Top 5 Alfred Hitchcock Films

 Last weekend I watched The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956). This led me down a rabbit trail of what would my top five favorite films by the Master of Suspense aka Alfred Hitchcock be. His career spanned over thirty years and he directed fifty-three feature films. 

Here's my top five Alfred Hitchcock Films:

5.) The Trouble with Harry (1955) 

In The Trouble with Harry, a man's corpse appears on a hillside and several of the town's residents think they are responsible for his death.  This film shows a different side of Hitchcock. A more tongue-in-cheek, humorous side. It marks Shirley MacLaine's debut. If John Forsythe's voice sounds familiar, he was the voice of Charlie Townsend in Charlie's Angels. Composer Bernard Herrmann scored this film along with six other Hitchcock films: The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956), The Wrong Man (1956), Vertigo (1958), North by Northwest (1959), Psycho (1960) and Marnie (1964). 

4.) Saboteur (1942)

Robert Cummings character is wrongfully accused of setting fire at an airplane plant as an act of sabotage. As he travels across the country to find the saboteur he takes Priscilla Lane hostage. While an initially unwilling captor, Lane eventually becomes a helpful accomplice. Saboteur is one of those great black and white spy thrillers with the perfect blend of mystery and romance. And how could film buffs forget the iconic scene with actor Norman Lloyd? (You have to watch the film because I don't want to give away the scene.) He (Lloyd) passed away four years ago at the age of 106! 

3.) North by Northwest (1959)

It's no surprise a Hitchcock film starring Cary Grant would end up on my list. Grant made three other films with the famed director: Suspicion (1941), Notorious (1946) and To Catch a Thief (1956). North by Northwest features some of Hitchcock's most legendary scenes as the audience follows Grant's character's cross-country unraveling the mystery and attempting to clear his name. 

2.) Rear Window (1954)

Rear Window made my top five Jimmy Stewart films and lands the number two spot on this list. Stewart plays a wheelchair bound photojournalist after he broke his leg who thinks one of his neighbors has committed a murder. This includes a fantastic ensemble cast of Grace Kelly, Thelma Ritter, and Raymond Burr.  

1.) Shadow of a Doubt (1943)

I liked this film so much I did a structural analysis paper on it in college. (I got an A on the paper.) Shadow of a Doubt follows Charlotte "Charlie" Newton whose excitement at her mother's brother Uncle Charlie whom she is named after soon turns to fear when she suspects her beloved uncle is not all he seems to be. 

Shadow of a Doubt is also Hitchcock's favorite of all his films. 

The camera work in this film is exceptional. I think I liked how Charlie's family (parents and siblings) represent a slice of small-town Americana. The acting by the entire cast is stellar and the screenplay keeps you guessing. 

Did any of my top five films make you list? Any films you think I should have included?

The Codebreaker's Daughter: A Poignant Mother/Daughter Story

If you love WWII fiction like I do you need to add author Amy Lynn Green books to your TBR pile.

Her newest release, The Codebreaker's Daughter is a dual POV between Dinah Kendall and her mother Lillian.

Dinah dreams of an espionage career. She's offered a position in Washington, DC with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) crafting rumors that undermine the Axis morale. She battles her conscience with the way she was raised and what she's asked to do at the OSS. She discovers her mother Lillian was a codebreaker during the Great War. 

Lillian wrestles with the question of did she live up to her full potential and is she content with her life. Whether you're young or old, I think this is something we all struggle with. The author did an excellent job with this topic and the questions that come up when you're struggling with such a big life question. 

I found the dual POV between Dinah and Lily fascinating. It added a layer of depth and authenticity to the story. Ms. Green expertly balances the mother/daughter relationship between Lillian and Dinah. 

I'd rate The Codebreaker's Daughter a solid 4 1/2 stars out of 5. The ending was a little rushed and I felt like the author left it open ended. Perhaps we'll see more of Dinah and Lily. It did make me want to read more stories by Amy Lynn Green. Her stories have a beautiful lyrical cadence to them that make you feel like you the reader are in the story.  

 

The Atlas of Untold Stories is a Fantastic Must-Read Story

I have been eagerly awaiting Christy-award winning author Sara Brunsvold's new book The Atlas of Untold Stories (released last month.)

Edith 'Edie' Vance and her two adult daughters, Lauren, the older more responsible one and Chloe, the dreamer of the family who works as a barista at a library take a 9-day road trip visiting significant literary sights through America's Heartland. I liked that it wasn't just bookish landmarks, but a few films/pop culture moments made it into this story.  

If you are just now finding Sara and her stories you are in for a treat. She writes about contemporary issues we face in society adds faith and hope into the mix to create stories that stay with you long after you've closed the book. Do yourself a favor and run to the nearest bookstore or library and add her books to your already precarious stack of books. Better yet put them at the top of your TBR pile. 

I've read and review both her debut novel The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip and The Divine Proverb of Streusel. Both books are exceptional. I had high hopes for The Atlas of Untold Stories. Sara totally delivered! Sara's books should come with a warning label about how many tears you are going to shed. I started blubbering in chapter fifty and bawled my eyes out the last four chapters and the epilogue. 

There were so many emotions I felt while reading this book. It made me want to hug my family a little tighter, have a little more empathy and compassion, say 'I love you' more, and appreciate all the moments in life...both the big and small. 

 I loved the cadence of Sara's writing. She draws you in from page one clearly showing the reader who each character is. Chloe was my favorite character. Her zest for life and joy for the Lord were infectious and made me want to be more like that. Although by the end of the book I found Edie and Lauren's stories inspiring as well. I was not ready for The Atlas of Untold Stories to end. To me this is the mark of an exceptional book...the fact you don't want it to end. 

The Atlas of Untold Stories is a solid 5 stars. It'll be on my 'to keep' and 're-read' shelf. 

Why We Need Book Clubs

 "Books +Friendship = book club"- Kristin Hannah

I can't remember a time I didn't love reading.  Last summer, I FINALLY joined a book club. My friend and critique partner, Lisa invited me to her church's monthly book club. We read Christian fiction. Both contemporary and historical. I so appreciate that the hosts always make sure we are reading books that have a strong spiritual/faith thread. 

 Bookworms, if you have the opportunity to join a book club...do it! I know life can get busy and chaotic and joining a monthly book club might seem overwhelming. I'm telling you the blessings and benefits far out way any excuses. 

While there is countless reason to join a book club, I just wanted to list five:

1.) Diversify reading habits.

I don't know about you, but I tend to read books in the genres I most enjoy and don't venture too far outside of what I'm comfortable with. Book club has introduced me to several new-to-me authors. Jamie Jo Wright (The Vanishing at Castle Moreau), Tessa Afshar (The Queen's Cook), and Robert Whitlow (Promised Land) to name a few.

2.) A book club holds you accountable.  

Typically, you have one month to finish a book. This is a fairly reasonable time frame for even slow readers. Most book clubs are relaxed and lowkey and welcome all attendees even if you haven't finished the book. The only thing you may walk away with are spoilers. 

3.) Get outside your comfort zone.

As a proclaimed introvert, sometimes social gatherings can be overwhelming. Somehow you add a book into the mix and I'm at ease. 

4.) Make new friends.

I've always had a small group of friends. My friendship circle has grown since book club. These ladies encourage, pray for, and pour into each other and are such a blessing. Book club is more than just books...it's about building lifelong friendships. Thank you, ladies, for ALL that you do. 

5.) Share your love of books. 

There's something contagious about the way a book lover's eye light up when they are talking about a favorite book or a moment in a story that had an impact on them. 

Happy reading fellow bibliophiles! 

 

Reading is an adventure,

     Emilee 

Every Hour Until Then is Fabulous

 

 Gabirelle Meyer is the queen of "I didn't see that coming" plot twists in Every Hour Until Then. Book five in her Timeless series is the most suspenseful storyline because of the Jack the Ripper storyline and the shortened period of time...only 50 years.  I had to force myself not to Google Jack the Ripper until I closed the book. 

Just when I think there's no way I can like the current book as much as the last in the series (Across the Ages), Ms. Meyer amps up the stakes and has further cemented my reasons as to why I love this page-turning, unique, stay-with-you-long-after-you-closed the book series! If you're just now reading or hearing about this fantastic series, I recommend starting with book one (When the Day Comes) and read in sequential order, so you don't miss any key plot points. 

Kathryn is a time crosser. The brief interaction with her in book four made me eager to read her story. In 1888 Victorian era London she's Kathryn Kelly living during the time of (you guessed it) Jack the Ripper. As Kathryn Voland in 1938 Washington, DC living with her parents Luc and Grace Voland (For a Lifetime), she's invited as a guest curator at the London Musuem for a new exhibit on Jack the Ripper. Through her research she discovers her sister in 1888 is one of the last known victims of the infamous serial killer. 

Ms. Meyer walks a fine line with her heroine Kathryn's battle to save her sister without changing history and her uncertainty of which time period she'll choose on her twenty-fifth birthday.

Throughout the book, Kathryn learns we can make plans, but ultimately God directs our steps. This is a theme we always need to be reminded of. 

If you love books with great plot twists and stories that keep you on the edge of your seat you need to pick up this 5-star read. You won't regret it. 

After reading Every Hour Until Then, my ranking of the Timeless books has changed. I'd say the order is now: Every Hour Until Then, When the Day Comes, Across the Ages, For a Lifetime, and In this Moment. 

Countdown till November of this year when Through Each Tomorrow (Book 6) releases.

The Lawyer and the Laundress is a Romantic Debut

I read The Lawyer and the Laundress in two days. Couldn't put it down!

I love supporting authors. The Lawyer and the Laundress marks author Christine Hill Suntz's debut. Before I even read the back cover two things stood out. One, the gorgeous cover and two, the intriguing title. When it hinted at a marriage of convenience trope I immediately clicked 'add to cart.'

Barrister and widower James Kinney is trying to raise his young daughter Evangeline "Evie." She needs more education and training as a lady than he can provide. Classes with the neighborhood children seems ideal until he discovers she's been spending time with the mysteriously educated laundress. 

Laundress Sara O'Connor's goal is to remain invisible and provide for her elderly Granny The second Sara stepped on the pages of this story I liked her. She was a hard worker, kind to all no matter their station. 

Even though I'm a quarter Canadian on my mom's side (My grandparents were born and raised in Canada, Winnipeg Manitoba.) I don't know much about Canadian history, but it was interesting to learn about in this story.

One aspect about The Lawyer and the Laundress I appreciated was the relationships and connections between all the major and minor characters to create a deep, well-rounded read.

The romance between James and Sara was filled with several swoon-worthy cheering them on romantic moments you'll want to re-read.

Ms. Suntz's book reminded of me of the style of author Laura Frantz. If you're a fan of this author, I highly recommend you check out The Lawyer and the Laundress. It's a page-turning story filled with faith, heart-melting romance, a wholesome marriage of convenience not to be missed. 

I'd rate The Lawyer and the Laundress 4 1/2 stars. I just wanted a smidge more romance between Sara and James. I also wasn't ready to say goodbye to these characters and wanted a sequel even though the ending was satisfying. I look forward to reading more books by this author. 

To Love a Beast is Fantastic Beauty and the Beast Retelling

I've been so impatient to read To Love a Beast. This novella marks Karen's second self-published book and part of her new Once Upon a Time in Texas. Not to be confused with her Texas Ever After series (Fairest of Heart, If the Boot Fits, and Cloaked in Beauty).

Having read all the books in her previous fairytale series I was intrigued to see how Karen would put her stamp on such a beloved classic - Beauty and the Beast (I was picturing the Disney 90's animated film) 1800's Texas style. And let me just say: she nailed it.

Once known among New York's elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives in self-imposed exile in the wilds of Texas—his face and heart scarred by betrayal. Locals whisper of a beastly recluse in a crumbling manor, guarded by loyal servants and an oversized dog. But when determined bookbinder Callista Rosenfeld shows up to complete a job meant for her injured father, she pushes past Everett’s gruff exterior and begins to uncover the man beneath the legend.

There are so many aspects of this story that I adored and appreciated. The main theme was how Everett Griffin learns it's not your outside appearance that matters, but your character and heart. This is such a timely message in a world that values outward beauty over inward. Karen weaves this message with grace, never feeling preachy, but instead letting the growth of Everett unfold naturally through his interactions and choices.

The relationship between Everett and his staff was one of my favorite parts. It was a blend of respect, teasing and on occasion doling out the truth when needed. It was written to make you feel like you wanted to be a part of this place too. Each character had a voice that stood out, making the household feel both lived-in and lovable — the kind of setting you wish you could step into.

When Calista Rosenfield appeared on scene, she shook up their quiet household with her persistence at being given an opportunity to complete the work Everett hired her father's company for. She soon won the staff over with her kind nature and hard work binding books. Her determination was admirable, and the gentle development of her relationship with Everett felt genuine and believable.

For me, Karen is one of those authors who is an automatic pre-order for me, I binge her books the second I get them in my hands and then bemoan the fact that I must wait however many months till her next release. I assured you; Karen's books are always worth the wait! She brings a warmth and wit to her storytelling that leaves a lasting impression long after the last page.

To Love a Beast is a solid five stars. If I could give it more stars I would. I read this novella in one sitting and did not want it to end! This story is a slice of magic not to be missed. It’s the kind of story that reminds you why you fell in love with fairytales in the first place.

 ~~To Love a Beast was provided to me by the publisher in return for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~