Book Review: A Gown Of Spanish Lace

A Gown of Spanish Lace has been my favorite Janette Oke book for a long time now, it's one of the few books I absolutely love re-reading! My sister had never read it and I hadn't read it in years so we decided to read it out loud to each other by alternating chapters. It worked out really well and we're planning on reading more books out loud together in the near future.

My copy looks like this.

Back Cover Synopsis: Ariana loves her life - her parents, her little town, her job as the town's schoolteacher, her students. But one evening after classes are done and she prepares to hurry home before a blizzard hits, her whole life changes.
The two rough-looking men who abduct her and take her from home and family make no response to her frantic questions - "Why me? What are you going to do? Where are you taking me?" Held hostage in a camp of bandits, Ariana's emotions swing between terror and boredom as days stretch into weeks.
And then the boss's son appears in the doorway of her cabin. Does this mean she will never see her mother and father again, the two who had so lovingly adopted her as an infant and raised her as their own? Will she never wear the wedding dress so carefully saved for her - her one link with her birth parents, now long dead?

Janette Oke

Visit Janette Oke's Website: JanetteOke.com

Author: Janette Oke celebrated her 77th birthday this past February! She wrote her books a bit later in life, as the wife of a Canadian Minister her stories often revolve around Pioneers in Canada and America. I read my first Janette Oke books when I was about eleven years old and devoured her Love Comes Softly series. My mom and I have read many of her books and greatly enjoy the way she usually includes the salvation message and verses from scripture in each of her stories.

Interesting Bits: The old west comes alive with a pioneer town, a school teacher, a country minister, stories of a wagon train and an Indian attack, a group of ruthless bandits, prairie blizzards, lots of baked beans, family Bibles, a friendly Indian brave, trigger happy criminals, labyrinth caves, daring escapes, family love, friendship, mysterious pasts, secret chests and a beautiful wedding gown made of the finest Spanish lace.

Spiritual Content: One thing I really love about Janette Oke's books is that she usually tries to include a very clear redemption message of salvation by God's grace through faith. Also before the men kidnap Ariana she has a chance to grab her Bible and she leans on the verses having to do with trust quite heavily and calls out to the Lord in her time of trouble. God's faithfulness and goodness are the main theme of the book. Ariana is a strong young woman who looks to God for her strength and Laramie is such an honorable young man that you can't help cheering him on as he tries to do the right thing.

A Gown Of Spanish Lace themed collage made by Mel of But when a young lady is to be a heroine.

My Thoughts: This is the third time (if I'm remembering correctly) that I've read A Gown Of Spanish Lace and I love it more and more each time I read it! It's still my favorite of Janette Oke's books and I highly recommend it. I was pleased as punch to read this with my sister and I think we both enjoyed it that much more because we could chat about it and follow the adventure together. Bea says she really liked it and might read it again only she doesn't re-read books often. We are both excited to hear the Hallmark Channel might make a movie based on the book, but on the other hand we wouldn't want any bit of the story cut out or changed (and they pretty much butchered Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series, especially the spiritual content) so it would be alright if they never got the money to make it. If you're interested in following the progress of the movie check out my friend Mel's Gown Of Spanish Lace Movie Update page.

Have you read A Gown Of Spanish Lace?

Are you a fan of Janette Oke's books?

Would you be interested in watching a film version A Gown Of Spanish Lace? Any casting ideas?

Bleak House Throwdown: Ada Clare's Dresses

Back in April I posted a Throwdown game about Emma Woodhouse's dresses in Emma 2009 and in May I posted a Jane Austen Mothers Throwdown in honor of Mother's Day. This time we're focusing on the costumes worn by actress Carey Mulligan in her role as Ada Clare in the BBC miniseries Bleak House (2005). 

Don't worry, if you haven't seen Bleak House yet or aren't a Dickens fan Ada's dresses are such pretty Victorian styles that they are just fun to look at!

To Play: Take a look at Ada Clare's wardrobe below and vote for your favorites in the poll on the right sidebar. I'll post the results of the poll next week.  Leave a comment telling why the dress(es) you voted for are your favorite.

Ada's Wardrobe

Note: Ada wears some of the same dresses in multiple scenes so I couldn't remember specific scenes for each one. These are most of the dresses she wears in the miniseries but they might not be all.

(Click on photos for larger view)

#1. Triangle Bodice Dress

#2. Ruched Front Dress

#3. Tan Striped Dress

#4. Beige Checked Dress

#5. Tawny Plaid Dress

#6. Brown Checked Dress

#7. Blue Checked Dress

 

#8. Gray Floral Print Dress

 

#9. Sprigged Dress

#10. Emerald Dinner Dress

#11. Black Maternity/Mourning Dress

Think about which dresses are prettiest or which of Ada's dresses you'd like to wear yourself. 

Okay, now go vote for your favorites in the sidebar poll! 

Which of Ada Clare's dresses is your favorite?

What do you think of Ada's wardrobe overall? 

Do you think Ada's clothes match her personality and status in life?

Yet Another Musical Lyrics Game - Answers!

Photo Bonus Question - Which Disney musical film is this photo from?
Answer: Summer Magic (starring Hayley Mills and Burl Ives, a family classic!)

These are the answers to the Yet Another Musical Lyrics Game I posted last Monday. Song titles are linked to some of my favorite versions of the songs on YouTube. Thanks for playing! 

Musical Lyrics

#1

This is livin', this is style, this is elegance by the mile

Oh the Posh, Posh  traveling life, the traveling life for me

First cabin and captain's table regal company

Whenever I'm bored I travel abroad but ever so properly

Port out, starboard home, posh with a capital P-O-S-H, Posh!

Answer: Posh! from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

#2

Wonder of wonders, Miracle of Miracles - 

God took the tailor by the hand

Turned him around and- Miracles of Miracles - Led him to the promised land!

When David slew Goliath (yes!), that was a miracle .

When God gave us manna in the wilderness, that was a miracle too.

But of all God's miracles large and small,

The most miraculous one of all 

Is the one I thought could never be: 

God has given you to me.

Answer: Miracle of Miracles from Fiddler On The Roof

#3

We've just been introduced, 

I do not know you well, 

But when the music started 

Something drew me to your side. 

So many men and girls, 

Are in each others arms.

It made me think we might be 

Similarly occupied. 

Shall We Dance? 

On a bright cloud of music shall we fly? 

Shall We Dance? 

Shall we then say "Goodnight and mean "Goodbye"? 

Or perchance, 

When the last little star has left the sky, 

Shall we still be together 

With are arms around each other 

And shall you be my new romance? 

On the clear understanding 

That this kind of thing can happen, 

Shall We Dance? 

Shall We Dance? 

Shall We Dance? 

Answer: Shall We Dance? from The King And I

#4

Aow, so loverly sittin' abso-bloomin'-lutely still. 

I would never budge 'till spring 

Crept over me windowsill. 

Someone's 'ead restin' on my knee, 

Warm an' tender as 'e can be. 'ho takes good care of me, 

Aow, wouldn't it be lovely? 

Loverly, loverly, loverly, loverly 

Answer: Wouldn't It Be Loverly from My Fair Lady

#5. 

Passing bells and sculpted angels, cold and monumental

Seem for you the wrong companions, you were warm and gentle

Too many years

Fighting back tears

Why can't the curse just die!

Wishing you were somehow here again

Knowing we must say goodbye

Try to forgive

Teach me to live

Give me the strength to try!

No more memories

No more silent tears

No more gazing across the wasted years

Help me say goodbye

Help me say goodbye!

Answer: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again from The Phantom of the Opera

#6

I am Sixteen Going On Seventeen, I know that I'm naive 

Fellows I meet may tell me I'm sweet, and willingly I believe

I am Sixteen Going On Seventeen, innocent as a rose

Bachelor dandies, drinkers of brandies, what do I know of those

Totally unprepared am I, to face a world of men

Timid and shy and scared am I, of things beyond my ken

I need someone older and wiser, telling me what to do

You are seventeen going on eighteen, I'll depend on you 

Answer: Sixteen Going On Seventeen from Sound Of Music

#7

Bless Your Beautiful Hide

Wherever you may be.

We ain't met yet

But I'm a willin' to bet

You're the gal for me.

Bless Your Beautiful Hide

You're just as good as lost.

I don't know your name

But I'm a-stakin' my claim

Lest your eyes is crossed.

Oh, I'd swap my gun 'n' I'd swap my mule

Tho' whoever took it would be one big fool.

Or pay your way thru cookin' school.

If 'n you would say I do.

Answer: Bless Your Beautiful Hide from Seven Brides For Seven Brothers

#8

In the rain,

The pavement shines like silver.

All the lights

Are misty in the river.

In the darkness,

The trees are full of starlight,

And all I see is him and me for ever and forever.

Answer: On My Own from Les Miserables

#9

I've just met a girl named Maria,   

And suddenly that name 

Will never be the same 

To me. 

Maria! 

I've just kissed a girl named Maria, 

And suddenly I've found 

How wonderful a sound 

Can be! 

Maria! 

Say it loud and there's music playing, 

Say it soft and it's almost like praying. 

Answer: Maria from West Side Story
(more puppies are born!!!)

#10

Are we dancing? 

Are we really here?

Is this feeling something real or will it disappear?

Are we dancing?

Does the music soar?

Was this lovely song I hear ever heard before?

Are your eyes confessing things

I alone can see

Or is my imagination

Flying away with me?

Are we dancing?

Say we really are

Then I'll know that I

Reached into the sky

I reached into the sky

And touched a star

Answer: Are We Dancing from The Happiest Millionaire

#11

His royal highness Christopher Rupert Vwindemier Vlandamier 

Carl Alexander Francois Reginald Lancelot Herman

HERMAN?

Herman.. Gregory James is giving a ball.

The Prince Is Giving A Ball, The Prince Is Giving A Ball! 

Our daughter's looking dreamy-eyed

The Prince Is Giving A Ball.

They say he wants to find a bride, he may find one at the ball!

If only he'd propose to me.

I pray that he'll propose to me.

Why shouldn't he propose to me?

I'll wear a gown of satin jade.

And me I'm in a pink brocade.

And me I'm in the second grade.

The Prince Is Giving A Ball. The Prince Is Giving A Ball.

Answer: The Prince Is Giving A Ball from Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

#12

Each time I see a girl of five or six or seven

I can't resist the joyous urge to smile and say thank heaven for little girls

For little girls get bigger everyday!

Thank Heaven For Little Girls

They grow up in the most delightful way

Those little eyes so helpless and appealing

One day will flash and send you crashing to the ceiling

Thank Heaven For Little Girls

Thank heaven for them all no matter where no matter who

Without them, what would little boys do?

Thank heaven,

Thank heaven,

Thank Heaven For Little Girls! 

Answer: Thank Heaven For Little Girls from Gigi

#13

I'll Know when my love comes along  

I won't take a change. 

I'll Know he'll be just what I need 

Not some fly-by-night Broadway romance. 

And you'll know at a glance by the two-pair of pants. 

I'll Know by the calm steady voice 

Those feet on the ground. 

I'll Know as I run to his arms 

That at last I've come home safe and sound. 

Until then, I shall wait. 

Until then, I'll be strong. 

Oh, I'll Know, when my love comes along. 

Answer: I'll Know from Guys and Dolls

#14.

All around the cathedral the saints and apostles

Look down as she sells her wares

Although you can't see it, 

You know they are smiling

Each time someone shows that he cares

Though her words are simple and few

Listen, listen, she's calling to you

"Feed The Birds, tuppence a bag  

Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag"

Answer: Feed The Birds from Mary Poppins

#15

But when I try in here to tell you, dear

I love you madly, madly, Madam Librarian...Marian

It's a long lost cause I can never win

For the civilized world accepts as unforgivable sin

Any talking out loud with any librarian

Such as Marian.....Madam Librarian.

Answer: Marian The Librarian from The Music Man

Players Scores

Rhoswen Faerie Wrose - 24 points

Kiri Liz - 23 points

Miss Dashwood - 23 points

Tillie - 23 points

Sarah Grace - 22 points

Anne-girl - 20 points

Emily - 20 points

Emaline Foster - 19 points

Hayden - 19 points

Melody - 17 points

Gracie - 13 points

Ella - 8 points

Charity U - 4 points

Robyn Hoode - 4 points

Thanks for playing!

Book Review: A Vision Of Lucy

Yay! I won a signed copy of A Vision of Lucy at a giveaway on Charity's blog Austenitis last year and finally read it (long time I know Charity)! My sister and mom read it just before I did and we all enjoyed the interesting story. 

A Vision of Lucy

Back Cover Synopsis: Trouble follows Lucy wherever she goes. So does a vision of second chances . . . and love. 
Lucy Fairbanks dreams of working as a photographer at the Rocky Creek newspaper. Her deepest hope is that her father will see her as an artist, the way he thought of her deceased mother, whose paintings still hang on their walls. 
But disaster follows Lucy on every photo assignment: a mess of petticoats and ribbons, an accidental shooting, even a fire. 
When Lucy meets David Wolf—a rugged, reclusive man who lives on the outskirts of town—she thinks she can catch the attention of the town with his photograph. She doesn't count on her feelings stirring whenever she's near him. 
Two things happen next that forever change the course of Lucy's life. But will these events draw her closer to God or push her further away? And how will David accept this new vision of Lucy?

Author Margaret Brownley

Visit Margaret Brownley's Website: MargaretBrownley.com

Author: I'd never read anything by Margaret Browley before but was very interested and thankful that she signed my copy before sending it to me! I discovered that this is actually Book 3 in her Rocky Creek Romance Series but as I read it didn't really matter too much that I hadn't read the other books because although common characters did pop up frequently there was enough explanation about them to not make the other books unnecessary. I would like to read the first two books, A Lady Like Sarah and A Suitor For Jenny, some day just to fill in the other couple's stories.

Interesting Bits: I love historical fiction and this piece set in Texas in the later 1800's did not disappoint with it's many historical references. Because Lucy is a photographer there's lots of interesting history about photography including all about wet and dry plates and exposure time. Opera houses, hot air balloons, stage coaches, newspaper printing, medicine, the Civil War and votes for women, and equal education for Chinese, African-Americans and Native Americans are all discussed.

Spiritual Points: Although Lucy is said to be a Christian and unbeliever David Wolf hears a message at church it is mentioned by the pastor that Baptism is unnecessary for a relationship with God. Forgiveness and redemption are themes in the book but it is not necessarily stated that redemption is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This is a bit disappointing as is the fact that although there is a change in David the reader isn't told weather he made a decision to trust Christ or not.

My Thoughts: Lucy is always getting into herself and others into trouble so there's lots of fun to be had! The story also talks about three other couples and their mishaps as they come together. I liked the story of the town of Rocky Creek too, how they all work together even though they all have different opinions about things. The plot is a little bit underdeveloped in places, there are a couple mysteries that never do get solved which bugged me a bit. Also there's a little bit more kissing in the book than I'd like between a couple that aren't even engaged. At the heart of the problems and mystery in the book is racial prejudice which in a lot of ways is not as big of a problem today as it was back then so in some ways it was harder for my sister and I to grasp why there was such a problem for David being as they called him "a half-breed". The story was very interesting with many twists and turns and made for a very fun read overall.

Have you read any books in the Rocky Creek Romance Series?
Are you a fan of author Margaret Brownley's books?

Very Truly Your's,