Book Review: This is my first time reading a novel written by Teri Wilson. I love all the characters and the romances (Jamie + Sawyer (plus Matt!), Rick + Lucy and let's not forget Harris + Mary). There is a lot of... Will They or Won't They? moments. The author shows the emotions and perspectives of Jamie and Sawyer's Love Story. I love Wilson's imagery and writing style. There is an Epilogue showing Lucy + Rick and Jamie + Sawyer one year later. Rick's recipe of "Wild Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto" is shown in the back of the book.
Movie Review: The Hallmark Channel Original Movie starring Maggie Lawson and Sam Page moves at a quicker pace. Maggie Lawson is cute and adorable and makes the perfect Jamie Vaughn. The movie mirrors the book very well! I love the surrounding ambiance of red and white roses, chocolate, the Fire and Ice Festival, handwritten love letters, heart shaped foam in the coffee and at the center of it all - the True Love Bookstore and Cafe! I adore the local shops at Waterford. I want to buy Anita's flowers and eat lunch at the Pizzaria. I love Valentine's themed Hallmark Movies!
I enjoyed "The Story of Us"! The message of the story is to Fight for True Love (literally and figuratively!). Be sure to look out for the quick yet obvious Hallmark Product Placement in both the book and movie.
"Valentine's Day is one of the best days of the year, and you don't have to be in a relationship to enjoy it!"
My Goodreads Review!
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Sunshine says: The Movie is Better!
Book Review: This is my first time reading a book written by Cassidy Carter. Jessica Parker is a single mom and the owner of Wesley's Hometown Diner located in a small town in Parker Falls, Ohio. Business is down. And her son, Wes, needs a real coach to show him how to play baseball. Cue in Jess' old boyfriend - now a famous Pitcher for Boston - Chase Taynor, who is on a bit of a hiatus, also down in his career, anxiously waiting for some good news from his sports agent. Chase and Jessica reunite after 15 years apart and these two, along with their friends and family, turn things around at the Diner. The romance between Chase and Jessica is organic, believable and evolves at a nice pace. There is more emotion, content and individual perspectives from the characters in the book. The story includes funny metaphors and analogies that are baseball themed. "His mind drifted to the memory of a young girl... a girl who had once made him feel as though being with her was a home run" (pg. 27). There is an Epilogue, a part of the book the movie doesn't show, describing what happens to the couple after the credits end. Super cute (second) ending!
Movie Review: I watched the Hallmark Channel Original movie 'The Perfect Catch' starring Nikki Deloach and, may I say.... Andrew W. Walker IS Chase Taynor! The movie is set in a cozy small town with a cute white gazebo, and I would love to eat at Wesley's Diner. The movie excluded an obvious amount from the book and I felt there are plot holes in the movie that the book explains.
The message of "The Perfect Catch" (both versions): Do the right thing. Take risks. Follow your Heart. Keep your Promises.
My Goodreads Review!
Skipping Christmas/ Christmas with the Kranks
Sunshine says: The Book is Better!
A Christmas to Remember
Sunshine says: The Movie is Better!
Christmas in Homestead
Sunshine says: The Book is Better!
Book Review: This is my first time reading a book written by Sophie Kinsella. I enjoyed this story being told in a first-person narrative, seeing life through Rebecca Bloomwood's eyes. In the book, Tarquin is Suze's cousin, and, in the movie, she marries him. Gross. And Alicia Long-Legs and Sacha are combined to be one character in the movie - as Luke Brandon's girlfriend. The book is set in London... and the movie version makes small references to this, like the royal family on the glass cup, British actor Hugh Dancy to play Luke, Becky's parents have friends who live in England. I thought in the book that Rebecca took too long in figuring out her situation. It's on page 286 of 312 where she has an epiphany that she needs to grow up and regain control of shopping temptations.
Movie Review: There is, I would say, a 15% similarity - the movie and the book have completely different storylines! Isla Fisher is the perfect Rebecca Bloomwood! The movie is rated PG (which I appreciate); the book is rated R, primarily for language. The romance is better in the movie version and contains more physical comedy. I am aware that the movie is based on two books written by Sophie Kinsella, but for now, I am only reviewing Shopaholic, #1.
Confessions of a Shopaholic (both versions) dive into the damaging effects of addiction (to shopping) and the problematic mind of a shopaholic.
Book Review: This is my first time reading a book written by Rebecca Moesta. This is a bit of a different kind of boy meets girl love story. Girl gets into a car crash and wakes up with amnesia. Boy takes care of girl. Girl already has a boyfriend and another life in New York City. Boy has a family in the small town of North Creek, Colorado. The book certainly explores more backstory, like Jennifer's ex-husband and John's late wife, Julie, and John's parents. Of course, I love the slow burn love story between Jennifer and John. A lot of "will they or won't they" moments. There is an Epilogue in the book, showing the characters one year later (which the movie version does show!).
Movie Review: I watched the Hallmark Channel Original movie 'A Christmas to Remember' starring Mira Sorvino and Cameron Mathison. The movie scored high points - Cameron Mathison is one of my favorites!! The movie moves at a quicker pace. In the movie, it was nice to see Dan's painting of "Bridge over Blue River." In chapter 15, John and Jennifer go riding on a snowmobile and Jennifer connects the occasion to the song, "Dashing through the snow...O'er the fields we go, laughing all the way." And in the movie version - that song "Jingle Bells" actually plays in the background as they ride through the neighborhood.
The message of "A Christmas to Remember": Enjoy the simple magic of Christmas. Be happy now. The difference between Artificial vs. Real. And... Even in darkness, there are stars.
A Timeless Christmas
Sunshine says: The Book is Better!
Moonlight in Vermont
Sunshine says: The Book is Better!
Book Review: This is my second time reading "The Giver" by Lois Lowry. I applaud Lois Lowry for writing such an imaginative story about a dystopian society. She is a brilliant writer. However, I would describe the book in two words: dark and disturbing. I was not satisfied with the ending. I do feel like you need to read the book to understand the movie. Lois Lowry admits that when she wrote "The Giver", she sat down to write an adventure story. I felt more action and adventure in the movie version.
Movie Review: The movie was perfectly casted as Brenton Thwaites playing Jonas, Jeff Bridges as The Giver and Meryl Streep makes a very scary Chief Elder. I thought the movie was a perfect adaptation to the novel! Sure, there were some differences, but the integrity of the story remains the same. The movie was visually stunning, especially with the black and white to color and back again - and the story was set in a more futuristic tone. The reason I choose the movie is because it ends on a more positive note. There is a clear resolution, and it is mentioned that Jonas is able to return back to the community after his rescue mission.
The message of "The Giver" (both versions): knowledge is power. Having faith is seeing beyond. You can change things, you can make things better. Celebrate life.
The Giver: I loved her...
Chief Elder: Precision of language.
The Giver: I could not be more precise.
My Goodreads Review!
Book Review: This is my first time reading a book written by Leigh Duncan. The story is told from the POV's of Hanna Morse and Jake Stanton. In this time travel trip, Hanna realizes that her life had meaning, her actions set much larger wheels in motion, and that she'd done something with the life she lived. The book came with an Epilogue, a second ending that the movie did not show - revealing what Jake and Sarah are doing six months later. And I always wondered why Hanna's kids or grandkids weren't mentioned when she visits the future. The Epilogue gives some insight into this.
Movie Review: The Hallmark Channel Original Movie "Journey Back to Christmas" stars Candace Cameron Bure, Oliver Hudson and Brooke Nevin, who plays Sarah. This story is considered a mystery, time travel, fantasy, with a hint of romance. Hanna Morse time travels from 1945 to 2016. There are plenty of festive elements in this movie, like colorful decorations, carolers, gingerbread houses and even a Christmas Comet! The movie closely mirrors the book. I didn't like Sarah in the book, she was a little too... bratty. And the movie moves at a quicker pace.
The message of "Journey Back to Christmas" (both versions): Believe in the Magic of Miracles. Even the smallest stone makes a ripple in the water.
"Sometimes it's the smallest things that change a life" (pg. 149).
"If she hasn't done that one little thing, then... none of us would be here" (pg. 215).
Book Review: This is my first time reading a book written by Liz Isaacson. What I absolutely love most about this story is the differing POV's. The scene would start with Nikki Turner's thoughts and end with Paul Delucci's point of view, which makes for a very engaging slow burn romance between two chefs who cook side by side, support each other and open a restaurant together. There is an Epilogue in the book that shares a second ending that the Hallmark Channel Movie does not air.
Movie Review: I watched the Hallmark Channel Original movie 'A Dash of Love' starring Jen Lilley and Brendan Penny. The actors are so talented and there is such onscreen chemistry between the characters! I loved seeing Gus' Kitchen and Holly Hanson's fine dining restaurant and the Delucci's Bakery - it made me want to eat at all those places! I love that the story centers around Valentine's Day with Cafe Cupid and heart shaped ravioli and spontaneous dancing in the alleyway!
The message of "A Dash of Love" (both versions): Live out your dreams. Take your talent and turn it into art (or - crayons can make art, too!). Failure does not mean you give up.
My Goodreads Review!
Book Review: The book is nothing like the movie! And there are curse words in the text, a scene with a fortune teller, astrological signs and their meanings (I am a Cancer so thus I act like this...), along with other mature elements (I would give this book a PG-13 rating). This is my first time reading a book written by Beth Harbison. I like that the writing is first-person, told from Noelle's point of view. But when she is replaying her memories from the past, the story shifts to third person as if the main character is a bystander to the happenings around her. And the twist in the book is that Charlie is Charlene Pennymar (who is someone completely different in the movie).
Movie Review: One of my favorite Hallmark Channel Original Christmas movies is 'A Shoe Addict's Christmas' starring Candace Cameron Bure and Luke Macfarlane. Candace Cameron Bure is one of my favorite actresses! The movie shows more Christmas elements (i.e. snowball fights, gingerbread cookies, a horse drawn carriage, a holiday party). Jake and Noelle's love story evolves more in the movie. In the Hallmark version, a change in the past immediately changes the future. Charlie (the guardian angel) intervenes a lot more on the screen. "She was going a bit heavy on the guardian-angel bit, which made me think she'd probably watched a few too many Christmas movies..." (pg. 34)
I enjoyed "A Shoe Addict's Christmas"! The message of the story is: Take risks. Get out of your comfort zone. Small positive changes can greatly impact your life. Say Yes to Love in all its forms. And decide what difference you want to make in this world.
My Goodreads Review!
Book Review: This is my first time reading a book written by Debbie Macomber. I believe this book is a sequel to Mrs. Miracle. On the cover of the book shows eight-year-old Gabe looking at the department store window, which also reflects a scene straight from the movie. There is so much Christmas aspects to the story like toys, Santa, decorated cookies, roasted chestnuts, a festive party and a carriage ride. On pg. 113, Jake, Holly and Gabe watch a rerun of the TV show, Everybody Loves Raymond. I make note of this because one of the stars from that show, Doris Roberts, plays Mrs. Miracle in the movie version.
Movie Review: I watched the movie "Call Me Mrs. Miracle" on Great American Family. Doris Roberts plays a fantastic Mrs. Miracle! And I thought Lauren Holly was casted perfectly as the demanding high-end fashion designer. The movie's storyline was very different than the book! The movie is extremely comedic, highly enjoyable with overexaggerated characters... with the Scrooge character, and the evil boss and at times, Mrs. Miracle reminded me of Mary Poppins. There were more "divine interventions" in the movie.
"To black dresses and exploding robots!" - Jake Finley
The message of "Call Me Mrs. Miracle" (both versions): "Have faith that all will end well" (pg.117). Christmas is a magical time. Miracles happen every day.
The Perfect Catch
Sunshine says: The Book is Better!
The Giver
Sunshine says: The Movie is Better!
Book Review: This is my first time reading a book written by Alexis Stanton. "A Timeless Christmas: An Enchanting Time Travel Romance" is an engaging read from beginning to end. I absolutely love the author's writing style! I love the change from Megan's point of view to Charles Whitley's point of view. They both learn from each other. Megan teaches Charles the beauty of Christmas, of opening up his heart and to slow down to enjoy the moment. Charles has faith in Megan's abilities, supports her dreams and encourages her to take chances. I enjoy the fish-out-of-water story and I love the slow burn romance. The book came with an Epilogue, a second ending that the movie does not show - revealing what the characters are doing one year later.
Movie Review: The Hallmark Channel Original Movie "A Timeless Christmas" stars Erin Cahill and
Ryan Paevey. There are plenty of Christmas elements to keep me entertained! It was great to see the Mansion, the Diner and the small town of Cutter Springs. The movie and the book are not exactly the same storyline, especially when it comes to Megan's character. You have to suspend your disbelief a little in a time travel story. And the romance in the movie feels rushed.
I enjoyed "A Timeless Christmas"! The message of the story is: Be here - Now. You can't let the past control your life. True love is worth waiting for.
Charles Whitley seeing the bill for dinner: $23! This is highway robbery!
My Goodreads Review!
Which is better? The Movie or the Book?
I am here to break it down for you!
I watched Christmas in Homestead on Hallmark Channel, and it was casted perfectly! Taylor Cole is a very believable Movie Actress and I applaud Michael Rady as Matt the Innkeeper/Mayor and Jeff Branson as the Action Star Vince Hawkins! The movie mirrors the book very well with similar lines and scenes. There are so many Christmas aspects like snowball fighting, ice skating, snowman building, decorating cookies, carriage rides and Christmas lights... a viewer can easily win playing Hallmark Christmas Movie Bingo! And in the skating scene, there shows a quick and unmistakable Hallmark Crown logo (product placement!). My problem with the movie is that the romance with Jessica and Matt seems too forced - too quick. Also, the movie has a different ending than the book.
"The story of a famous actress finding true love at Christmas in a small town? That's the plot of your movie. Not real life" (pg. 186). This is my first time reading a book by Author Kara Tate.
I like the book better than the movie! The author shows the perspectives from Jessica, Matt, Ian, Zoe and even ten-year old Sophie. I felt like the romances needed time to develop and evolve and the book went at a nice, slower, more realistic pace.
The message takeaway from "Christmas in Homestead" is: make your own happy ending, embrace the true meaning of Christmas, change isn't always a bad thing, choose your priorities in life, do the right thing and treat everyone with kindness. "That's what we do here in Homestead. We're nice" (pg. 217).
My Goodreads Review!
A Shoe Addict's Christmas
Sunshine says: The Movie is Better!
Book Review: This is my first time reading a book written by Kristen Ethridge. I really like the author's writing style. It is an entertaining read! The book has such funny lines and scenes that are not included in the movie. The book comes with an Epilogue... what happens with Poppy and Ryan and the Larson family one year later. I never really liked the title of the book, until the Epilogue. "It had all started with an October kiss..." (pg. 241). The end of the book features a recipe for Pumpkin Soup with Parmesan Croutons (the family enjoys the soup for dinner in the movie).
Movie Review: The Hallmark Channel Original movie stars Ashley Williams and Sam Jaeger. Ashley Williams is the reason why the movie is better. She plays a phenomenal Poppy! The movie is idealistically Halloween with the Whidbey Island Harvest Festival, the Halloweek at school, the decorations around the house, the frosted cookies, pumpkin pies and the handmade costumes. I enjoy the character connections onscreen, and the movie moves at a faster pace.
Differences: In the book, Poppy's sister is happily married and seemingly single in the movie. In the book, Poppy goes back to school to get her degree.
🎃 This is a rare Hallmark Channel Original Movie where the main characters do not need to couple up. "October Kiss" read like a Comedy and didn't necessarily need to have a romance between the single dad and the nanny.
My Goodreads Review!
The Story of Us
Sunshine says: The Movie is Better!
October Kiss
Sunshine says: The Movie is Better!
Book Review: This is my first time reading a John Grisham novel. And I am completely blown away by his writing style and his storytelling. A literary genius! I love the movie 'Christmas with the Kranks' and I watch it every December, so I was excited to read the novel, "Skipping Christmas." The story moved at the perfect pace! The scenes and lines were very similar to the movie adaptation. There are so many parts where I laughed out loud! Grisham invites the readers to look into the characters' personal lives and private thoughts. The book has even more comedic scenes and even more details than the movie. Luther Krank is a much nicer man in the book than in the movie version. Wow, that ending! I cried!
Movie Review: Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis are perfectly casted as Luther and Nora Krank. And Dan Aykroyd made me laugh as Vic Frohmeyer. "Christmas with the Kranks" is a great movie adaptation though there are a few inconsistencies. Marty is Santa (not in book version). Blair meets and falls in love with someone she just met in Peru. Walt Scheel and the white cat (black cat in book) play a bigger, more antagonistic role in the movie. More importantly, the ending scenes are different. There is no thief/conman in the book. The movie tends to exaggerate (like the fire in Frosty's eyes!), add or elongate scenes when, in my opinion, the John Grisham story is flawless as is.
The message of "Skipping Christmas"/ Christmas with the Kranks: The beauty - and selflessness - from family and friends around Christmas!
My Goodreads Review!
Journey Back to Christmas
Sunshine says: The Movie is Better!
Call Me Mrs. Miracle
Sunshine says: The Movie is Better!
A Dash of Love
Sunshine says: The Book is Better!
I watched Moonlight in Vermont on Hallmark Channel starring Lacey Chabert and Carlo Marks, so I was excited to read the novel that brought the story to life, written by Kacy Cross, to compare and contrast. The movie is a Perfect Hallmark Channel rom-com, and the script closely mirrors the book. I visually enjoyed seeing the small town, the MapleFaire Festival and the lovely Inn at Swan Lake. And my favorite scene is when Carlo Marks sang softly to Lacey the words ♫ Moonlight in Vermont ♫ playing at the MapleDance! So romantic! The heroine learns that she likes "Vermont Fiona" better than her New York city life. And the story ends nicely with a kiss. A beautiful story!
No offense, Lacey Chabert, but the novel is so much better than the movie! The author switches up roles so that the readers can see and experience the emotions from the viewpoint of Fiona, Derek, Angela and Brandon. This story made me want to visit Vermont and taste Derek's cooking and try the infamous Maple Glazed Sea Scallops (recipe in the back of the book)! The writer is incredibly descriptive, giving more backstory to the characters and I love how the two romantic relationships slowly evolve (Derek + Fiona and Angela + Brandon). There is an Epilogue, a part of the book the movie doesn't show, describing what happens to the two couples after the credits end. Super cute (second) ending! I highly recommend!
The message of "Moonlight in Vermont" (both versions) is about slowing down, of appreciating the small things, of figuring out yourself, taking the time to mend fences (figuratively and literally!) .... and the visuals and examples of that message really echo with me... the molasses dripping in the bucket, cooking from scratch, a nature stroll and not a swift run.
"Some of the best things in life are worth the wait."
My Goodreads Review!