Book Review: The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables

The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables

written by Catherine Reid

280 pages // published in 2018 // cultural/travel non-fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Anne of Green Gables is a worldwide phenomenon that has sold over fifty million copies and inspired numerous films, plays, musicals, and television series. It has turned Prince Edward Island into a multimillion-dollar tourist destination visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year. In The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables, Catherine Reid reveals how Lucy Maud Montgomery’s deep connection to the landscape inspired her to write Anne of Green Gables. From the Lake of Shining Waters and the Haunted Wood to Lover’s Lane, readers will be immersed in the real places immortalized in the novel. Using Montgomery’s journals, archives, and scrapbooks, Reid explores the many similarities between Montgomery and her unforgettable heroine, Anne Shirley. The lush package includes Montgomery’s hand-colorized photographs, the illustrations originally used in Anne of Green Gables, and contemporary and historical photography.

So much of the beloved Anne books is centered upon the land, the scenic landscapes described. These descriptions add poetry and romanticism to the stories. When you read the Anne books yourself, tell me, weren't you inspired by the beauty of Prince Edward Island? It creates the very atmosphere of the story, and if you read between the lines, the elements of nature express and emphasize the plot and emotions therein. Some of this, I subconsciously knew before. After reading this book though, I have keener insight in the lay of Montgomery's land.

Reading this book brings out areas of Anne's character too, which I never thought about before, myself... and yet it rings true nonetheless. Her passions (and Montgomery's) are expressed through the moods of the outside world. So many nuances are there in Montgomery's writings, when it comes to her island, but you have to search the pages for it.

"It's to the natural world, then, that each girl turns when her soul is beginning to despair. The inspiration found there not only shifts her mood, it changes the very caliber of the writing, the sentences seemingly possessed of a new vitality, bringing readers into a brighter, better place."
- Catherine Reid

Such a remarkable and stunning collection of pictures are included; some from Montgomery's private collection (even taken by her own hand); some modern day shots of the bright and colorful landscapes. The red cliffs of P.E.I. just steal the show for me, so beautiful they are in photos. But I think my heart stopped beating, and I may have stopped breathing air for a moment, when I saw an actual picture of Lover's Lane in the 1920s. I think you'll feel the same way.

This book feels magical. I think it could be a balm for a hurting heart. You're seeing fictional places out in the real world (they never were "fictional" anyway). Lover's Lane, the Lake of Shining Waters, the White Lady... and it all increases my desire to visit these landmarks myself. There is so much good-feeling nostalgia locked away in this volume. You must get it for yourself!

I'm so glad to have gone on a tour via the vehicle of a book -- armchair travel. It will suffice until I go to P.E.I. to take it all in myself in person, some blissful distant day.

"I had... then as now, two great refuges and consolations -- the world of nature and the world of books. They kept life in my soul; they made me love my home because of my dreams and rambles and the deep joy and delight they gave me -- because of the halo they threw over what was otherwise bare and savorless."
- L.M. Montgomery

hardcover // e-book

P.S. Like and vote for this review on Goodreads and Amazon.

Book Review: Marilla of Green Gables

Marilla of Green Gables

written by Sarah McCoy

320 pages // published in 2018 // historical fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

A bold, heartfelt tale of life at Green Gables . . . before Anne: A marvelously entertaining and moving historical novel, set in rural Prince Edward Island in the nineteenth century, that imagines the young life of spinster Marilla Cuthbert, and the choices that will open her life to the possibility of heartbreak—and unimaginable greatness

Plucky and ambitious, Marilla Cuthbert is thirteen years old when her world is turned upside down. Her beloved mother has dies in childbirth, and Marilla suddenly must bear the responsibilities of a farm wife: cooking, sewing, keeping house, and overseeing the day-to-day life of Green Gables with her brother, Matthew and father, Hugh.

In Avonlea—a small, tight-knit farming town on a remote island—life holds few options for farm girls. Her one connection to the wider world is Aunt Elizabeth “Izzy” Johnson, her mother’s sister, who managed to escape from Avonlea to the bustling city of St. Catharines. An opinionated spinster, Aunt Izzy’s talent as a seamstress has allowed her to build a thriving business and make her own way in the world.

Emboldened by her aunt, Marilla dares to venture beyond the safety of Green Gables and discovers new friends and new opportunities. Joining the Ladies Aid Society, she raises funds for an orphanage run by the Sisters of Charity in nearby Nova Scotia that secretly serves as a way station for runaway slaves from America. Her budding romance with John Blythe, the charming son of a neighbor, offers her a possibility of future happiness—Marilla is in no rush to trade one farm life for another. She soon finds herself caught up in the dangerous work of politics, and abolition—jeopardizing all she cherishes, including her bond with her dearest John Blythe. Now Marilla must face a reckoning between her dreams of making a difference in the wider world and the small-town reality of life at Green Gables.

Anne Shirley was not the first bright, bubbly, garrulous person to shake up Marilla Cuthbert. An aunt arrives to stay awhile at the Cuthbert place, Green Gables, exhibiting louder and more voracious habits of living life than young Marilla (and Matthew) are used to, which they can "barely tolerate"... and thus is Marilla Cuthbert's fictionally-imagined life at 13 years of age. The novel continues uncovering more years of Marilla's hidden past for us... A literary character we already know and love from the Anne of Green Gables series, now reimagined, reinterpreted, reborn.

"Silence had always been a Cuthbert comfort."

I started noticing clues right away from Montgomery's Anne books... Elements that made me feel right at home. Yep, there's the family recipe of red currant wine. Yep, there's all the same neighbors and recognizable family names. Yep, there's the Matthew I know, a boy who barely speaks a word, who turns into a man of wise caliber. Yep, there's the brooch. It's all in there, people. The story before the story.

It's such a unique experience to see, touch, and hear Green Gables before Anne arrives. The only thing we ever knew of this fantastic place was to take it in all-new when Anne arrives for the first time. Now we see it in its innocent infancy, through the eyes of a girl who is already accustomed to its beauty, who sees it for what it is... but who will inevitably, continually discover its secrets for decades of her life.

There's a lot of things in Avonlea that still feel exactly the same, just a few decades apart from the original story I cherish. For example, I might have squealed with delight when 13-year-old Marilla's meets a new friend. One of the infamous name Rachel... Now there's a friendship for the ages.

This book does open the reader's eyes. Stern-faced Marilla was a young slip of a girl once, with childish notions in her head. One sentence surprised me the most though... It mentions that when she was a little younger, she believed fairies lived in a particular tree hollow she liked. Fairies? Marilla? Well, maybe so. She was young once too, just like red-headed Anne.

"Tears were misunderstood, she thought, and used inappropriately most often. They were designed as a private response of being. Because sometimes life filled you to the brim and spilled over."

Something the author did differently is that she brought in pieces of historical interest, lining up events in Canada's political history of that time period. Having this in the story definitely sets it apart from Montgomery's writings... This additional historical context is the only thing that made me stop and wonder if I liked it in the story or not, as it seems a bit out of place, especially after I'd just been reading a sweet, charming Montgomery original, which isn't fettered down with such. I can accept it though, for the sake of the rest of the novel.

Note to parents and the discerning reader: Overall, it's "fairly" clean. But there is a rather passionate, dramatic kiss when Marilla is about 15. Also, there are various conversations about pregnancy and child-birth. I might recommend it for ages 13 and up, but only if your kid is ready for those topics.

Plenty of faith-based elements are woven all throughout the chapters, which I personally am glad to see.

Overall? Marilla of Green Gables is an enjoyable read and a beautiful experience. I do feel like the author has done justice to the original and stayed as pretty close to the truth as we know it. It's filled with nostalgia. Honestly, I want this new book to be turned into a movie. But you know what I want even more than that, Sarah McCoy? Please write us Matthew's story too. We do get to see some unique sides of Matthew here in Marilla's story... but I do believe there's still more to discover about that remarkable man.

"He that hath knowledge spareth his words -- that was from the Proverbs, and underlined by Hugh in their family Bible."

Yes, I want all of my fellow Anne friends to try this book out... and I sincerely hope you'll like it! If you don't, then I like to hear your reasons why. Let's discuss it, kindred spirit.

hardcover // e-book // audio

P.S. Like and vote for this review on Goodreads.

Book Review: Mistress Pat

Mistress Pat
sequel to Pat of Silver Bush

written by L.M. Montgomery

374 pages // published in 1935 // young adult historical fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

In this charming sequel to Pat of Silver Bush, Pat Gardiner is growing up but not yet ready to leave her beloved home.

When she was twenty, nearly everyone thought Patricia Gardiner ought to be having beaus--except of course, Pat herself. For Pat, Silver Bush was both home and heaven. All she could ever ask of life was bound in the magic of the lovely old house on Prince Edward Island, "where good things never change." And now there was more than ever to do: planning for the Christmas family reunion, entertaining a countess, playing matchmaker, and preparing for the arrival of the new hired man. Yet as those she loved so dearly started to move away, Pat began to question the wisdom of her choice of Silver Bush over romance. Was it possible to be lonely at Silver Bush?

I'm a bigger fan of Pat after this sequel novel. I remember that the first book "Pat of Silver Bush" didn't feel, to me, like most of Montgomery's works do. Still, I knew I must read the sequel... And I'm so glad I did! Pat has risen high in my esteem. Another fun, sweet, loving character in L.M. Montgomery's canon.

It's such a cozy story too, most of the plot surrounding Silver Bush, Pat's family home. One of her greatest fears is to leave it behind when/if she marries, as she is so very much in love with the house itself and the comforts that she and her family members enjoy there.

"Whatever came and went, whoever loved or did not love her, there was still Silver Bush."

List of characters I will forever miss reading more about: Judy Plum. I wish she was in my kitchen all the time, cooking up wonders and always ready for a talk when you need it. The cherry on top of Judy Plum is her adorable Irish brogue.

"And just be remimbering, Patsy, what the Good Book says... about happiness being inside av ye and not outside. Thim mayn't just be the words but it's what I'm belaving it manes."

It turns out, there's much misery in store for Pat in this volume... To be honest (no real spoilers here), but the ending of "Mistress Pat" just tears my eyes up. Keep your tissues at the ready. A bit too dramatic for my Montgomery liking though... I'd tell you another author that the ending reminds me of, but that would give away too much. However, good things, silver linings, come out of bad events... Like being refined in fire, so Pat emerges a new woman.

A story of hope for the reader, with a vast mixture of emotions to relish in along the way.

"And besides we've always got to-morrow."

paperback // hardcover // e-book

Book #1 completed




P.S. Like and vote for this review on Goodreads and Amazon.

The Daily Life of Hailey Grace // BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY!

For Hailey Grace, birthdays suck! She hopes with all her heart that her big day passes without gifts, or even a birthday wish. But with loving parents and two witty best friends who keep her on her toes, there’s no telling what adventure Hailey Grace will be forced to explore this time. Unexpectedly, her best friend Alex challenges her to do something she’s never done before. With that comes a whole new set of rules, and another life Hailey isn’t sure she’s quite ready for. Now questioning all that she has ever believed, she takes Alex up on the dare by asking for something that no one but God can give her. Her request also comes with a twenty-four-hour deadline. As the minutes slowly but surely tick by, Hailey’s life shifts into overdrive and she wonders if she has asked for too much too soon.

Where to Purchase the Book: Amazon

About the Author:

Beloved is a ministry leader and Christian Romance Author born and raised in Miami, FL. She spends much of her time studying the scriptures and has a gift for sharing the Gospel. Through her debut novel, Beloved hopes to inspire youth to seek God whole-heartily, knowing there is nothing impossible with Him on their side!

Website: www.belovedauthor.com
Facebook: @belovedchrist
Instagram: @belovedforever2018
Twitter: @beloved4jesus

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Win an autographed copy of The Daily Life of Hailey Grace, as well as a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card! There will be 3 book winners, and one Grand Prize Winner will receive the Gift Card in addition to their copy. Yay!!!

Everybody, enter below on the entry form...



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Find out more and check out what other bloggers are saying about the book!

Livy Lynn Blog

http://www.livylynnblog.com

Kickoff post with My Worst Birthday Ever

January 1st 

R.M Archer 

http://rmarcher.com

Guest post from Beloved

January 2^nd

Hot Town Cool Girl

www.hottowncoolgirl.blogspot.com 

Guest Post from Beloved & Giveaway

January 3^rd

Spoonful of Surprises 

www.spoonfulofsurprises.com

Book Review 

Jan 4^th

Uniquely Marie Blog

https://uniquelymarieblog.wordpress.com/

My Worst Birthday Ever

January 5^th

Smyling Girl

www.smylinggirl.blogspot.com

Guest Post + Giveaway

Jan 7^th

Bookish Orchestrations 

http://bookishorchestrations.blogspot.com

Interview & Giveaway

January 10^th

Victoria's Book Nook

www.victoriasbooknook.blogspot.com

Interview

January 11^th

Riley Aline

www.rileyaline.com

Guest post from Beloved

January 12^th

Stories and Soul Speak

www.storiesandsoulspeak.wordpress.com

Guest Post & Giveaway

January 13^th

Once Upon an Ordinary 

https://onceuponanordinary.wordpress.com/

Interview

January 14^th

Imperial Scribis 

https://imperialscribis.wordpress.com

Book Review

Jan 15^th

English Mysteries 

https://englishmysteriesblog.blogspot.com/

Interview + Giveaway

Jan 16^th

Novels Dragons and Wardrobe Doors

http://www.novelsdragonsandwardrobedoors.blogspot.com

Book Review 

January 17^th

Unorthedox Mama

www.unorthodoxmomma.com

Guest post from Beloved + Giveaway

January 18^th

Lit a Flame Blog

http://www.litaflame.blog 

Giveaway

January 19^th

Among the Reads

http://amongTheReads.net

Book Review 

January 21^st

In The Bookcase

http://inthebookcase.blogspot.com

Giveaway

January 22^nd

Authoring Arrowheads 

https://authoringarrowheads.wordpress.com/

Interview 

January 23^rd

Frances

https://www.franceshoelsema.com/blog

Promo Post

January 24^th

The Calico Books

https://thecalicobooks.wordpress.com

Giveaway

January 26^th

Home with Hummingbirds

www.homewithhummingbirds.com

Guest Post & Giveaway

January 28^th

Among the Reads

http://amongTheReads.net

Guest post & Giveaway

January 29^th

Writing's From a God Girl

www.writingsfromagodgirl.wordpress.com

Interview

January 30^th

The Lens and the Hard Drive 

https://thelensandtheharddrive.wordpress.com/

Book Review & Interview

January 31^st

Book Review: My Man Jeeves

My Man Jeeves
Jeeves series, #1

written by P.G. Wodehouse

256 pages // published in 1919 // classic humor

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Who can forget our beloved gentleman's personal gentleman, Jeeves, who ever comes to the rescue when the hapless Bertie Wooster falls into trouble. My Man Jeeves is sure to please anyone with a taste for pithy buffoonery, moronic misunderstandings, gaffes, and aristocratic slapstick.

Contents:
"Leave It to Jeeves"
"Jeeves and the Unbidden Guest"
"Jeeves and the Hard-boiled Egg"
"Absent Treatment"
"Helping Freddie"
"Rallying Round Old George"
"Doing Clarence a Bit of Good"
"The Aunt and the Sluggard"

A collection of short stories. Some featuring Wooster and Jeeves; some featuring other characters.

...In which we find some witty scenes and crazy, hilarious antics. It feels akin to a sitcom with one guy hatching devious schemes, and his best friend gullibly believing it to be the best thing since sliced bread, so of course they must do it.

There's a lot of trickery and deceitful actions in these stories, to be honest... Although it made for a laughing-good time, I kept hoping for something a bit more fun in a wholesome way.

Some mild foul language.

The bottom line? The book fell a little flat for my expectations. I may read some of the series in the distant future, but I won't feel like I'm missing anything if I don't. Somebody -- tell me if I'm missing out on something great!

paperback // hardcover // audio // e-book

Book #1 completed // Classic Comic Novel




P.S. Like and vote for this review on Goodreads and Amazon.

Giveaway for writers // from author Susan K. Marlow

Win a copy of Writers Roundup on author Susan K. Marlow's website!

This is a recent 2018 release and is an excellent writing resource...

Get ready for a wild ride through the world of writing and publishing. Writers Roundup benefits young authors in all areas of interest and at all skill levels. However, the lessons are especially designed for those who love to write fiction stories and want to develop a story that is ready for publication.

Two winners! Giveaway runs January 8-15.

The contest is open to everyone, all ages, and worldwide. If someone wins internationally, a PDF e-book of Writers Roundup will be sent. U.S. winners receive a print copy of the book.

> > ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE < <

Books for Sale [January 2019 Edition]

I've always loved reading books.

I've always wanted to pass on really good books to my friends.

And yes, I've especially wanted to own a bookshop.

(Most of my childhood dreams were centered around literary themes such as these mentioned here -- and a few others. Like wanting to be a librarian too.)

My family always has a bunch of books in the house. More books are always arriving (magically/mysteriously). And it's time to start selling some off.

Here's a little peek into our selection that's FOR SALE this month...
I hope you find something you like! We'll have more Bible Studies, Christian Fiction, and Homeschool Materials posted for sale SOON.






Landmarks of American History, Vintage Volumes

Lot of 7 Tracie Peterson Books

Redemption (#1-5), Karen Kingsbury, Complete Series

Abram's Daughters (#1-5), by Beverly Lewis, Complete Series

Golden Hamster Saga (#2-3), by Dietlof Reiche

* If a book listing has expired by the time you click on it here,
it's possible we may have re-listed it again...
Just check our current CATALOG to see if it's still available!


If you have any questions pertaining to our books for sale,
please contact us ANYTIME through Ebay.


Any book requests?
We visit book sales frequently in our area -- If you're looking for a particular book, drop me a note and we'll keep an eye out for what you need!

2018 Reading Stats

Just popping in once more to have a chat about book stats. (I hope this is my last post talking about 2018. Soon I'll get on to talking about newer stuff than last year!) ;)

So? How many books did you read in 2018?

I've just finished tallying up my reads... I closed out the year with 135 books!

Here's a peek at the formats of books that I read last year...


Why, ALMOST half my books are audio now. Goodness, I wonder what next year's chart will look like.

- - - - -

And here's a look back across my last decade of reading... just because.


Obviously, I've consistently read MORE each year as time matches on!



Tell me a little bit about your reading totals!


Is your 2019 reading plan different from your 2018 strategy?

L. M. Montgomery Reading Challenge 2019

My January always has a little more happiness in it because I can spend it with a kindred spirit of old. The L.M. Montgomery challenge is here again!


Please, go read all about it on Carrie's blog.




My booklist for this month-long challenge consists of:

(1) a novel by Montgomery
(2) a new release about the setting of the Anne books
(3) a new release about Marilla's backstory
(4) a re-read of a novel by Montgomery





Mistress Pat
by L. M. Montgomery (1935)




The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables
The Enchanting Island that Inspired L. M. Montgomery
by Catherine Reid (2018)




Marilla of Green Gables
A Novel
by Sarah McCoy (2018)




Anne of Avonlea
by L. M. Montgomery (1909)




So? Anyone else want to read books by L.M. Montgomery this month?