Just My Type Hallmark Movie Review

This Hallmark movie caught my attention as I was scrolling down the list of movie titles available to watch. 

We have all heard the phrase "just my type" in reference to characteristics an individual possesses that appeal to us. However, in this case, for some reason the word "type" grabbed by attention and made me think of typing and typewriters.  

I must have seen a trailer in the past for this movie because the main characters are writers.  As a matter of fact, Martin Clayborne (the published author in the movie) writes all of his books on his old faithful typewriter.  Somewhere in my mind, I must have recalled that tidbit of information.

The movie title, Just My Type, is a cute play on words for both reasons: the typewriter element and the attraction element.

One more thing, it never hurts to bring a beautiful puppy along to melt our hearts.  Ernie (Briar, the golden retriever) is just my type! 

 

Just My Type Movie Synopsis   

Just My Type - DVD or Prime Video

Vanessa Sills (Bethany Joy Lenz) is a magazine writer in NYC.  She is up for a promotion to senior lifestyle editor for the magazine, but she has heavy competition.  Her next article is ready so she decides she has time for a short weekend break with her friend.  When she recognizes the reclusive mystery writer, Martin Clayborne, in a small town gas station, she reconsiders her next article.  Perhaps, she should replace it with an interview with Clayborne.  After all, he hasn't given an interview in 5 years.  Getting that interview might be just what she needs to further her career.  

Martin Clayborne (Brett Dalton) is enjoying his solitude in a small town that respects everyone's anonymity and privacy.  Marty is very active in the town activities.  Even when he is mistaken for a gas station attendant, he jumps right in to pump gas.  When Vanessa recognizes him as her favorite mystery writer, he avoids admitting his true identity by saying he "gets that all of the time".  Of course, his dog, Ernie, who is featured on his book cover, is lying on the ground not too far away.  In spite of his denial, it is pretty obvious to Vanessa that he is Martin Clayborne. 

This is where the real fun begins!  Vanessa starts finding ways to "bump" into Martin in hopes of convincing him to give her an interview, which he really does not want to do.  

Perhaps, she is just the type to get him to open up and give that long awaited interview!

 

 

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Just My Type Hallmark Movie Review by:

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Signs of Autumn Coloring Book for Adults Review

I had been looking through coloring books that had relaxation somewhere on the cover. So many of them had intricate designs, many with no real rhyme or reason to them, that filled the page. If I were to describe what I saw, I would say that they were too busy for my taste.

When I think of relaxation, as far as coloring goes, I like at least somewhat recognizable designs, that have larger shapes for the most part. Being an artist and designer, I decided to design a coloring book that I would like.

I chose autumn as the theme; therefore, I could choose a variety of designs that could cover a variety of things that represented autumn. I could have autumn leaves, Halloween, apple pie, and more; all in the same book.

Yes, I do like the themed designs. I chose to make the coloring pages single sided, so each coloring page could come out cleaner. There would be little to no bleed through should the coloring artists choose markers.

Provided in the back of the book are pages to test out various coloring mediums. Below is an image of the different mediums that I checked out. I used mediums that I had on hand, to give you an idea of how well they and the paper performs.

Results of testing of mediums:

Bleed through:
There wasn't any bleed through from any of the colored pencils that I used.

There was bleed through from both types of markers that I used. The bleed through showed on the back of the page I colored on, but did not show up on the next consecutive page. Heavier pressure and or different brands could render different results.

There was some bleed through of the Prismacolor water-soluble colored pencils, once I added water to the color that I had already applied on the page.

There wasn't any bleed through from the watercolors that I premixed with water and paint on the brush, with very little water.

Pressure lines:

Pressure lines showed up through the back side of the page when I used the PaperMate Ink Joy Gel Pen. It was a size 0.7. The pressure lines also went through to the next page.

Pressure lines also showed up on the back side of the page when I used the Office Depot Gel Pen, but they weren't as noticeable as the pressure lines from the PaperMate gel pen.

On with the review:

Each design page has a dark gray border around the perimeter of the drawing, should anyone want to frame and or hang individual pages. The frame type border also provides a nice finished edge.

The paper has a good weight to it. It has a smoothness to it that is not overly smooth; it is not type writer paper. It has a bit of texture to it, as to grab and hold the color from colored pencils, etc.

My recommendations:

If you or you know someone who likes coloring larger images and or autumn themed coloring books, then I recommend this book.

If you prefer using gel pens in your coloring book, and you like this book, then I recommend placing a sheet of thin smooth cardboard under the page that you are coloring and or outlining with gel pens.

My preferred coloring medium for this project is the Koh-I-Noor Polycolor Coloured Pencils. I used the twelve pack, but would very much like to have the 24 pack, as they have a variety of landscape colors which would be great for coloring leaves and such.

This coloring book is ready for purchase on Amazon.

Signs of Autumn Coloring Book for Adults on Amazon

You can find more coloring books by Cheryl Paton on this blog: Coloring Books by Cheryl Paton.

Cheryl Paton

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Aging and Safety in the Home ~ A Product Review

Aging gracefully is much easier if you have the tools to make aging easier.  There is no doubt that we age quietly and sometimes don't notice the changes until an accident happens.  Then we shake our heads and wonder what the heck happened and how it happened so quickly.

Now if you've been looking after an aging relative for a while you might notice those changes in them quicker than you realize those changes are also happening to you too!  Your focus is different when there is an elderly person in your own home.

Somehow we focus all our efforts on making them comfortable and safe.  We forget about making ourselves comfortable and safe too!

When my mother was living with us, we invested in night lights so that she would be able to get to the washroom and back to her bedroom without any troubles.  They worked great and we were very happy that it solved a problem that we had not thought of before.  She loved that they stayed on all the time as well.  So long as she was happy we were happy too!

Now, my mother is no longer living with us(she is in long term care), we are the ones that seem to be aging quicker.  Or it could be that we are noticing the changes when we don't have anyone else to concentrate our efforts on.  

The point is that we are in need of extra help in the night time now as well.  Our needs are a little different than my mother's were.  Our aging journey seems to be more focused on extra mobility needs.  So while we still have the night lights in place, we needed some light that would actually illuminate the surrounding area so that we could get our bearings easier.  

My husband has a problem with balance and waking in the middle of the night for a potty break was very difficult for him.  Putting his feet on the floor was not enough.  Balance can be helped with visual aids.  Hence we were on the look out for something that would illuminate without waking the partner still sleeping.  It had to illuminate enough so that walls and other obstacles would be clear and yet not such a glaring light to interrupt his sleep pattern either.  

We found a night light that is rechargeable, motion detecting, and cordless!  Recharging is done with a USB cable and each time it's charged it last a few weeks (3-4) depending on how often it is needed through the night. 

We bought a two pack of these motion detecting lights, but I see now that they are available in a 3 pack as well.  For less than $20.00 you are able to give yourself and your other half some well needed peace of mind and a clear path to that washroom.  I love that the light only stays on for a few minutes and then goes off.  Unlike nightlights that are plugged into the wall that stay on all the time.  

Peace of mind when you are aging is priceless and there are many tools to make the transition easier.  This in my books is one of them!  

The picture shows you what the light looks like off and on.  We have them mounted on the wall above the doorway to the washroom so that both the floor in front and the floor of the bathroom are well illuminated when needed.  The light is not so glaring that it wakes your brain up.  So a quick trip the loo and back into bed, close your eyes and continue sleeping.  It is working very well for us and I'm sure it would work for you too.

Pleasant dreams everyone and may you never trip on your way to the loo at night.

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INTERESTING EBAY BUYER STORIES: WHAT SOLD ON EBAY, SIXTH EDITION

Next up in my What Sold on eBay series, is a review of five interesting sales that I have had this year, 2024. This time, they are from the perspective of the buyer. They are not high-dollar value sales but rather sales that were particularly interesting for one reason or another for the buyer. If you are curious about what type of items have a personal connection with a buyer or if you are simply curious about what people are buying and selling on eBay, you will enjoy my review of these sales.

PAST ISSUES OF FINE COOKING MAGAZINE

I was lucky to find a collection of  past copies of Fine Cooking magazine. As a cook, I tried a few of the recipes and found that they were often elaborate but always delicious. Of course, I am not the only one who knows that Fine Cooking recipes are really, really good. 

One buyer who recently purchased multiple copies from me said: “Fine cooking is my favorite food magazine and I am happy to be able to purchase the individual issues that I was missing.” I was happy to help her fill out her collection. 

Find your Fine Cooking magazines here on eBay.

ROY KIRHAM PLEASE SHUT THE GATE MUG

Another buyer purchased a somewhat hard-to-find pig-themed fine bone china mug by Roy Kirkham titled “Please Shut the Gate.”  

She said “This mug is great. It makes me smile first thing in the morning and arrived quickly and in perfect condition.” It is one in a series that also includes fun illustrations of sheep and cattle and comes in a variety of styles including the one shown here, a teacup and saucer and even a teapot. Perfect for fans of farms and farm animals. 

Find your Roy Kirkham Please Shut the Gate piece here on eBay.

RENOIR'S LITTLE GIRL WITH THE BLUE RIBBON PRINT

Yet another buyer reached out and purchased a reproduction 20-inch picture printed on sturdy cardboard. It featured a portrait painting from 1880 by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The subject of the print is Irène Cahen d'Anvers and the image is known by both her name and by the title, Little Girl with the Blue Ribbon or Little Irene. 

The buyer said, “When I was a little girl my parents hung this picture on my bedroom wall. Little did I know the artist or anything about it. I grew up and in my teenage years I figured I was way too old and cool for that silly picture (and so she gave it away). I so regret giving that picture away but I am SO thrilled to be getting another just like it. I grew up in Markham, Ontario so it figures that it's coming from Ontario. Who knows but what it could have been the same one of mine from years ago?” 

I love that the buyer can remember the artwork that hung in her room as a child and that she is able to once again own that image as a reminder of her childhood.

Find your print of Renoir's Little Girl with the Blue Ribbon here on eBay.

GUSTAVE BAUMANN NEW MEXICO GREETING CARD

I sold this greeting card that features an image by artist Gustave Baumann. However, this sale came not because someone collects pieces by that particular artist but rather because someone has an ancestral connection to the Talpa Chapel in New Mexico. 

The buyer said, “This chapel was my ancestors private chapel on their ranch in Talpa, New Mexico. It’s called the Duran Chapel or Chapel of our lady of Talpa. The picture by Gustave here is actually transposed. The original view was mirror image.” 

How wonderful that someone has a connection like this with the chapel and how interesting that the picture is transposed. I do wonder how that happened but expect it was an error in printing.

Check out all of the Gustave Baumann pieces here on eBay. If you want greeting cards in particular, you should add the word card to your search.

BARBIE SISTERS' CRUISE SHIP

Finally, I have helped a couple of individuals complete their Barbie cruise ships. In particular, the Barbie Sisters’ Cruise ship, model number X3209, that was released in 2011. Believe it or not, one of those people was working on completing multiple ships! They all have been very pleased to find the replacement pieces and parts they have needed in my shop on eBay. These particular pieces were difficult to find because the ship is no longer made but were a little bit rarer because they were all new pieces.

Find your Barbie Sisters' Cruise ship parts or a ship in its entirety here, on eBay.

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I hope you enjoyed these eBay stories. If you would like to read more about what sells on eBay, just follow the links shown below.

You never know
what I might have
in store for you!
Brenda

QUICK LINKS:

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What Sold on eBay Fourth Edition.

What Sold on eBay the Best of 2022.

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Introducing Joe Pickett, Season 1

Joe Pickett is the new, unassuming game warden in a remote area of Wyoming. He is a quiet man and not your typical hero. Joe is publically introduced to his neighbors in Saddle String as a push-over after a poacher holds him at gunpoint - with Joe's gun. The "bad guys" consider him to be easy-to-manage and believe he'll fall in line with the how-it's-done-here mentality of the town and surrounding public lands. But Joe is a game warden who follows the rules, and expects everyone else to follow the rules too, even if he has to give his life to protect the wildlife. In this review, I will tell you a bit more about Joe and the characters of Saddle String.

Photo Credit: By Bob Wick of the Bureau of Land Management
(public domain) 

Joe Pickett, Season 1

As a young boy, Joe decides he wants to become a game warden. The outdoors is his sanctuary and he has a caring spirit.  

Joe Pickett season 1, episode 1 opens almost immediately with a life or death situation during Joe's normal game warden business. Ote Keeley is a local outfitter and hunting guide. He needs his hunting license to make a living and support his family be he's also a poacher and Joe catches him in the act. During the confrontation, Ote taunts Joe for having arrested the Governor for fishing without a license. 

"I didn't know he was the Governor".  Joe responded. But it wouldn't have made a difference if he had known. Rules are rules. And unlike Joe's predecessor, Vern, Joe doesn't cut deals or do favors. He doesn't follow Vern's suggestion to focus on ticketing the tourists and looking the other way for the residents. 

During the confrontation, Ote takes Joe's sidearm and holds him at gun point. Even at gunpoint, Joe doesn't back down from his plan to write him up for poaching. Fortunately, they come to a sort of truce and no one dies. Not on that day.

Later, Ote's body is found, shot dead with an arrow, in Joe's yard. Joe is trying to figure out why Ote would have come to his home on horseback, with an arrow in him. While law enforcement immediately arrests a suspect - surprisingly, they don't arrest Joe for the murder - Joe begins researching the crime from the game warden perspective. Ote was killed with an illegal arrow tip. 

As the murder count increases, people seem to be falsely accused, evidence disappears, and Joe knows he's missing a piece of the puzzle. But will he, his wife, and children live through the investigation or should he give up his job and turn a blind eye to it all?

This story is a modern western murder mystery in a gorgeous mountainous setting. There were so many characters who were unlikeable in this one small town that I couldn't guess who was exactly at fault. 

Characters:

Joe Pickett (Michael Dorman) and his wife, Marybeth (Julianna Guill) are trying to raise their children in a peaceful and safe setting. Marybeth was a lawyer until she made the conscious decision to stay home and raise her children - rather than be the stressed, absent parent that busy lawyers often are.  Her mother Missy (Sharon Lawrence) frequently berates Marybeth for this choice, for being a game warden's wife, and for choosing a simple life.  Interesting that Missy feels like she's in the position to judge anyone about their life choices.

Ote Keeley (Benjamin Hollingsworth) is the "degenerate" married to April Keeley (Vivienne Guynn) and they have children. Even though Ote died at the very beginning of the series, we think about him alot. And April incites both disgust and empathy.

Nate Romanowski (Mustafa Speaks) is the prepper/recluse who is immediately arrested for the murder of Ote based solely on one incident they had in the past (Ote killed one of Nate's birds of prey) and because Nate owns a bow. Nate comes across as frightening and perhaps manipulative. He asks Joe to find the truth and Marybeth ends up being his lawyer for the murder trial.

There is a huge cast. And far too many to list. There are the rich folks, poor folks, law-abiding folks, schemers, very strange-but-harmless folks, and the killers.  Most all of law enforcement and politicians are questionable and either lazy/inept or trying to redirect. 

I enjoyed Joe Pickett, Season 1 so much that I binge-watched it one weekend. I immediately began recommending it to others. I love thriller/mysteries that are set in amazing settings. The elk, bison, and mountains are all peaceful eye-candy. The clash between the good guys, bad guys, and flawed guys is the cherry on top. 

The Joe Pickett series written by C.J. Box

This tv series is based on the books written by C.J. Box. I have book 1 in my kindle and haven't read it yet only because I've been so engrossed in several of W. Michael Gear's historical fiction series. After discovering the Joe Pickett tv series by accident, you can know that I will begin reading the C.J. Box books next.  Especially since there are many books in the written series and only 1 and 2 and the television series. 

Related Links

Joe Pickett, season 1 on Amazon Prime Video or DVD

Author C.J. Box on Amazon:   Open Season (A Joe Pickett Novel Book 1)

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The Holdovers - Movie Review: A Thoughtful Journey of Sacrifice and Redemption

The Holdovers is a movie that resonated deeply with me, not just because of its engaging plot but also because of the powerful themes it explores. 

Released in 2023, the film weaves together a story of sacrifice, personal growth, and the challenging journey of overcoming long-held emotional baggage. 

The Plot of The Holdovers

At its core, The Holdovers is about a group of people who, due to various circumstances, find themselves stuck together over the Christmas holidays at a New England boarding school. 

The remarkable Paul Giamatti plays the central character, Paul Hunham, a curmudgeonly teacher who seems perpetually discontented with life. He is assigned to stay behind at the school to supervise a small group of students who, for different reasons, can't go home for the holidays. 

The movie dives into the lives of these "holdovers"—both the students and Paul himself—as they navigate the complexities of their circumstances. 

Paul is a character burdened by his past decisions and struggles to find meaning in his current life. 

The students, each with unique stories and reasons for staying back bring their own challenges and perspectives. One of the most compelling storylines involves a student named Angus, who is grappling with personal loss and isolation. 

Throughout the film, a sense of melancholy intertwines moments of levity and hope. 

The narrative slowly peels back the layers of each character, revealing their vulnerabilities and the heavy emotional baggage they carry. It becomes clear that each of them has something to learn and something to give, even if they don't realize it at first.

What struck me most about The Holdovers was its exploration of sacrifice and the process of letting go of personal baggage. 

The movie masterfully portrays how the characters, especially Paul, come to terms with their pasts and find ways to move forward. 

It's not a story filled with grand gestures or dramatic epiphanies but one of small, significant moments of realization and change. 

The film left me with mixed emotions—sadness for what the characters had endured and hope for their futures.

The Talented Cast Featuring Paul Giamatti

The cast of  The Holdovers is one of its greatest strengths. 

Paul Giamatti leads the ensemble and delivers an outstanding performance as Paul Hunham. Giamatti's portrayal of the gruff yet deeply wounded teacher is both nuanced and compelling, capturing the essence of a man who is both relatable and flawed. 

Alongside Giamatti, we have Da'Vine Joy Randolph, who plays Mary Lamb, a dedicated school cook who also finds herself staying back during the holidays. Her character adds a layer of warmth and empathy to the story, countering Paul's gruff demeanor. 

Dominic Sessa plays Angus, a troubled student whose storyline is central to the film's exploration of grief and redemption. His portrayal of a young man struggling with the weight of his circumstances is touching and powerful. 

Other notable cast members include Carrie Preston, who plays Paul's estranged wife, and Brady Hepner, who plays another student dealing with the complexities of teenage life.

Why I Loved The Holdovers

The casting of Paul Giamatti, who has long been one of my favorite actors, initially drew me to The Holdovers. 

His ability to bring depth to every role he plays is always a treat to watch, and this film is no exception. After reading a summary of the storyline, I decided to watch the movie, and I'm so glad I did.

I sincerely appreciate character-driven movies that offer insights into the human condition, and The Holdovers perfectly fits that bill. 

The film is more than just a story about a group stuck together over the holidays; it's a nuanced exploration of life's complexities, choices, and burdens. 

Despite the film's often somber tone, it never feels overwhelmingly bleak. There's a delicate balance between the sadness of the characters' situations and the quiet moments of connection and understanding that offer a glimmer of hope. 

Ultimately, The Holdovers is a film that stayed with me long after the credits rolled. It reminds me of the importance of compassion, understanding, and the willingness to confront our pasts to move forward. 

I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a thoughtful, well-crafted story with rich character development and a meaningful message.

Preview the Trailer:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

You Can Watch The Holdovers Via Prime, Where Available

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Book Reviews of the ‘Tea by the Sea’ Cozy Mystery Series

Vicki Delany, a Canadian crime writer, has written a series of Cozy Mysteries. A Tea by the Sea Mystery series is one of them. It is a delightful series featuring Lily Roberts, owner of a Cape Cod Tearoom.

Continuing Characters in the Series

This series takes place on the Outer Cape of Cape Cod facing Cape Cod Bay where Lily Roberts recently opened an authentic English Tearoom in a refurbished old stone building located on the property of her grandmother Rose’s grand old Victorian B & B.  

Lily, a professional pastry chef, left the restaurant business in New York City to realize her dream of owning and operating her own tearoom she named “Tea by the Sea”. She also helps her 85-year-old grandmother run her B & B “Victoria-on-Sea” by cooking the breakfast part of the bed & breakfast early each morning before her tearoom opens at 11:00 A.M.  

Lily lives in the guest cottage on the B & B property, along with her labradoodle Eclair, so named because of the cream stripe that runs through her curly brown fur. Grandmother Rose has a spoiled cat with the Scottish name Robert the Bruce (Robbie, for short).

Other continuing characters include Lily’s best friend Bernie (Bernadette), a forensic accountant who leaves her NYC job to move to Cape Cod for the summer to write a book. Then there is Simon, the young (and good looking) Englishman who takes over his uncle’s job as gardener for the extensive gardens that surround the B & B and tearoom. Lily’s helpers in the tearoom include Cheryl & Marybeth, mother & daughter, who help run the tearoom while Lily bakes. 

Each of these characters, including the animals, appear throughout the entire series and lend importance to each storyline. 

Because each book seems to include a murder that somehow always involves Lily and her family & friends, we also get to know the crotchety old town police detective Chuck Williams - nearing retirement age and rather lazy - and his new assistant, Detective Amy Redmond, young and experienced (coming to Cape Cod from the Boston PD), but under the command of Detective Williams, who tends to narrow his focus to not investigate as well as he should. 

Synopses of this 5 Book Series

Tea & Treachery

A Cape Cod tea shop owner (Lily Roberts) must solve the murder of a local real estate developer to help her feisty grandmother,  Rose, out of a jam after Rose is accused of the murder.

Murder in a Teacup

Cape Cod tearoom owner/pastry chef, Lily Roberts, gets herself in trouble when she unknowingly serves one of her grandmother's B&B guests a deadly cup of tea. Lily has to assume her part-time sleuth role to find the real killer and save herself. 

Murder Spills the Tea

When a popular TV baking show comes to Cape Cod to film at Lily’s charming tearoom, a celebrity chef and judge is murdered at the tearoom. Having lost his temper on-camera with a member of Lily's staff, Cheryl Wainwright ends up a suspect in his murder. Now Lily must investigate to clear her friend’s name. 

Steeped in Malice

Fine English teas are always served in china teacups (never mugs), as presentation is important. Finding herself low on teacups for her tearoom, Lily attends an antique show to replace her fragile stock. There she finds a delightful Peter Rabbit-themed tea set in a wicker basket, perfect for children’s events. 

Days later, a rude woman (Kimberly) arrives at the tearoom to demand the tea set back. She wants an envelope hidden in the basket’s lining. 

Turns out, the envelope was the last will and testament of Kimberly’s mother, and changes what an earlier will decreed (leaving Kimberly out of the inheritance entirely). Meanwhile, Kimberly’s half-sister Rachel  is also looking for the new will. As is Kimberly’s new husband (who just happens to have been Lily’s former NYC chef boyfriend). 

When one of the sisters is found dead on the grounds of the B & B, naturally Lily, Rose and their friends become involved. A simple case of greed and too many suspects make for another fun cozy mystery.

Tea & Treachery (Tea by the Sea Mysteries)

Murder in a Teacup (Tea by the Sea Mysteries)

Murder Spills the Tea (Tea by the Sea Mysteries)

Steeped in Malice (Tea by the Sea Mysteries)

The latest (and last book in the series) Book Five, Trouble is Brewing, was just published in 2024. 

Trouble is Brewing

Lily’s Cape Cod tearoom hosts a bridal shower for two families who are staying at Rose’s bed and breakfast. As the gifts are being opened, a gruesome gift sends the guest of honor screaming in fear.

The shocking gift is just one of many other tensions surrounding the families of the bride & groom.  The mother’s-in-law are sniping at each other, and the groom's father, Ralph, offers his son a sizable bribe to call off the wedding. 

Then Ralph is murdered and the wedding is postponed. All the members of the wedding party seem too willing to believe the worst of each other. Since this involves Lily and Rose, plus the tearoom and B & B, of course Lily becomes involved. 

Trouble Is Brewing (Tea by the Sea Mysteries)

SUMMARY

Each book in the series is charming. We learn all about the various teas served in the tearoom, from the simple Cream Tea - Tea & Scones - all the way to the Royal Tea, which is very fancy indeed, including a three-tiered tray filled with fancy scones, delectable sandwiches and tiny tasty desserts. Each book also has recipes at the end for the various scones, tarts, cupcakes and sandwiches served for these teas.

We also get to know each character individually, including their interesting personalities, and how they interact with each other. 

I was first drawn to this cozy mystery series because of the name of the town on Cape Cod used in the stories. Author Delany calls the town ‘North Augusta’, which immediately caught my attention because I once lived in North Augusta, South Carolina. North Augusta on Cape Cod is not a real place, but it is mentioned as being close to North Truro (Cape Cod, Massachusetts) and turns out to be the perfect location for a mystery series. 

Cozy Mysteries frequently feature an ordinary person who somehow becomes involved as an amateur sleuth in a crime. They are often a known community person, such as a librarian, a book store owner, or, as in this series, the pastry chef of a tearoom, each taking place in a small community.

The Tea by the Sea Mystery Series is absolutely delightful and filled with characters you will come to love. I highly recommend this Cozy Mystery series by Vicki Delany.

*A Tea by the Sea series of cozy mysteries review is written by Wednesday Elf 

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The Convenient Groom - Hallmark Movie Review

Calling all Romantic Hallmark Movie Lovers!  This is a delightfully sweet and fun movie to watch.  

To be honest, I didn't expect much based on the description of this movie so I was very surprised to find a movie I really liked a lot.  I chose it solely because David Sutcliffe was one of the main actors.  I was not previously familiar with his co-star, Vanessa Marcil, but turns out, I really like her too.  She has a very easy smile, a lovely face and is a believable actress.  They make a very cute couple!

This movie was a very nice break for me.  I had stepped away from the romance movie genre this summer and started watching more of the mystery series movies.  I still had the final mystery episode in my mystery series to watch, but I was not in the mood for another murder today.  Thus, I sought out a pleasant romance.  

 

The Convenient Groom Synopsis

The Convenient Groom

Kate Lawrence, Ph.D is a popular dating advice video blogger with a book deal just around the corner.  The movie starts with her offering tips on how to spot the red flags in a relationship on her show, "Just ... No".  I laughed out loud when I heard her describe a "high maintenance" man.  

Any movie that can make me laugh in the first two minutes is almost guaranteed to be a winner!

Following her own advice, Kate has found her own perfect fiance, soon to be husband.  For those of us watching, we can easily spot the "red flags" in her relationship, but she naively chooses to ignore them because she wants a relationship without conflict.  No surprise when her fiance breaks up with her, leaving her to explain to her audience what just happened to her big announcement.  She is about to "air all" when an old friend steps in to save her day, and her job, by claiming to be her fiance.  She, and her entire crew, are surprised, but play along with him during the filming to keep from having a totally disastrous show.

Lucas Wright feels really bad for Kate when he overhears her fiance breaking off their engagement, admitting that he is seeing someone else.  When she slips away to gather her thoughts before continuing the filming, Lucas takes that moment to talk to her.  Because he really wants to help, he ends up stepping out during the filming and announcing that he is Kate's fiance.  Of course, the crowd goes wild!

Kate and Lucas are engaged, at least as far as everyone else is concerned.  The announcement day has been saved, but now what?  Her book deal is still up in the air and vendors are lining up to be chosen for their wedding day in a few months. Sort of, jumping from the frying pan into the fire scenario.

Okay, so you probably have it all figured out, but it is still a delightfully fun mess to watch! 

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Book Review - Spark of Revolution

 

In his series, From Peasant to Patriot, DeWayne Landwehr combines the knowledge and research he has found about his ancestors and his in-depth research into the history of the places they lived during the past several centuries and combines them into a very interesting series of historical novels. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each of these novels and look forward to continuing to follow these families on their journey to a life in the "New World".

Book Summary

The books follow two 17th century Scottish families as they move to Ireland to escape both religious and political persecution.  After only one generation in Ireland, they find that the same persecution from the English Monarchy has followed them, and they are searching for a place they can live and raise their families in peace and at least some degree of prosperity.

In the latest book "Spark of Revolution: The Reluctant Forging of a New Nation "the families make the decision to relocate to the "New World" in North America.  We follow them as they endure hardships both in their travels and their quests to carve a life in the uncharted wilderness that has with it many hardships of its own.  They are surrounded with hostile people from this land, and they find that disease, starvation and war has followed them to the New World.  They also arrive at a time when this "New World" is faced with the decisions of staying part of the British rule or carving out a new nation.  

I find it very interesting to read about the families as they are confronting many of the events that we have all learned in American History classes.  The author has done a great job of making this "Forging of a New Nation" come to life through the characters in this book.

Here is the Amazon link to the book: Spark of Revolution: The Reluctant Forging of a New Nation

Author Interview

I thought it would be interesting to get a little background on the author and hear his views on writing these novels.

DeWayne Landwehr graciously agreed to do an author's interview with me.  I sent him a group of questions and he emailed me his responses.  Here are the questions and answers.

Q. DeWayne-First of all could you tell us a little bit about your background?

A. I grew up and went to school in St. Clair, Missouri. Although I spent a lot of time helping with my father’s hatchery and feed store, I also got a job as soon as I could, working first at the St. Clair

Chronicle, and then as a pump jockey at a gas station on Route 66. Those experiences formed the basis of my first book, “Will That be Regular or Ethyl?”

After high school, I was accepted to attend General Motors Institute and graduated with an engineering degree in 1968. I followed that up in 1971 with a MBA by going to night classes.

During my sophomore year, I married my high school sweetheart, Gail Schroeder, and through the years, we had two sons.

I worked for various units of General Motors my entire career, but it was during a stint at the GM Technical Center that I discovered an interest and knack for writing. I am now retired, and have

several hobbies, including forestry, woodworking, and of course my writing.

Q.  I know this book is the third in a series.  What made you want to write these books?  Will there be others in the series?

A. I had developed an interest in genealogy along the way and had traced my family’s roots to the1500s. Those two interests came together to produce the idea for a historical fiction series that

features my family’s journey through time, starting in the 16th century.

Three books have been published in this series, called “From Peasant to Patriot”. A fourth book is in the works now, and there will probably be a fifth book as well.

Q. I love historical fiction and always wonder how much of the books are true history and what is fiction.  In your case, I know you wrote based on your own ancestors.  In particular scenes are the characters based on actual things your ancestors did or are

they fiction and based on the times and places you found in your research of your ancestors.  I was particularly interested in their involvement in the events leading up to the revolutionary war in America.

A. My books are written mainly from the perspective of the common man—particularly my ancestors. I have done considerable research to discover where they were and what was happening around them. I outline those facts, along with real historical characters and events

that I have also discovered in my research and imagine how my ancestors may have reacted and what they may have said and done. As I introduce new ancestral characters in my books, I

chart them for the reader at the head of the chapter. Occasionally, I need to invent peripheral characters to advance the narrative, and of course, I have no knowledge of individual conversations, but other than that, everything in my books is historically accurate. Many of the details included in them has been discovered in places like the Journal of the American Revolution, applications to the Daughters of the American Revolution, courthouse and church records, the National Archives, Ancestry archives and other family trees, genealogical research facilities located in some libraries, and Wikipedia. So, I like to think that, except for individual conversations, my books are as historically accurate as any history  book.

Q. Tell us a little about how you went about your research for this book.

A. The first thing I did was to assemble as much as I could of my family tree. I have done that on both my paternal and maternal sides back to roughly 1500. Then, using those resources mentioned above, namely, Journal of the American Revolution, applications to the Daughters of the American Revolution, courthouse and church records, the National Archives, Ancestry archives and other family trees, genealogical research facilities located in some libraries, and Wikipedia, I collected articles and information regarding historical

events that were occurring around them.

I assembled facts from those two steps into an outline to cover the time period for which I was writing, and then began to construct the narrative, including conversations.

As events unfolded in the story, I occasionally had to invent peripheral characters to advance the narrative. At many points in the story, I would wonder things like, “…who was it that…”, so I would query one of my resources (usually Wikipedia). There would almost always be an answer, but in the few cases when there was no clear fact to be uncovered, I invented it. In those very few cases, I tell the reader in Author Notes.

Q. I love the way you make your characters come to life in your writing.  What is your secret?

A. I have read scores of books in my favorite genres: historical fiction, medieval history, medieval fiction and family saga, and tried to pick out my favorite attributes and styles from the various

authors. I found that I like stories in which the author mixes some conversations with straight; not all one or the other. Also, I found that some authors will spend pages describing

the appearance of some character, and I found that to be tedious. I try to give the reader just enough description of a character to ignite their imagination, then let that imagination run in their own mind while the narrative unfolds.

Q. What is the main thing you would like your reader to remember from your book?

A. In every book I write, I would like for the reader to be able to imagine themselves or one of their ancestors as one or more of the characters in the book. In Spark of Revolution, I hope the reader comes away with a realization that the idea of a' United States’ didn’t arise fully formed on the 4th of July 1776. It was a result of years of

struggle and compromise, led by men and women who often disagreed, but were willing to listen to others’ views and to compromise and work with each other.

Q. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions.  Is there anything else you would like the readers of Review This to know about your books.

A. The basic idea behind the creation of this series, “From Peasant to Patriot”, was to set it in the perspective of the common man of the times, and to follow a few related families as they dealt

with life and death, beginning in the 16th century, and following through to the 20th century. In creating the settings, real historical events were outlined, and real people from my family tree

were inserted in the narrative where I think they might have been as a result of my research. Consequently, excepting the individual conversations, these books are almost entirely factual

and historically accurate.

Mary, thank you for allowing me to do this.   

De

Other Books by DeWayne Landwehr

The first book in the series From Peasant to Patriot can be found on Amazon at Smoke on the Whiteadder  You can find more about this book at my review on Review This Smoke on the Whiteadder .

The second book in the series is Inside Odenwald: Courage of Survival and can also be purchased on Amazon at Inside Oldenwald

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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