It's Not Jane Austen, But It's Really Good

[Debbie]

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...

Giveaway runs now through December 24. Author is offering 3 print books to the lucky winners.

Here's the book blurb:

Destiny By Design by Mirta Ines Trupp
Leah Abramovitz, a cossetted member of the upper echelons of Odessan society, has high hopes for a brilliant future—that is until Fate takes a hand. When confronted with alarming changes in political and societal mores, the family decide to flee and chart a course that will forever alter their lives. Will her dreams be washed away on the shores of Buenos Aires or will Leah finally achieve the freedom to design her own destiny?

With a definite nod to Jane Austen Fanfiction, coupled with the background of Argentina's Centennial celebration and the history of the Jewish Colonization Association, this is a unique, Clean Read, light and entertaining. Enjoy!

[Debbie]

Okay, this is a Gramma thing. I get the giggles just watching and listening to my grandson in this very short (about 20 seconds) video. It's from about a month-and-a-half ago. Check it out, if you're interested:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbK77fSFymX/

[Mary]

He's adorable,Debbie!!

[Sophia]

Debbie wrote: "Okay, this is a Gramma thing. I get the goggles just watching and listening to my grandson in this very short video. It's from about a month-and-a-half ago. Check it out, if you're interested:
http..."

Nope, not just a gramma thing. That cutie gave me the giggles, too. :)

[wosedwew]

What a happy little guy!

[Debbie]

My son says this went on for about 15 minutes. He and my daughter-in-law have no idea what prompted Sam to start babbling and laughing like this. Other people in the grocery store were stopping and laughing, too. Infectious, isn't it?

[Anji]

While I'm browsing around here and catching up a little, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is on the TV here in the UK. So much to enjoy in Alan Rickman's performance as the Sheriff of Nottingham. We've just had "I'm going to cut his heart out with a spoon" and "Keep the stiches small".

May not stay up to watch it all, as it's back to work tomorrow, it's 10:15pm here now, and my head cold isn't getting any better yet, either.

[J. W.]

Anji I love that movie and I loved Rickman in that role. It would not have been the same if anyone else did it. He made it his own and it was priceless.

[J. W.]

Debbie wrote: "Okay, this is a Gramma thing. I get the giggles just watching and listening to my grandson in this very short (about 20 seconds) video. It's from about a month-and-a-half ago. Check it out, if you'..."

OMG!! what a beautiful baby and what a precious gift to you and your family. Gawd... what a giggle... it lifted my heart and I thank you for the moment of pure innocent joy. Precious... oh so precious.

[Teresa]

J. W. wrote: "Anji I love that movie and I loved Rickman in that role. It would not have been the same if anyone else did it. He made it his own and it was priceless."

I watched Sense and Sensibility on tv this afternoon with hubby and drooled at the sight of Rickman as Colonel Brandon. He was a fantastic actor but this is the role I love him for the most.

[J. W.]

Yeah, he was good. My favorite scene was when he walked in and saw Marianne playing and singing. That was oh so good.

[Debbie]

Alan Rickman and Morgan Freeman are what make Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves worth watching. Kevin Costner made a terrible Robin Hood (though I've liked him in other movies, like Bull Durham).

I really, REALLY need to watch Sense and Sensibility again. I rented it years ago when it FIRST came out on tape (before DVDs!) and I never find it on TV listings until it's over. I remember I rented it because it was Jane Austen and because I loved anything Emma Thompson was/is in... even when she's technically too old for the role! Need to watch it again so I can appreciate Colonel Brandon/Alan Rickman more. Shucks! Too late to ask for it for Christmas!

[Debbie]

I actually enjoy Robin Hood: Men in Tights more than the original it's lampooning.

[Teresa]

Men in Tights is hilarious Debbie. Must have a re watch soon.

[Anji]

Debbie wrote: "I actually enjoy Robin Hood: Men in Tights more than the original it's lampooning."

According to IMDb, Cary Elwes from Men in Tights was a possibility for Robin Hood in Prince of Thieves but Kevin Costner got the role. Woild have been interesting to see how that alternative casting would have worked out.

Some of the locations used in Prince of Thieves are not that far from us either, which adds a certain amount of extra interest.

[Debbie]

Wow! Can I come visit?

[Anji]

Debbie wrote: "Wow! Can I come visit?"

Any time Debbie. My JAFF friends are more than welcome to visit if you're ever in the UK and want to pop up to Yorkshire.

[Teresa]

I didn't like Costner in the role. Errol Flynn is and always will be Robin Hood for me. He just 'had it' and I don't know anyone who could replace him.

[J. W.]

Errol Flynn.... sigh!!

[Teresa]

Ha ha!!!!!

[J. W.]

Non-Jaff and free
The Husband Mission
It is book 1 of the Spymaster series. It looks cute and I couldn't resist a good Regency spymaster book.

[Debbie]

Yeah, I spotted and snagged that one earlier today but wasn't in GR to alert everyone at the time. Does look cute.

[J. W.]

Yeah, it does look cute and the books that follow look good too. I put them on my wish list. If the rotation holds... they will probably one-by-one go on sale. I can wait. I'm branching out a bit this next year. I guess you can see that by my additions of non-JAFF books. Maybe every few weeks I'll go non-JAFF. It can't hurt to branch out a bit.

[Teresa]

Thanks J W. I just got it too. Variety in reading is always a good thing. Good luck with all your reading in 2018

[J. W.]

Thanks Teresa... you have a great reading year yourself.