rebroadcast the series like twelve or thirteen years after it premiered on A&E stateside. I call bull shit." 

My Review: 

Not great, but the best we’ll probably ever get which is sad. I’ve watched Masterpiece for decades now so I was super excited to get this book. I’m not sure what I was expecting, not what we got, but it’s not an entirely bad read. I wish it was more of an in-depth look into the productions, there’s fifty years worth. This book does go into some details about certain series, a few classics but much more about certain recent programs. I love Downton Abbey, but Masterpiece is much more than that show. I can forgive a few grammatical errors here and there, or the non spaces between words, but this book is littered with them. Did they not proof read or edit this book before publication? The biggest crime this book commits is the abundance of factual errors. Like the plot lines of certain programs, character relationships, episode counts, years, and so forth. It literally takes two minutes to fact check this stuff. Diehard fans are gonna take notice of those errors. I also hated how they crammed the few photos they had to the back of the book. It’s visually unappealing. I wished the photo was on the page when the program was talked about. With countless photos of the program Sherlock out there this book decided to go with a DVD cover. Completely lazy. Happy I didn’t pay $30 for this, only $0.99 for the Kindle version when it was on sale. Honestly not worth more than that. To be fair this book has interesting elements, just not enough to save it from being a disappointing read.

[looky-here-imma-reading]

Big Shot (Nothing Like I Imagined #6) by Mindy Kaling 

3 out of 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟 

Synopsis: 

Is almost $2,000 a lot to drop on someone else’s dinner, just to be a big shot? Hell yeah! But what if nobody notices that you—one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” in the world—picked up the tab? In this meditation on celebrity, power, and a simple thank-you, Mindy Kaling takes the next charmed step in her path from Conan intern to mogul: picking up the entire tab for a famous A-lister. It’s an investment, right? He’ll be blown away by her class. They’ll be best friends forever. Forty thankless seconds later, who wouldn’t spiral into self-doubt, second-guessing, over-rationalizing, and anxious obsession? Plus, bonus content! An up-close-and-personal look at what Mindy does all day, including “executive producing” and gift wrapping. From the acclaimed writer, actor, director, producer, and New York Times bestselling author comes Nothing Like I Imagined. In these essays, Mindy Kaling shares the latest chapters of a multitasking life in Hollywood. Read or listen to them in a single setting. Either way, they’re pitch-perfect. 

My Review: 

Lesson learned I think? 

You ever have your mom tell you that when you do something nice for someone it should be from the heart, and to not expect rewards for it? Well in this essay it took Mindy Kaling getting dissed by a big time celebrity to figure that out. The story is wittily told, and the bonus content of how Kaling spends her day was pretty good. I think I figured out who Max Davis was.