Here is a wonderfully romantic collage Kaye Dacus created and Ruth recently posted of North & South. I thought those of you who are fans would appreciate it after my last post, which was the most popular to date, thanks to the Richard Armitage fan club convening here:) After tiring of no TV, I watched episode one on my laptop, earphones and all:) Needless to say, I'm very anxious to get to the romantic scene at left here but am glad I have so much in between to look forward to!My impressions so far... What a hero! I like my leading men somewhat intense and unpredictable and John Thornton qualifies on both counts:) And I appreciate Margaret Hale's plump-faced prettiness which is so unlike those Hollywood types. And I even like John's strong-willed mother, Mrs. Thornton, though I think she might spell trouble for the lovebirds later...
I couldn't wait to show you what Kaye did with my heroine, Eden' Lee's, hair ~ she added a bit of red and turned her into the template I'd had in mind all along. Bless you, Kaye! I really like these BBC actors as they come in period dress so they fit the bill quite nicely. Speaking of Kaye...
I'm so pleased to give away two of Kaye's historicals in her wonderful new series: Ransome's Honor and Ransome's Crossing. And no, they aren't supposed to be this small but I erred and don't have time to redo this post! I'll draw a name from my hat full of names on Monday. Bless you all!
Intense & unpredictable? That's my John. :) And I'm glad to hear you like Mrs. Thornton too...I really did admire her in many ways. A very strong-willed lady!
ReplyDeleteRuth, I'm beginning to see why you enjoy doing movie reviews so very much, aside from the fact that you are so very, very good at them. It's really a lot of fun talking about favorite characters and scenes, even more (dare I say it?) than a book!! After falling hard for Gerard Butler in Dear Frankie, I have dropped him for Richard after only one episode:) Fickle author am I!
ReplyDeleteIs it too late to add my name to the hat? Would love a chance to read Kaye's books!
ReplyDeleteYou're already there, dear Mary! But I'm glad you asked as it made me check to make sure. I urge others to do the same as some of you have read them and then I can take your names out this go round:) Or add them as the case may be!
ReplyDeleteI love Kaye's Ransome Series! I am looking forward to the 3rd and final book in her series. I already have the books so I don't need to be included in the drawing but I know whoever does win will really enjoy them, I know I did!!
ReplyDeleteThis series sounds so wonderful! :D I really need to watch it sometime!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend, Laura, and no need to enter me in the giveaway. :) Good luck to everyone else!
On Sunday I'm off to college. I'm going to miss my family and home so much! Any prayers would be very much appreciated!
Thank you!
~Amber
Amber, Prayers with you all the way! I remember my college days so well and it was always hard leaving home like you said. Will be fun to see what He has in store for you this year! Bookmarks coming your way soon!
ReplyDeleteCassie, Aren't they wonderful books!? I think my favorite scene in RH is the fountain scene. It just sprang to life so vividly for me and seemed like something right out of a BBC drama. So romantic and evocative. I can't decide what I liked best about the 2nd one. The whole premise she works with is so unique. If you're a fan of Horatio Hornblower like me, this is all that with lots of romance:) Bless u!
ReplyDeleteHey,Laura,been missing you sweet lady! I enter these contests and never win a thing and mistakenly made that statement at a baby shower last Saturday and walked away with all kinds of prizes! As Gomer Pyle would say "surprise,surprise,surprise"! I still havn't had a chance to read any of Kaye's books,and would love to win one. Be blessed my dear!
ReplyDeletePlease be sure my name's in the hat too! I still haven't read any of Kaye's books. The collage is beautiful. I guess I'm going to have to watch this North and South (as opposed to the Civil War one) just to stay in the loop here.
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura, you're a sweetheart.
Intense and unpredictable, that's such a good description of John Thornton. I think I'm falling in love with him right along with Margaret. Very interesting that you like Mrs. Thornton. I kinda like her at times, but then there are others.
ReplyDeleteLove what Kaye did with Eden Lee's hair!
Oh, and I'm definitely going to review. North and South. I'm finding myself so intrigued by the history, and of course the romance.
I have Kaye's books, which are wonderful. Please don't enter me. I will say the person who wins them is in for a treat!
Diana,
ReplyDeleteSo good to see you here:) I got a good chuckle over your "surprise, surprise, surprise":) That's just how I felt when I won Kaye's books on her blog and didn't even realize I'd entered a drawing! The winner here gets both books instead of one:) So double the fun this time round. Bless u!
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteIt's really fun for me thinking of you watching it there and me here. Wish we were having a girl's night out and watching it together!! In Kentucky, of course:) Keep me posted. I'd love to know which episode you're on as you're ahead of me. And I really understand that you are falling right along with Margaret. I do that for all my heroes and John is now one of them! Can't wait for your review!
Thanks for liking Eden's hair. She's a much better redhead:)
Glad to see some Kaye fans here as I know you are one like me. She does those Royal Navy men proud:)
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteLove when you show up! You have that southern graciousness I love ~ it comes across even in your comments. And I'm so happy you're in my hat:) Bless you so much.
I have been wanting to read a book by Kaye Dacus but haven't had an opportunity yet.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Sheri
hspruitt {at} juno {dot} com
Hi Sheri!
ReplyDeleteWelcome here:) And you might just win both of them as this is a double giveaway. Love that and wish I could do it more often. You'll really enjoy these books. So different than the usual fare. Kaye is a wonderfully gifted author (and friend).
Laura,
ReplyDeleteSo glad I could help you with the hair color. After all, I am the "character cosmetic surgeon" :-) (and it's a good way to procrastinate from doing my own work!).
And thanks to you, and everyone else, for all of the kind words about the Ransome series. The manuscript for the third book, Ransome's Quest, has been turned in---and my editor said she loved the story (twice in her first feedback e-mail), though there is quite a bit of revising and editing yet to do. But I'm getting excited-er and excited-er about that one coming out next summer. At long last, the wait will be over . . .
Oh, for the love of period dramas! That collage Kaye made is simply beautiful and certainly "romantic" :D Goodness, I would have been here sooner, but my computer got a virus :( My brother's friend came over and fixed it by wiping it clean and now my computer looks the way it did the first day I bought it. So, I'll be spending most of my day tomorrow re-downloading a bunch of programs. Oh well, just a minor inconvenience, I suppose. There are certainly worse things in life, LOL
ReplyDeleteAnyway, back to N&S!! That scene is definitely worth the wait, my friend, and will make you melt right into the cushions with a great sigh of contentment! John Thornton, a hero if there ever was one, is so devastating gentle in this scene. There is such a reverence and a cherishing that takes place between them here that sadly seems to elude modern romances. Gimme a good period drama any day ;)
I love Silas already just knowing that John is his template! And I think "Tess" looks beautiful with the red hair!
Praying you're having a beautiful visit with your folks, and hopefully you can squeeze in a little more N&S real soon!!
Blessings,
Amanda Stanley
Laura & Ruth & others, You inspired me to watch part I of North & South again. I'll hope to finish it over the weekend! This is reminding me I need to fit an occasional classic into my reading schedule again. Please add my name to the hat as I have been wanting to read Kaye for a while. Of course I'm always saying that about authors but it seems between website reviews it takes me a long time to get to them.
ReplyDeleteWanted to add Chris and I were thinking Richard is very good at expressions. One scene he looks serene and the next brooding and perhaps slightly evil.
ReplyDeleteIt's odd what photo editing can do. I have read Kaye Dacus' blog often, and I have seen a lot of her edits as well. I think this would have to be the first character template type thing I have really seen on your blog. I hope all goes well with the book! It sounds fascinating and intriguing.
ReplyDeleteI know I already commented, but I just wondered if you have any plans for a book tour or book signing back in Kentucky in the future. I would make a trip up from Tennessee to meet you. Maybe a triple appearance with Ann Gabhart and Jan Watson! There are so many wonderful Kentucky authors. It could be a big party!
ReplyDeleteKaye,
ReplyDeleteCharacter cosmetic surgeon, indeed:) I think those are some of your best posts! How you do all you do amazes me. So happy to hear your editor loves book 3!! I always wait with a sort of nervous can't-quite-rest feeling between submitting that manuscript and waiting for the verdict like I'm doing now. Knowing she loves it makes the revising so much sweeter! Can't wait to see the cover for this next one for you as the first 2 are so well done. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Love those pictures. :) But please don't enter me, I already have these two books. :)
ReplyDeleteAmanda, So sorry to hear you've been plagued with computer woes, but thankful you have a fix-it friend!! It's hard to be without one ~ I always feel like I'm half-dressed when mine is in the shop:( Will pray the return to normal setup goes well for you today.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I just melted at your description of this scene and am now wishing my life away so I can return to watching! Julia said he is capable of so much expression and I found that to be true in the first episode. He's actually fascinating to watch. Charismatic is an understatement! It's so amazing how God gifts people to act ~ and his voice! Heavens! He could be the Hunchback of Notre Dame and I'd fall for his voice alone:)
So as you can tell, I have loads of inspiration for my Silas Ballantyne:) And Eden ~ oh my, that hair! When Silas first sees her, he thinks, "A spitfire." NOT! But best not slip into spoilers:)
Bless you today!
Julia,
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed that you've not only seen the drama but have also read the book!! I bet it is a large tome, too:) I nearly ordered but think I will check out at the library. Randy is shaking his head at my Amazon account. All in the name of research, of course!
You are so right about Richard's expressions. He does look evil/sinister in some scenes and could easily play the bad guy. I almost came out of my chair when he attacked the man at the mill...
Hope today is going well for you, Chris, and the littles:)
Oh, Julia, YES, your name is in the hat! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAdrienne, I hope you like my new series. Love your words "fascinating and intriguing." Praying it is so! I've never done any character templating like you said here but it sure is fun.
ReplyDeleteI thought I'd seen you over at Kaye's blog:) I enjoy all her posts but some of her very best have to do with character templates for her historicals. And I haven't even begun to read her contemporaries!!
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteYou make me want to book a plane reservation right now:) I actually sat with Jan and Ann at the Kentucky Book Fair last November in Frankfort and we did a big book signing together there. I really wanted to come this year but have to travel to Indiana in Sept and Calif. in October and am coming your way in December. To Pigeon Forge for a family reunion:) I'd love to do a signing in your neck of the woods, see Kaye and Ruth and Britt and my TN friends:) But there's always such limited time. However, it's something that I can aim for next year. So thanks for the idea. It doesn't take much to get me home!
Casey,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by anyway! I'm going to host my friend, Lorna, and her debut novel, Making Waves next week with a giveaway. But something tells me you've already read this one, too, my prolific reading friend:)!
that long auburn hair is beautiful. I haven't watched NOrth and South yet. I need to after all the talk of it here!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if our library system has it?mmm. I'll check.
Hi Lisa, I bet they do have it and if not, they should be able to get if for you on inter-library loan:) I bet you'll love it. Consider yourself in the drawing as I know you'd enjoy Kaye's books! I'm off to see what you've been up to...
ReplyDeletethanks for the opportunity to read these fabulous novels :)
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Thanks, Karen,
ReplyDeleteWell said! They are fabulous:) You're in the hat!
Laura, I know what you mean about Amazon. I should use the library more, but seem to have trouble coordinating getting them back to the library. Now that I do reviewing here and there I have cut down the amount I spend but I sometimes feel like I've lost the ability to just "lose" myself in the books.
ReplyDeleteOooh, I love it! My hair is about that shade now ;) I enjoy going dark for fall...and I cant leave my hair alone. I'm always painting something, aren't I? ;)
ReplyDeleteSo what's this North and South? Is it a new mini series? Something I can get on netflix? Looks beautiful!
Julia, Oh, that is exactly my feeling. I long for the days when I had time to lose myself in a book on my porch swing or anywhere else. Now I have to SCHEDULE reading time and something has been lost in the process. You really understand:( Thanks for that:)
ReplyDeleteYAY, Heather is here! I think our blog buddies here have come up with an amazing BBC drama for you and me. I've only been able to watch an hour but OH MY! I hope you can get on Neflix or library, etc. As for your hair, if it's "Eden red" I'm a fan! Hope your painting is going very well, hair or otherwise:)
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the prayers, and for your understanding. :) It means so much to me! I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for all of us, as well!
Can't wait to see those bookmarks! ;) Thank you again for sending them!
~Amber
Wow, Kaye did another wonderful cosmetic surgery. Love it. I've benefited from her mad skill too. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to figure out which photo was which character. At first I thought Eden was the blond.
This is so fun, Laura. I'm glad you joined the casting writers crew! Blessing to you as you write. Which is what I'm off to do now. Finally had a bit of a break through yesterday after a week of puttering and thinking and getting too little actual words down. A Joseph scene!
PS: I've already read Kaye's series so far, so don't put me in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteI just added it to my netflix instant queue. It is to handy, isnt it? When I heard "North and South" I was thinking of that old civil war mini series with Patrick Swayze, lol. This looks to be a very different north and south, haha!
ReplyDeleteThe painting is going well, I keep making dolls! And today is tasha tudor day! so have a great one :)
Lori, OHHHHH ~ a Joseph scene!!! Those are my favorites:) I hope the writing is going well for you, too. I imagine it is as you're nearly done! This character casting is great fun and I so appreciate all the help. You and Kaye are masters at it. And these BBC actors are most obliging!
ReplyDeleteHeather, YAY! Hats off to Tasha ~ and those beautiful dolls! I'm so glad you added N&S as it's your kind of movie, I'm thinking. I can't say enough good about it and I'm only 2 hours in. I keep rewatching my favorite scenes. When you're done, I'd love to hear what you like (or didn't). I think the likes wil win:)
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteI just had to let you know that I ordered Courting Morrow Little AND North & South from Amazon.com today! I'm looking forward to receiving them at college. ;) It will be so fun to not only read another one of your wonderful books, but also to be able to chat with ya'll about North & South!
Talk to you soon!
~Amber
Laura,
ReplyDelete"I imagine it is as you're nearly done!"
Closer to the end of the first draft than the beginning, anyway. :)
I think we are having a N&S revival here. I have a smile on my face just thinking of you watching that scene, Laura - I think it is almost the only time John/Richard smiles properly in the whole miniseries so it is an amazingly powerful moment. If only Hollywood would get that less is often so much more!
ReplyDeleteI really will have to watch it again soon for the maybe, tenth time ;-)
Oh, I have Kaye's books so don't enter me, either :)
ReplyDeleteAmber, Praying for you today as I know this is the day your mom returns you to college ~ with a full trunk, no less:) And bless you so very much for ordering CML and also the incredible North&South!!! I've been watching my favorite scenes this morning and they are so moving even when seen again and again. You won't be disappointed!! Looking forward to keeping up with your college days on the blog, etc.:) God bless you as you get resettled!
ReplyDeleteLori, Your first drafts are more like final drafts! I've never seen such clean work. I know you like editing so this next part will be a JOY for you. As for me, the creating part I'm in right now is sheer bliss. Feels like I'm in love:)
ReplyDeleteRel,
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed that the re-watching is even more powerful than a first viewing! I'm still stuck on part 2 and haven't been able to move beyond. Keep watching that balcony scene again and again and then the end when he declares his feelings for her. The dialogue is really amazing - the acting so fine. And you're right ~ I've thought how seldom he smiles. I am sure it's a beautiful moment when he truly does! If only there were more movies like this. I'm afraid the US doesn't turn out anything remotely close:(
Bless u today, Rel!
If anyone wants the full-size collage for your computer background or to use on your blog (just be sure to credit me), here's the link:
ReplyDeletehttp://farm1.static.flickr.com/215/549943688_3c1ab29b5c_o.jpg
Okay. I'm sitting here waiting for my hubby to return from a 5 day Boy Scout backpacking trip, which should happen anytime in the next couple of hours, and since I own a copy of N&S, I'm headed to the TV to watch some while I wait. It's been a couple years at least.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura, for your kind words. Our process is very different, and we feel that love at different stages. It's not until I have a draft of a scene done and I can go over it a second or third or fourth time that I'm really feeling the love. I do that scene to scene, which makes the forward movement slow. But as long as it's moving!
I finally finished watching N&S yesterday afternoon. I can understand why you're stuck on the balcony scene. I was riveted to the computer screen while watching it.
ReplyDeleteI've placed N&S on my amazon wishlist, I'll order it sometime. In the meantime, the library has two copies. I'm certain I'll be borrowing them frequently.
Hope you've had a blessed Sunday!
Kaye, Thanks for providing us with the link! I've been using my remade Eden for my screen but this might be next:)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear your favorite scenes, Lori. I am keeping busy with Rel and Renee at the previous post as we keep dialoguing about it:) LOL. I'm afraid this bumps The Last of the Mohicans out of its top spot for me. TLOFM isn't even close! Can't believe I'm saying that. It's like discovering a new, beloved author/book. Love, love, love...
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I thought of you this weekend and wondered if you'd finished watching. Hope you blog about it and I can prolong this film-smittenness a little longer over at your site:) I can't believe there are blogs out there devoted to this drama (in addition to ours, I mean)!
ReplyDeleteYes, the balcony scene. My, my. So well done. Strange, but my favorite part of that is when he yells, "Never!" It shows so much of his character and the driving force behind his rags to riches rise, in my humble opinion. Now for episode 3...
I'm not sure if this contest is still open, but if it is please enter me!
ReplyDeleteYour heroine looks great with reddish hair! so awesome! :)
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com
Oh sounds fantastic. I just found your blog and your reviews and I can't wait to dig in!!
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteWelcome here! And thanks for the thumbs up for my heroine's red hair ~ always wanted to be a redhead:) Yes, you are entered in the giveaway! I'll be drawing a name tomorrow/Monday and will post it here on the blog. Bless you bunches!
Jenny, Thanks so much for visiting! Please consider yourself in the drawing for tomorrow. I'm going to have another later on this week with a new historical novel on Friday. So please stay tuned:) Bless you!
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteWe arrived safely in Oregon! Thank you for your prayers! :D
~Amber
Oh, I hope I'm not too late to be
ReplyDeleteincluded in the drawing!I really enjoy your site. I'm just going to have to visit more often! I can hardly wait for your new series!!
Hi Ashley!
ReplyDeleteYou're right on time for the drawing:) I'm going to draw that name in a few minutes and post this morning. So welcome here! Also, any names I don't draw will roll over to the next drawing beginning this Friday. I'm hosting Lorna Sielstad and her new historical, Making Waves. Then there will be others after that. Bless you!
Yes I have and it was AWESOME! One of my favorites this year. :) But I will have to stop by and let Lorna know. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm late to this thread, but I loved N&S too, when it came out. "Cranford" is returning to PBS Masterpiece Theatre this January I think -- it's another novel by Elizabeth Gaskell. They originally ran it in 2 parts, I think this is a rerun of part two? Both worth seeing. Cranford is more episodic than N&S, but very enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki, So glad to meet another N&S fan! You've piqued my interest about Gaskell's other works:) There are some period pieces I don't like but this one was so well done and Richard Armitage was just perfect for the role. Cranford sounds very interesting and I do want to watch her others. Bless you for stopping here and commenting! That always brightens my day:)
ReplyDelete