Hoosiers: My Favorite Gene Hackman Film

The passing of actor Gene Hackman at aged 95 whose career spanned four decades gave us numerous memorable performances. I think Hoosiers will always be my favorite film of his.

Growing up in a family of athletes (my brothers played basketball, and my sisters played volleyball), I was the "athletic supporter" cheering on my siblings and losing my voice at countless games. You'd think I wouldn't love Hoosiers as much as I do because I have zero hand/eye coordination (it might be less.)

One aspect I appreciate about the film is it's more than basketball it's a story of second chances. Hackman's character Coach Norman Dale initially sees coaching the small-town Indiana high school basketball as a way to escape his past. He makes waves among the townsfolk with his unconventional coaching. 

I liked the strong bond Coach Dale forms with his players. It was evident throughout the film in so many scenes, but particularly the end.  The relationship goes beyond the court with one of the subplots being he gives an assistant coaching job to one of the players alcoholic fathers (played by Dennis Hopper) and this riles up the residents of Hickory.

Add in quotable dialogue (my family can quote it backwards and forwards), an inspirational soundtrack set against the backdrop of a true underdog sport's story, and you've got a fantastic film. 

Hoosiers made my top ten list of favorite childhood films you can see here.  

If it's been a minute since you've seen this film, I urge you to re-watch it. Nearly, forty years later the movie still holds up and moves audiences. 

In the words of Coach Dale at the end, "I love you guys."  Thank you for all the support. Enjoy the film. I'd love to know what you think of it. 

 

The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton is a Cross Between Charlie's Angels and an Agatha Christie Mystery

I got more than I bargained for in The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton. Susan L. Tuttle is a new-to-me author, and this book exceeded my expectations. You aren't sure what to expect from this unusual title and simple cover. It's a little Charlie's Angels meets an Agatha Christie mystery with a cast of fascinating characters and a page-turning plot.  

Everleigh Wheaton knows how quickly a reputation can be ruined. She's experienced it time and again in her career. Because of this, she has a well-developed confidence and self-reliance.  After losing another job, she receives a mysterious invitation to the fabled Halstead Manor. Her curiosity and love of a good puzzle/mystery won't allow her to pass up this opportunity.  She meets two other women, Brooke Sumner and Natalie Daughtry who received the same invitation. A strange voice on the phone (How's that for a Charlie's Angels reference?) hires them to be treasure hunters and offers an exorbitant fee. Each of these women were hired because of their specialized expertise which he believes will be a resource in this case.

Everleigh's first assignment is as a traveling nurse to Gertrude Levine, a retired FBI agent with one cold case she can't let go...the Florentine Diamond.  Gertrude's nephew Niles Butler is against Everleigh being hired and intent on proving her wrong. 

As a loner, Everleigh realizes she'll need to work with Brooke and Natalie as they get closer to finding the treasure. Throughout the story Everleigh learns that while she has a great deal of compassion, she holds people at arm's length and doesn't allow them to get close to her. The author built the relationships in this story in a realistic and honest way which I appreciated, and it made you want to root for the characters. 

If mysteries with conspiracy theories and romance are what you love, you NEED to add The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton to your list. 

Book 2 in the Halstead Manor series The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry come out March 18th and I can't wait to read it.

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee

Cole and Laila A Delightful Rom Com Read

 

Contemporary author Bethany Turner is the queen of rom com reads and pop culture refences. Her books simultaneously touch your heart and tickle your funny bone. 

Sidenote: I want to publicly thank Bethany Turner for FINALLY writing about older heroes and heroines. It's so nice to read about a character closer to your age! Please keep writing older characters. Sincerely, Older Readers. 

Cole and Laila Just Friends is the 2nd book in her first series set in the fictional town of Adelaide Springs, Colorado and it's a 'best friends to more' trope. One of my favorites. 

Cole Kimball and Laila Olivet have been best friends forever. When his grandfather passes the small-town life, he's known shatters. He contemplates moving to New York to become a sous chef. Content to stay in their hometown, Laila agrees to go on the New York trip hoping she can convince him to come home.  While in New York, they make a deal.... she won't beg him to come home, and he won't convince her to come with him. 

They were probably one of my favorite couples Bethany has ever written. I loved how natural and easy their friendship was. It made me want that in my life but also appreciate how adorable they were together.  The way Bethany builds tension between Cole and Laila trying to figure out if they were more than just friends was funny and relatable. 

Brynn and Sebastian from book one (Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other) make an appearance in Cole and Laila. They added additional entertainment to this story, and I honestly liked them better in book two versus one. 

I listened to the audiobook version and thought it was so cool how they did dual narrators. It made the story more engaging. If you're looking for a memorable, friends-to-more romance you need to add Cole and Laila Just Friends to your TBR. I couldn't stop laughing and smiling while reading this book. I'd give Cole and Laila 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. My half a star deduction is because I needed a litle more romance. 

P.S. Bethany's book dedication was one of her funniest.  I'm a #teamjess from Gilmore Girls and also a fan of Milo in This is Us where he plays patriarch Jack Pearson. 

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee

The Summer of Yes is a Joy

Courtney Walsh's The Summer of Yes explores the idea of what if you say yes to everything you normally say no to. Excluding illegal or immoral things but saying yes to the things you don't make time for. It encourages readers to step beyond their comfort zones and embrace opportunities that they typically overlook or dismiss due to fear, busyness, or uncertainty. The concept invites a spirit of adventure, curiosity, and openness into everyday life, transforming ordinary days into memorable experiences.

As someone who often feels trapped in routine, I found Walsh's approach refreshingly motivating. The Summer of Yes got me out of the winter blues and made me excited about the possibilities of summer. Walsh's story was a gentle yet powerful reminder that saying yes can lead to growth, joy, and an enriched life—something many of us need, especially after long winters or periods of difficulty.

Introvert, workaholic, New York editor Kelsey Worthington wasn't expecting to get hit by a curb jumping car and wind up in the same hospital room as famous businesswoman Georgina Tate.

Kelsey convinces Georgina to take a road trip. Both women confront their individual issues and securities on this trip.  Both Kelsey and Georgina learn how the power of words and taking action on those words can change you.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book and the narrator does a great job of bringing the characters to life. 

One thing I love about Courtney's books is her author's voice is light, fun and her humor is oh-so-relatable and will have you laughing out loud, but her stories also contain the richness of life. Her books always bring me joy. If you need a little more joy in your life add The Summer of Yes to your TBR pile. 

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee

The Fur Trader's Lady Falls Flat

 

I need to preface this review by saying I'm a HUGE fan of author Gabrielle Meyer. Her Timeless series is one of my favorites. The exceptional quality/high caliber of Meyer's writing coupled with an intriguing premise made me want to read this book. Because of this I had high expectations for her new indie novel The Fur Trader's Lady. 

To escape her cruel guardian's plans to marry her, Lady Charlotte Fairfax escapes to Montreal to find Reid McCoy, a fur trader who owes her fiancé a debt. Women are not allowed on the fur trade route. Reid is hoping to become a shareholder in the North West Company and taking a woman along could jeopardize his career and put Charlotte in more danger.  

Charlotte must pose as a man named Charlie Crawford traveling as Reid's assistant clerk. Will she and Reid be able to escape her evil guardian and a rival willing to stop at nothing?

All that being said...I struggled with The Fur Trader's Lady. I wanted to like this book. I really did. I felt like Gabrielle's writing voice that I gravitate to in the Timeless books is not the same. I can't put my finger on it, but something is different.

Normally. Ms. Meyer writes strong heroines who are confidant and capable. Lady Charlotte Fairfax? I had a hard time liking or rooting for her. She felt like a cookie-cutter heroine who only brings title and money. She is talented at drawing, but she doesn't bring much else to the table. Charlotte and Reid's relationship, the moments they had seemed to be based upon physical attraction and nothing else. Because of this, it makes it hard to cheer on characters you don't feel a connection with. 

Ms. Meyer's plots are typically exceptional. In The Fur Trader's Lady, the plot was anti-climactic and read like a soap opera. 

The spiritual thread was not a major point. Religion and God are talked about, but because of trials or hardships, they either didn't believe in or were still figuring out what they believe in. 

I'm giving The Fur Trader's Lady 2 stars out of 5. I don't like to give books this low of a star rating, but I want to be honest with my readers.   

I'm glad I supported an author I like, but finishing this book was a waste of my time. It does make me a little gun shy/reading shy about Ms. Meyer's upcoming books 5 and 6 in her Timeless series.  I did pre-order them because I want to read them. I'm hopeful these upcoming books will be the pallet cleanser I need to put this author back on my favorites list. 

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee

After Anne an Honest Look at Montgomery's Life

 

L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Shirley—always Anne with an e—is one of my all-time favorite literary heroines. For over 117 years, this spirited, red-haired orphan has captivated readers with her imagination, resilience, and charm.

After Anne: A Novel of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Life is Logan Stener's debut novel. She brought the writing of Anne of Green Gables and the story behind the author's inspiration to life. Paying homage to Montgomery while still maintaining her own author voice. 

I loved how Ms. Steiner tied in Montgomery's writing of Anne with real her real life and showcased how much fun Maud had with writing the character of Anne. She also didn't shy away from writing about hardships and challenges Maud endured. Writing became her escape. By the end of After Anne I had more empathy and compassion for Montgomery. It also made me want to dig deeper into the life of this beloved Canadian author. 

One sad aspect, Ms. Steiner covers in After Anne how Montgomery witnessed the popularity of her books, but also the decline. To me this was heartbreaking and made me want to read her entire list of books and keep her stories relevant in today's world. 

If you're a reader who's a fan of all things Anne, you need to add After Anne to your TBR pile. Marilla is another book I recommend if you want another book in the Avonlea world.  Both books are wonderful companions to Anne of Green Gables.

Nine years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Prince Edward Island with my best friends Jennifer and Heather. What a once-in-a-lifetime, truly magical experience. If you have the chance to go...take it. You won't regret it!

Top 10 Favorite Classic Films

It's Saturday night and you have no idea what to watch. I've got you covered with my top ten list of favorite classic films. My enjoyment of old movies is a close second to my love of books. 

Did any of my top ten make your list? Any that I'm missing from my list that you'd recommend? I'd love to know. 

10. ARSENIC AND OLD LACE (1944)

 Arsenic and Old Lace is a zany dark comedy where Grant plays Brooklyn dramatic critic against marriage, ties to knot with a minister's daughter (Pricilla Lane) to tell his maiden aunts only to discover they are serial murderers. 

9.) TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1963)

If you've read Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, the black and white 1962 film starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch got the book spot on in my opinion. It's so rare that a film gets a book right, but in this instance every time I watch the movie I feel as though I've read the book. 

8.) SHADOW OF A DOUBT (1943)

Shadow of a Doubt marks director Alfred Hitchcock's first film set in America, and he considered this a favorite among his own films. Teresa Wright plays small town girls Charlotte "Charlie" wishing someone could come and shake up her family. Sends a wire to her Uncle Charlie (Joseph Cotten) who she is named after. Little knowing her uncle is not who he seems. 

7.)  THE AFRICAN QUEEN (1951)

The African Queen is a classic adventure film with a romance between opposites attract leads Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. 

6.) CASABLANCA (1942)

Casablanca is a WWII romantic drama with a superb cast. This film ranks twice on two separate American film institute (AFI) lists. Top movie quotes with a whopping six total and it is number three on AFI's 100 Best Films Over the last 100 years. 

5.) SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)

Gorgeous scenery, seven precious children, songs you can't help, but sing along too, and Christopher Plummer...what more could you want? You can check out my review of this magnificent film here.

4.) GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)

This 1939 four hour long classic still holds records. Eighty-six years later it's still one of the most popular films. The romantic in me loves the kissing scenes. 

3.)  SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)

Singin' in the Rain (1952) reminds me of my childhood. I remember being eight or nine watching it at my grandma's house. To me the film exudes joy. It's my go-to film when I don't know what to watch. Gene Kelly's memorable scene where he's singing in the rain is one of the best scenes in cinematic history. I smile every time I watch it.

2.) IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)

It's A Wonderful Life (1946) is one of those films that I watch every Christmas growing up, but to me it's also one of those films I watch and still find new things I appreciate about it more and more. You can read my film review here. 

1.) AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER (1957) 

An Affair to Remember (1957) is the quintessential Cary Grant film.  A couple meet on an ocean liner, fall in love and agree to meet six months later on top of the Empire State building. Grant and Kerr's chemistry is unparalleled. In case you can't get enough of Cary Grant after watching this movie you can check out my top five favorite Cary Grant films here.