Murder on the Orient Express trailer

This new adaptation of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, starring David Suchet, will air on Masterpiece Mystery later this year. Thanks to Charleybrown at the Enchanted Serenity of Period Films for bringing the trailer to light!

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing


Sixteen Brides


Bethany House (April 2010)


by


Stephanie Grace Whitson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four home schooled children Nebraska history.

She was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year.

Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends.

Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1872, sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land speculator who lures them west by promising "prime homesteads" in a "booming community."

Unbeknownst to them, the speculator's true motive is to find an excuse to bring women to the fledgling community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes they will accept marriage proposals shortly after their arrival! Sparks fly when these unsuspecting widows meet the men who are waiting for them.

These women are going to need all the courage and faith they can muster to survive these unwanted circumstances--especially when they begin to discover that none of them is exactly who she appears to be.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Sixteen Brides, go HERE.

Tomorrow on Masterpiece Classic - Sharpe's Peril

Tomorrow on Masterpiece Classic will see the premiere of another Sharpe adventure - Sharpe's Peril. Here's a bit about the story:

Colonel Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean) must safely transport the headstrong Marie-Angelique across India, but the journey will be riddled with surprises and rebellion. With 600 miles of hostile territory ahead, Sharpe and his ragtag troops are drawn into a dark conspiracy, and a climactic battle against impossible odds. Sharpe's Peril is based on the characters created by novelist Bernard Cornwell.

Persuasion revisited

Let's see, Masterpiece Classic aired the encore of this version of Persuasion back in February, and I'm just now getting around to acknowledging it on the blog. Oh well, such is life...better late than never is apparently the new norm around here. ;-) This program originally aired on PBS in January 2008 as part of the Jane Austen season that year. I originally blogged about this show here - this is a re-post with maybe a few new thoughts thrown in for good measure. Here's the summary of the show from the PBS website:

"The one claim I shall make for my own sex is that we love longest, when all hope is gone." ~ Anne Elliot in Persuasion

Unhappily unmarried at age 27, and dealing with family financial peril, hope is fading from Anne Elliot's (Sally Hawkins, Little Britain) life. Circumstances bring Captain Frederick Wentworth (Rupert Penry-Jones, Casanova), a dashing naval officer she once deeply loved, back into her life eight years after Anne was persuaded by her family to reject his marriage proposal. Having returned from sea with a new fortune, Wentworth is surrounded by swooning women while Anne broods at the periphery, longing to be in Wentworth's favor. Now Anne comes face-to-face with the deep regret of her old decision, and her abiding love for Wentworth, as she wonders if a long ago love can be rekindled.

Upon first viewing, the verdict was that I absolutely loved it. This adaptation isn’t without…how can I say it?...it’s quirks, but I really, really enjoyed it. And I’m completely in love with Rupert Penry-Jones as Captain Wentworth (never saw that one coming, did you? LOL!).

The score, by Martin Phipps, was exquisite. He also scored North & South (it’s CRIMINAL that this man’s work isn’t available on CD). I also loved the sets, costumes, and cinematography…the latter for the most part, anyway. I read somewhere that some, if not all, of Persuasion was shot with hand-held cameras, and the herky-jerky movements are glaringly apparent, especially in the film’s first ten minutes. The whole hand-held camera technique worked really well for Bleak House as it helped up the story’s suspense level – but for a romantic period drama like Persuasion the “immediacy” such camera work provided wasn’t really required IMO, and could be a tad distracting.

Overall, I really liked Sally Hawkins as Anne Elliot. However I don’t think the cinematography did her performance any great service with the randomly inserted close-ups of her face where she said absolutely nothing for several seconds at a time. I kept expecting her to start addressing the audience like Frances O’Connor’s Fanny Price does in the 1999 version of Mansfield Park (which worked REALLY well in that film, I think). Also, the way they had Anne run hither and thither all over Bath at the end of the film was a little funny. Okay…after watching this version, say another ten times, I might find it hysterically, laugh-out-loud funny…but last night I admit to being totally caught up in Anne’s romantic angst, so I just didn’t care. LOL!

Rupert Penry-Jones as Captain Frederick Wentworth – definitely the highlight of the show. Or, as I told a coworker as we texted back and forth about this movie late last night, “I WANT MY OWN FREDERICK NOW, DANG IT!” (that’s a direct quote, in case you were wondering). Oddly enough, when the camera just paused on Wentworth’s face and he gave a look, I didn’t mind at all (haha). And the very end was just perfect…I could’ve cried (in a completely good way). (Spoiler alert, in case you care…) When Wentworth surprises Anne with a new house for a wedding gift, the look on his face as he watches her joy is just priceless. And then they dance in the yard…oh. My. WORD. Loved it. I realize I’m a complete and utterly hopeless romantic sap, but I don’t care. It was too perfect!

Gah...I just love Rupert Penry-Jones. I think his acting gets unfairly dissed sometimes, just because he's too freakishly beautiful for words. And when he just stares at the camera and emotes - well, I'm not gonna object. Just sayin'. :)

I didn't really talk about Anne's family when I originally blogged about Persuasion, I think I was too caught up Rupert Penry-Jones' fabulousness. However, since this originally aired Anthony Head, who plays Anne's father, Sir Walter Elliot, has also appeared in the television show Merlin as King Uther. I've got to say, the man plays snooty aristocrats quite well.

I've watched this film several times since it originally aired, and my opinion of it has remained pretty consistent - for me, the camera work is the movie's biggest drawback. But the performances, tone, pacing, and look of the film equal a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Worth checking out if you've yet to see it.

Merlin season 2 starts Friday

This has kind of snuck up on me, but season 2 of Merlin starts THIS Friday on SyFy. Here's a preview:

Review: The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey

The Swiss Courier

By: Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3336-0

About the book:

She’s risking her life to save a man she doesn’t know. But whom can she trust along the way?

It is August 1944 and the Gestapo is mercilessly rounding up suspected enemies of the Third Reich after an attempt on Hitler’s life. Gabi Mueller is a young woman working for the newly formed American Office of Strategic Services (forerunner to the CIA) in Switzerland. When she is asked to put herself in harm’s way to safely “courier” a German scientist who is working on the atomic bomb out of enemy territory, the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Review:

Gabi Mueller is an idealistic Swiss-American working in the translation pool at the local office of the recently formed American Office of Strategic Services (forerunner to the CIA) in Basel, Switzerland. She’s happy to do her part, but longs to make a more exciting, significant impact on the Allied war effort. When she’s recruited by her handsome supervisor to participate in an undercover operation, she’s thrilled – but the increased responsibility comes with a price. Committing to work as a spy brings far more personally imminent dangers home than her old desk job. She must shield her family and would-be admirer from all knowledge of her dangerous work. Thanks to Switzerland’s neutral status, the country is a veritable hotbed of wartime intrigue, and carrying a Swiss passport is no guarantee of protection if one falls afoul of the Nazi government just across the border. In Germany, Joseph Engel is a dedicated physicist, driven by a thirst for knowledge. The military and government pressure on Engel and his fellow researchers to produce a “wunderwaffe” (miracle weapon) that will turn the tide of the war in favor of Germany increases by the day, especially in the wake of the failed Valkyrie assassination plot. When an overeager Gestapo officer uncovers the buried truth about Engel’s past, the academic suddenly becomes the most wanted man of the war on both sides of the conflict. Gabi is given the assignment of “couriering” Engel to safety, a job which will require all of her courage and ingenuity in order to avoid the clutches of the Gestapo.

I’ve read a couple of Tricia Goyer’s previous World War II novels, so I was curious to see how this collaboration with Mike Yorkey would play out. The Swiss Courier’s pages are filled with Goyer’s trademark passion for history, with characters testing their faith in the midst of tumultuous times. She also has a real gift for crafting characters that are true to the time period in which the story is set. What sets this novel apart is that it is quite simply one of the most tightly plotted, suspenseful historicals I’ve ever read. In that respect it reminded me of the film Valkyrie (Courier picks up where that film leaves off). Once the clock starts ticking on the unfolding drama, the story doesn’t relinquish its hold on the reader until the mission’s completion. Filled with an international cast of well-drawn characters (including a couple of surprising hidden identities!) and break-neck plot twists, The Swiss Courier is a thoroughly absorbing, suspenseful read. The only drawback is that action made me feel just the slightest bit gypped when it comes to Gabi’s character development – particularly her 180-turn in how she views her boss – but that didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. Goyer and Yorkey’s contributions are seamlessly blended, resulting in a page-turning novel rich in historical detail.

As a devout fan of World War II-era fiction, I happily now rank The Swiss Courier among my favorites in the genre. Goyer’s first collaboration with Yorkey completely exceeded my expectations, and (in my experience, anyway) fills a niche within my reading about the time period. I loved the glimpse inside wartime Switzerland – the official stance of maintaining neutrality between warring factions lends the story a fascinating dynamic. I also enjoyed reading about how downed Allied fighters were interred in Switzerland for the duration of the conflict – it was an interesting historical nugget that I’ve never seen explored in WWII fiction. It’s also heartbreaking to witness the plight of Jewish refugees denied asylum because of Switzerland’s neutrality – to know freedom, only to have it snatched away by political expediency is an unconscionable circumstance the authors drive home through Gabi’s experiences. Don’t let the female-centric cover fool you – The Swiss Courier is a tightly plotted spy thriller with enough twists and turns and surprise reveals to give a reader whiplash. Here’s to hoping for many more collaborations from this stellar writing team!

Masterpiece Classic returns with Sharpe's Challenge

After a few weeks off, Masterpiece Classic returns tomorrow with Sharpe's Challenge, starring Sean Bean. This film aired a couple of years ago on BBC America, but this broadcast marks the first time it's aired on PBS. Here's a bit about the show:

Soldier-adventurer Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean) comes out of retirement to find a MIA officer (his old friend Patrick Harper) and to quash a rebellion in British India. Sharpe faces shifting allegiances, the conniving seduction of Madhuvanthi (Padma Lakshmi, Top Chef) and an explosive confrontation with an old foe. Will this be Sharpe's ultimate challenge? Sharpe's Challenge is based on the characters created by novelist Bernard Cornwell.

If that doesn't convince you to watch, this program features appeareances by Lucy Brown from Primeval and TOBY STEPHENS (!!!). :)

Masterpiece Mystery 2010 Schedule

PBS has finally, finally released the upcoming Masterpiece Mystery schedule. I am absolutely thrilled with this schedule:

FOYLE’S WAR
Michael Kitchen returns as Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle in three brand new episodes of the acclaimed series. It is June 1945, and VE Day has been celebrated in Britain. The state of the country, however, is far from jubilant in the aftermath of war. Keen to retire, but bound to his old job by the steep rise in violent crime that swept the country, Foyle is thrust into the dangerous worlds of international conspiracy and execution, military racism and national betrayal. He must feel his way through this new world as he faces some of his toughest challenges and gripping plots to date. (All episodes 90 minutes.)

May 2 Foyle’s War, Series VI: “The Russian House”
May 9 Foyle’s War, Series VI: “Killing Time”
May 16 Foyle’s War, Series VI: “The Hide”

MISS MARPLE
Julia McKenzie is back in the role of Agatha Christie’s spinster sleuth, pursuing a series of new crimes and dark occurrences. Appearances by Hugh Bonneville (Filth, Ms. Austen Regrets) and Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous) round out the stellar cast. (All episodes 90 minutes.)

May 23 Miss Marple, Series V: “The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side”
Jun. 6 Miss Marple, Series IV: “A Pocket Full of Rye” (Encore)
Jun 13 Miss Marple, Series IV: “Murder is Easy” (Encore)
Jun 20 Miss Marple, Series V: “The Secret of Chimneys”
Jun 27 Miss Marple, Series V: “The Blue Geranium”

HERCULE POIROT
David Suchet reprises his role as suave detective Hercule Poirot in three new episodes. Whether he’s on holiday or simply going about his business near his London home, Poirot finds himself exercising his “little grey cells” by helping police investigate crimes and murders…whether they ask for his help or not. (All episodes 90 minutes.)

Jul 11 Hercule Poirot, Series X: “Murder on the Orient Express”
Jul 18 Hercule Poirot, Series X: “The Third Girl”
Jul 25 Hercule Poirot, Series X: “Appointment with Death”
Aug 1 Hercule Poirot, Series IX: “Cat Among the Pigeons” (Encore)

INSPECTOR LEWIS
Kevin Whately returns for a third season as Inspector Lewis in five new episodes. Once again joined by Laurence Fox (A Room with a View) as Lewis’ young partner DS Hathaway, the detectives continue solving cases in the seemingly perfect academic haven of Oxford. (All episodes 90 minutes.)

Aug 8 Inspector Lewis, Series II: “Allegory of Love” (Encore)
Aug 15 Inspector Lewis, Series II: “Quality of Mercy” (Encore)
Aug 22 Inspector Lewis, Series II: “Point of Vanishing” (Encore)
Aug 29 Inspector Lewis, Series III: “Counter Culture Blues”

Additional Lewis titles to be announced.
 
You can watch a preview of the new season here. It looks like the schedule is not yet finalized (the Lewis series III eps have apparently not all been assigned broadcast dates yet) since the preview mentions the modern-day Sherlock series and Wallander series II. Perhaps those shows will be incorporated in the Contemporary season? We'll have to wait and see. :) Right now I'm most excited about the return of Foyle's War which is one of the best shows EVER. Seriously.