Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts

Friday, January 6, 2017

Love by Design Movie Review

Love by Design Movie Review
Love by Design starring Giulia Nahmany, David Oakes and Jane Seymour, is a wonderful romantic comedy that leaves us feeling hopeful and happy when the underdog succeeds in business, plus finds real love.

Since we have all experienced injustice to some degree, we enjoy movies where the maltreated prospers.  Love by Design is the perfect romantic movie for a much needed break from intense reality and drama.  Plus, the less glamorous yet highly creative, hardworking, kindhearted girl finds love and success in a highly competitive world of fashion.

As a Jane Seymour fan, I was instantly drawn to the movie while searching for a romantic movie I have never seen before.  Even though Seymour does not have the leading role, she does play a very important part in the movie.  She is the fashion magazine editor that frowns on Danielle's appearance and ultimately fires her.  As always, Seymour is a joy to watch even when she is playing the part of a snobbish, egotistical and ruthless fashion magazine editor-in-chief.


Synopsis of Love By Design


 Love By Design
Own on DVD
When Danielle doesn't fit the image of a Beguile magazine designer, Vivian (Jane Seymour) replaces her with a "more appealing" spokesperson.  Danielle is rightfully distressed when she sees that this "better choice" is not presenting her own presentation to the clients, but the one Danielle, herself, designed and wrote.  Danielle erupts in anger and is fired from her high prestige fashion job in New York City.  She needs to get far away and decides to return to her home in Romania.  

By returning to her childhood home, she also returns to her love for sewing and designing clothes that fit the real women around her.  She loves making clothes that truly flatter the individual wearing them and those women love her designs.   

While finding herself again, she also finds true love when she meets Adrian (David Oakes).  The relationship is not without stress, but it is easy to be confident that the two will end up together.

Sometimes we just need a great romantic movie, even if it is transparent and predictable.  We simply need to let our minds and bodies rest and be entertained for a brief spell.  




Giulia Nahmany

I had never heard of the lead actress, Giulia Nahmany.  While watching the credits at the end of the movie, I noticed that she also wrote the story and was one of the executive producers of the movie.  I wanted to know more about her, so I did a bit of research and found that she started her career as a soloist.  Pretty cool!  So, not only can she write, act, and produce a movie, she can sing.  Impressive!!!  Somehow, I think we will be seeing her again in the future and the next time, I will know her name.

 

Conclusion


Of course, I love the romantic plot of Love by Design.  I also enjoyed the way the movie embraced multiple body types in fashion.  Danielle's creations flatter several different shapes and sizes. 

Many of us can relate to the women in the movie.  We want fashion that will compliment our bodies.  We should not have to fit our bodies to the current fashions.  As a curvy female, I can relate to Danielle who is constantly dieting in order to try to meet an unrealistic body size expectation.  I also know exactly how frustrating it is to try to buy clothes in a fashion world that designs for a smaller, straight or flat body type.

Some would say that both expectations in this movie are unrealistic.  Perhaps they are, but we still desire to be loved.  And, to have fashion designers who create fabulous fashions for all of us.





Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com



Love by Design Movie Review Written by:
House of Sylvestermouse





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, December 9, 2016

The Spirit of Christmas (2015) Movie Review

 A fabulous romantic suspense Christmas movie.  When Kate is tasked with selling Hollygrove Inn, she finds the house is haunted by a handsome ghost who she finds hard to resist.
When I am decorating for Christmas, I have to take breaks to eat.   During those breaks, I kick my feet up and enjoy my dinner with a movie.  I frequently depend on the classics like "Miracle of 34th Street" or "Christmas in Connecticut" because I know the stories will be delightfully enchanting.  This year, instead of pulling out one of my faithful DVDs, I decided to watch a new movie online.   Well, at least for one of my breaks, I decided to watch a new movie. The classics still await!

After a brief search on Amazon, I found a new Christmas movie that sounded quite appealing to me.  The description of The Spirit of Christmas reminded me of one of my all time favorite movies, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.  Now, it would be most unreasonable for me to think I could happen upon a current day movie equal to The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, but I did very much enjoy watching The Spirit of Christmas

Part of what makes The Ghost and Mrs. Muir such a fabulous movie, are the actors that play the main characters.  Gene Tierney is timelessly gorgeous and Rex Harrison is simply a phenomenal actor that is appropriately dark, yet dignified.  By comparison, the main actress in The Spirit of Christmas, Jen Lilley, is stunningly beautiful and Thomas Beaudoin is a very handsome, distinguished ghost.  Both ghosts simply wish to be left alone in their homes.  Both women are determined to stay right where they are regardless of moody, sometimes overbearing spirits.

Plot of The Spirit of Christmas

The main story takes place current day, but as one would expect with ghosts, the past plays a huge part in the present.  Ninety-five years ago, Daniel Forsythe was returning home to his one true love for Christmas when he was murdered in the yard of his home.  Every year, he returns to Hollygrove Inn 12 days before Christmas.
 The Spirit of Christmas  
Present-day, Kate Jordan is a successful lawyer who is not successful in love.  Her career at Patton and Turner law firm comes first. And frankly, she isn't sure she even knows how to love.  

After the death of Henrietta Forsythe, Patton and Turner law firm becomes the executor of the Forsythe estate, which mostly consists of Hollygrove Inn.  As such, Kate is tasked with getting the inn appraised and sold before the end of the year.  That only gives her 3 weeks to get the job done.  The biggest problem Kate faces is getting a loyal appraiser for the property.  It is widely known that Hollygrove Inn is haunted by it's previous owner, Daniel Forsythe.

Shortly after arriving at Hollygrove Inn in Vermont, Kate meets Daniel Forsythe.  He is not at all what she expected.  To begin with, he is well dressed and she can actually touch him.  Plus, he enjoys eatting real food.  He is nothing like what she expected of a ghost.  After hearing the story of how he was murdered and how his fiance' subsequently married his brother, Kate decides her number one focus should be solving Daniel's murder so he can rest in peace.  Thereby, also resolving the ghost problem of the inn.  As Daniel and Kate start working together, digging into his past, exploring his memories, they quickly become friends.  She finds that she actually cares about him and what really happened to him. 

However, it is not that simple and Daniel is not the only ghost haunting Hollygrove.





This really is a wonderful romantic suspense Christmas movie that I can highly recommend!  So, be sure to take a break this holiday, sit back, kick your feet up and watch The Spirit of Christmas




The Spirit of Christmas Movie Review Written by:
House of Sylvestermouse





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, September 30, 2016

Reviewing the Book, Hide in Time by Anna Faversham

Review and recommendation of the book, Hide in Time by Anna Faversham.  A riveting book that includes time travel, romance, and a very unique twist for doppelgangers exchanging places in time.
I have just finished reading the book "Hide in Time" by Anna Faversham and I can easily recommend it to anyone.  To be completely honest, I was actually surprised by how much I really liked this book.  I am not a fan of time travel books, mostly because I don't believe time travel is possible.  But, like any really good fiction is apt to do, this book caused me to "suspend reality" and embrace the plot.

Because I don't often read time travel books, the beginning was a little confusing to me, but after the first few pages, I got it!  Once the author smoothly lead me by the hand through a wall that separates the 1800's to the twenty-first century, I was hooked.  I needed to see what would happen to Laura who found herself lost in a world that was 200 years beyond her life.  

Because we can study history, I think it would be easier to go back in time, but imagine what it would be like to be cast into the world 200 years into the future.


The Book, Hide in Time by Anna Faversham 

Synopsis Written by Cynthia Sylvestermouse

 Hide in TimeAfter discovering her fiancé had been unfaithful, Laura boarded a ship to America.  She wanted to get as far away from him as possible.  She wanted a new start.  She meant to be traveling to a new world, but she had no way of knowing she would actually be traveling to a different place in time.  She knew she wouldn't know anyone in America, but she didn't expect to be clueless about fashion, jargon, idioms, and a more informal way of living.  

The shipwreck she survived changed her life forever.  When she washed up on shore, the land was the familiar, but everything else had changed.  It was to her great fortune, that Matt Redfern, the first person to actually speak to her, was always willing to help the helpless.  Since she had no memory of who she was or where she was from, he helped her get medical attention.  When she still could not "find her past", he helped her establish a new life and guided her in starting her own business.  

Five years after Laura was tossed into the future, she had found her footing there.  She was thriving, actually living.  Although she had regrets, she was content.  During the past 5 years, Laura investigated the area of her arrival and discovered the secret of time travel.  She also discovered that she was invisible when she returned to the past and it was clear her future belonged in the future.  Then she met Xandra.  

She saw so much of herself in Xandra.  They had so many things in common, even looks.  She felt she had actually found someone who would be a real friend.  Someone who could understand her unique ways and would like her because of them.  Laura hoped Xandra could be the sister she had never had, or at least believed she had never had.   However, when Xandra found herself on a murderer's hit list, she needed a safe haven and Laura had the answer.  She sent Xandra back in time.

As this point the book is divided in chapters where the reader is following two stories.  Laura in the future and Xandra in the past.  A truly fascinating exchange of lives.  It was a very interesting twist to doppelgangers trading places and I really, really liked it a lot.  So much so, I plan to read it again!  I feel like I may have missed some hidden nuggets in the story.


My Recommendation of the Book, "Hide in Time"


When I think about it carefully, I know there were several reasons why I really liked this book and why I would highly recommend it to anyone.

First, it shows us that we can completely change the course of our own lives when needed and find happiness in a new place.  It might take some time to readjust, but we can survive and adapt to new surroundings and people.

Second, it highlights how people are basically the same today as they were hundreds of years ago.   Evil still abounds and good people still exist to maintain the balance that is our world.

And, last but by no means least, I like the concept about time travel in "Hide in Time".  You can't go back!  Once you have crossed into a different place in time, you can't return and just pick up where you left off.  Yes, Laura returns, but she cannot be seen.  She can whisper to the living and they hear her, but they believe she is what most of us would think of as a "ghost".  

As I said at the beginning of this article, I don't believe in time travel, but if there were such a thing, it would have to be in a way that everyone traveling in time couldn't constantly be changing the future by visiting the past, literally. 


More Books By Anna Faversham

Now that I have discovered the author, Anna Faversham, I will be reading more of her books!
 


Read More Book Reviews On ReviewThisBooks.com



Book Review of "Hide in Time" Written by:
House of Sylvestermouse





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, February 12, 2016

A Review of "The Inn at Ocean's Edge" by Colleen Coble

The Inn at Ocean's Edge
Every once in a while I find a book that is so rare, the plot so unique, that I want to shout to the world, "you must read this book!"  That is the case with the book I literally just finished reading.  


I don't normally read mysteries, but this book appeared in my romantic fiction genre.  I didn't even realize I had selected a mystery until I was hooked.  As it turns out, this may well be the best book I have read in years.

Obviously, I could highly recommend "The Inn at Ocean's Edge" by Colleen Coble to anyone who enjoys a romance, a lot of mystery, and a plot that is not at all obvious to the reader.  I literally set on the edge of my seat, stayed up as long as my eyes would stay open, to read this book and find out what really happened to this family, these people, the little girl who was lost in the woods.



The Inn At Ocean's Edge


The plot of the book is so detailed, there is no way I can truly do it justice in a few short paragraphs, but I will try. 

 The Inn at Ocean's Edge (A Sunset Cove Novel)On her 4th birthday, Claire Dellamare was lost in the woods.  A year later, she was found, but she had no recollection of anything that had happened to her.  It was as if the whole year was completely lost to her.  As she was growing up, she was cherished by her parents who previously thought their daughter was gone to them forever.  Her life was cushioned by great wealth and she was respected for her business acumen within her father's company.  It seemed her life was perfect until she returned to "The Inn at Ocean's Edge".  


She didn't think she had ever been there, but she seemed to know things about the place she couldn't possibly know otherwise.  Not very deep into the pages of the book, we find out that this hotel was the setting for her 4th birthday party.  This was the place from which she disappeared.  She didn't even remember that she had disappeared.  She had no idea that her life was so shrouded in mystery, until the residents started talking.

Murders, illness, abduction, lies, and scary nightmares of an unknown man who she witnessed commit murder, all play a part of this most unusual plot.  Once the killer realizes she could actually identify him, he doesn't hesitate to stalk her.  Even with a murderer close on her heels, she is having occasional flashbacks, revelations about her father and his infidelity, as it all culminates to put her, and others, into even greater danger.  So many lies have been told.  So much of the past has been covered up.  She has no idea who she can actually trust.

As Claire searches for the truth, her life, past and present, becomes intertwined with Luke Rocco, whose mother disappeared the same day the little 4 year old went missing.  Unlike Claire, Luke's mother did not return to Folly Shoals, Maine.  He fears she actually never left, especially once bones are found on nearby property.  



A Sunset Cove Novel

Apparently "The Inn at Ocean's Edge" is the first of 3 books in the "Sunset Cove Series".  I don't think there is any way Colleen Coble can ever match this book again, but I will definitely be starting the second book in the series tonight.  I can hardly wait to see what she has in store for us in "Mermaid Moon", but most likely by the time you are reading this review, I will have finished that book as well.  

It is so very exciting to find a book series that I can barely finish one book before I am downloading the next in the series as fast as my little fingers can sail across the keyboard and push that little purchase button.

Now, I am off!  I only stopped long enough to tell you about this most excellent book.  I know you will want to read it too.






"The Inn at Ocean's Edge" Book Review Written by:
House of Sylvestermouse





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, July 3, 2015

Sense and Sensibility Movie Review

Sense and Sensibility dvd cover I suspect we all have movies that we "go to" when we simply want to unwind.  A movie that we know we can trust to sooth our nerves while entertaining us time and time again.  Sense and Sensibility is one of my "go to" movies.  For a first time viewer, it may have some fairly stressful events and drama, but for me, it is an old comforting friend.  You see, I know the way it all ends!

The actors in Sense and Sensibility are so well suited to their parts that I often forget they are actors and do appear in other movies.  In my mind, Emma Thompson will always be the sensible Elinor.  Kate Winslet will always be the sensitive Marianne and Alan Rickman will forever be that dashing and stable Colonel Brandon, not Snape in Harry Potter.  As a matter of fact, he plays those two parts so well and claims them so completely, one would think he was two different people.

As for Hugh Grant, his youthful good looks and his ability to appear somewhat shy and naive, make him the perfect Edward Ferrars.


I should note, I do know there are other versions of this movie, but this is the version I prefer and these are the actors I identify in their respective parts.


Sense and Sensibility:  The Plot


woman from 1700s
By C. E. Brock via Wikimedia Commons
The movie Sense and Sensibility is based on the book (same title) by Jane Austen.  It takes place in the very late 1700's.  In a time when women were most often completely dependent upon their male relations.   In the case of the Dashwood family, the entire Dashwood estate was willed to one single male heir, John Dashwood, who was the son of Henry Dashwood and his first wife.  It is important to note here that even the current Mrs. Dashwood did not inherit anything and was dependent upon the benevolence of John Dashwood or other relatives.

After the death of Henry Dashwood, the Dashwood women all became the responsibility of their half-brother, John who was easy manipulated by his selfish wife, Fanny.  The three Dashwood sisters and their mother are forced to move out of their home of luxury and wealth and into a small cottage owned by a distant relative, Sir John Middleton.

The story is not only about their struggles to survive, but also the various romances of the young women.  Unfortunately, their reduced economic circumstances made them no longer desirable alliances by the wealthier families, which made them less likely to marry back into the wealth of which they were born.

There are broken hearts, shattered dreams, unexpected alliances and kindness, but there is also love.  The kind of love that hopes all things and endures all things.  For the forever hopeless romantic, this movie is an absolute must!



Trailers and Scenes from Sense and Sensibility





There are many remarkable, quotable scenes in Sense and Sensibility, but none quite so palpable as the moment when Colonel Brandon says "give me an occupation, Miss Dashwood, or I shall run mad".   His concern for the gravely ill Marianne, his stress and his need to do something, touch every heart in this unforgettable moment.

This was the only video I could find with the quote focus. 


Conclusion 


If you enjoy the works of Jane Austin, historical romance or simply romance, I have no doubt you will enjoy this awesome movie.  If it is your first time to see Sense and Sensibility, I recommend you have your Kleenex close by.






Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, February 7, 2015

A Review of a Guide to the Romantic City of Savannah, Georgia

The month of February, and Valentine's Day, seems a perfect time to talk about the romantic city of Savannah, Georgia and the charming interludes one can find in this 'Hostess City of the South'. 


Downtown Savannah viewed from Bay Street


Georgia R. Byrd has compiled a charming guidebook of romantic diversions in and around this southern city near the sea.  The book, Romantic Days and Nights in Savannah is filled with enchanting interludes of one to three days long for every taste and budget.
 
This book contains a group of over 25 itineraries, complete with suggested prices, designed to create compact, cozy interludes for both sophisticated romance and playful adventure with a background of Southern hospitality in this beautiful cityscape called Savannah.



Experience the Romantic Charm of Savannah

Savannah Georgia Rooftop View
Savannah, Georgia, Savannah River, Talmadge Bridge

There are suggestions for delightful accommodations from lavish, pampered elegance to an on-a-shoestring mischievous adventure, along with restaurants for every meal and appetite and a chance to partake of some excellent Southern cuisine.  Event dates and other activities are listed and described for one and two-day trips that can be enjoyed any day of the week in this all-day, every day, yearlong attraction called Savannah.  

Chippewa Square in Savannah, Georgia
Chippewa Square - Where Forest Gump was filmed
The famous orderly Squares of Savannah, found at regular intervals in this city founded in 1733 on a bluff overlooking the Savannah River, provide an intimate ambiance not found in any other American city.  Enjoy the horse-drawn carriages clicking past the squares, the walled gardens of nearby homes, museums and restaurants hinting at hidden delights, and the enticing atmosphere of park benches shaded by palm trees and live oaks laced with Spanish moss. These are just a few of the images offering a taste of Savannah's pleasures.


Some Other Ways to Inspire Romance in and Around Savannah:



    • Hop aboard a carriage for a leisurely ride through Savannah's famous Squares in the Historic District at sunset


    • Savor the sweet fragrances of the flowers in the fragrant garden at majestic Forsyth Park.

    • Picnic under the shady live oak at pretty Daffin Park.
     
    • Sip a late-night toddy at an intimate basement cafe.
     
    • Stroll along River Street on the Savannah River where galleries, pubs, and restaurants abound.


    Historic Savannah, Georgia



    John Wesley Monument in Reynolds Square in Savannah, GA
    John Wesley Monument in Reynolds Square
    Historic Savannah is described in detail throughout each section of this guidebook. From 'Love on the Docks' along the riverfront to 'Love by “the Book”  which includes places to visit made famous by the book and movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", to 'Divine Diversions' filled with the beautiful architecture of Savannah which has been preserved for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike, you'll find an itinerary that is perfect for your visit.


     

    Other Romantic Diversions



    Tybee Lighthouse, Tybee Island, GA
    Tybee Lighthouse, Tybee Island, GA
    Day trips close to Savannah include a Taste of Tybee Island (located 18 miles east of Savannah on the Atlantic Ocean) where you can visit the Tybee Lighthouse. Or have Fun in the Sun on nearby Hilton Head Island, a short drive across the Savannah River into South Carolina, or visit the beaches of St. Simon Island located south of Savannah.




    Don't forget the Ghost Tours of this quite haunted city, or the popular St. Patrick's Day Parade, which is the second largest in the country. Fourth of July brings fireworks on the riverfront and the beach at Tybee Island, and December brings Holiday Magic to Christmas in Savannah.


    Come Visit the City called the "Hostess City of the South"


    With a comfortable climate and year-round activities any time of year, picturesque Savannah, Georgia is definitely a city made for love.  And this delightful, fact-filled guidebook of romantic diversions in and around the city will charm you as you plan your lovers getaway.

    For more romantic ideas, check out suggestions from other articles on Review This here.


    *Book Review written by Wednesday Elf, a resident of Savannah, Georgia
    *Written on 2/7/2015.  Updated 2/14/2022

    +Some images in this article are personal photos of Wednesday Elf 

     


    Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


    Saturday, January 24, 2015

    Red Gifts and Romantic Ideas for Valentine's Day

    A collage of red and pink plush penguins in crochet
    Valentine Penguins on Etsy
    Our favorite February holiday ~ Valentine's Day ~ is just around the corner. Time to look at  some romantic ideas and red gift choices for that special someone in your life.

    Red and Pink, along with white, are traditional Valentine's Day colors.


    • Red is a symbol for passion and deep love. 
    • Pink stands for affection, sweetness and understanding and is a combination of red and white.  


    A plush penguin in one of the Valentine colors of red or pink, handmade in crochet, makes a cute gift for your sweetheart. This cuddly stuffed animal is perfect for a favorite girl. These round and roly-poly penguins measure 5 x 5 inches and make an adorable gift.  They are available in the Etsy Shop of Coastal Crochet Crafts.

    Handmade Happiness in Red or Pink Plush


    Handmade red or pink plush animals are fun gifts for your special Valentine. 

    These plush penguins in Valentine colors of red and pink will win her heart. Round and cuddly, your special someone will love this sweetheart penguin.



    Perhaps a
    Crochet Ladybug Plush Toy
    Crochet Ladybug Plush Toy
    LadyBug
    is your choice for a red plush gift.



    Lady Bugs are a symbol of good luck and happiness, making a lady Bug plushie a happy gift to that special lady in your life.







    Crochet plush octopus in Valentine colors of pink and red
    Cute Valentine Octopus in Pink or Red Crochet



    A mini crocheted octopus handmade in red or pink makes a cute gift for your favorite Valentine.  It would look darling sitting on her desk at work or home as a reminder of the sweet person who gave it to her.



    A Special Card - Sweet, Funny, Fun




    Top off your Valentine gift with a fun card.   

    This card by aaronsgraphics on Zazzle may not be perfectly romantic, but your sweetheart will get a laugh and a smile out of it.  
    Simply tell them "I love you every single day", "But today you get a card!"


    Symbols of Love

    Illustration of the words LOVE surrounded by hearts
    Image Source: Pixabay

    If anyone has ever wondered how the heart became the symbol of love, and such burning questions such as 'why is the heart red', here's a light-hearted (yes, that's an intended pun) imagined conversation between Dr. Sheldon Cherry and a 2,000-year-old cardiologist.



    Valentine's Day and Romance Go Together


    For a list of romantic movies, books, songs and sweet stories perfect for Valentine's Day, check out these wonderful suggestions from many of the reviewers here on Review This in our ROMANCE section.


    Valentine's Day is a Favorite Chocolate Holiday


    As Lucy Van Pelt of Peanuts once wisely said “All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt!”  And no one at Review This knows more about chocolate than our own Susan Kennedy. Check out lots of her chocolate recipes and stories perfect for this chocolate holiday.



    Have a Happy Valentine's Day


    So, Happy Valentine's Day to you from the Peanuts gang and all of us at Review This






    (c) Wednesday Elf. Article written on 1/24/2015.  Updated on 1/16/2024






    Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


    Friday, August 8, 2014

    Cheap Date Ideas: Inexpensive Dating for Couples

    couple searching cell phones
    Whether you are a single couple searching for inexpensive dating ideas, or a married couple with or without children seeking ideas for cheap date nights, the ideas featured here today will provide you with dozens of suggestions for things a couple can do together without having to spend a fortune.

    Dating can often "break the piggy bank", especially in difficult economic times.  Many of us are barely paying the rent, much less having surplus income to pay for expensive date nights.  

    We all need a bit of dating advice and suggestions for how to date without going into debt.



    Spend Time Together Without Spending a Fortune

    1.   Go on a Picnic, a Walk in the Park or a Combination of the two.
    2.   A museum 
    3.   An art gallery or art show that features "starving artist"
    4.   An antique store & be amazed at the memories they can elicit and the stories you each could tell.
    5.   The local Zoo happens to be my personal favorite.
    6.   The local Botanical Gardens.  Be sure to pay close attention here and find out her favorite flower.
    7.   Horseback Riding
    8.   Hiking!  Scout out short trails in advance and be sure to tell her to dress for walking outside.
    9.   Go swimming.
    10.   Bowling can be lots of fun, especially if you don't keep score.
    11.   Skating:  Depending on your area, it could be either roller skating or ice skating. 
    12.   Kite Flying is really inexpensive, especially if you already own a kite.
    13.   Rent a movie and make your own popcorn at home.
    14.   Any local event like the fair, craft fairs, free concerts, etc.
    15.   Walk around the mall, chat and have lunch in the food court.
    16.   If you happen to live close to one, go to the beach and take your own cooler of soft drinks.
    17.   Play a video game together.
    18.   Play board games or cards 
    19.   Cook dinner together.
    20.   Take the music into the backyard and dance under the stars.


    More Cheap Date Suggestions 

    If you have additional cheap date suggestions or if you have already published an article about dating, I would love to hear from you.  Simply leave your article link in the comments section below.
       



    Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


    Friday, August 1, 2014

    I Need More Books! Romance Preferred

    collection of romantic books
    I finished my last book on my Kindle yesterday and went in search of more romance books to add to my Kindle collection.  Purchasing books for my Kindle is a fairly new activity for me and one I find that has it's own form of difficulty.   

    For as long as I can remember, one of my favorite activities has been physically going to a bookstore, spending hours scouring the bookshelves, reading the back covers, as well as the reviews, and carefully selecting books for purchase.  As a result, I have always had a reserve of books waiting for me to read.  

    Since my daughter gave me a Kindle for Christmas, I stopped going to the bookstore and I started perusing the selection of books offered on Amazon.com and downloading the books on my Kindle.  I recently discovered that is not the best way to select romance books to read.  As Forrest Gump would say, that is a bit "like a box of chocolates.  You never know what you're gonna get" and I have been rather disappointed on a few occasions when I download a book and find it completely unacceptable reading for me.  

    After experiencing the disappointments, I have reverted back to depending on reliable reviews from trusted sources before I purchase a book. 



    Christian Fiction

    Christian Fiction is my personal preference.  I never have to worry that I will be inviting unwanted mental images or graphic details when I read a Christian romance.  I also feel pretty safe in recommending these books to my mother, my daughter or anyone of any age.

    In my quest for new books to read, I realized there is an excellent resource for this genre right here on Review This!




    Historical Romance 

    Historical Romance is such a fabulous niche when a writer has actually researched an era and writes with factual content.  

    I sought out Jenms Guide to Historical Romance to satisfy my historical romance appetite.  

    She introduces us to 2 "solid" historical authors with recommended book series, as well as giving us several Top Ten Lists separated by genre niche.

    These recommendations and reviews give me a much better place to start my search for new romance books instead of using the Amazon search engine. 



    Readers Need More Recommendations


    I am fully aware that each reader has their own preference, just as each writer has their own style.  If for no other reason, reading book reviews before you buy a book can save money, as well as time, and a great deal of anxiety can be avoided by simply reading reviews first.

    Readers everywhere want in-depth and precise reviews.  If you have a book that you can recommend, I invite you to leave your review link in the guestbook below.  Your reviews do not have to align with my personal preferences.  There are readers for every genre and I am certain we all would rather have an honest review of a book before we buy it.





    Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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    Susan DeppnerSusan Deppner

    We may be apart, but
    You Are Not Forgotten





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