Thursday, August 5, 2010

The Seventh Witch by Shirley Damsgaard


Okay, first off.... I HAVE LOVED THIS SERIES SINCE THE BEGINNING.  Having said that, this is supposedly the last book, at least for now. I am NOT happy with that.

I have enjoyed this book more than the others.

It is set, this time, in a North Carolina Appalachian Mountain community amongst extended family and a blood feud reminiscent of the Hatfield's and McCoy's.... sorta. Throw in magic, an unexpected face in the crowd, exposure of a in-the-family feud, spirits, brownies and house fairies, etc., and you're all set.

I will also add, I really loved the ending of this book more than the others. (NO SPOILERS HERE).  I loved, and related to, the interaction of the women in the family. Soooo too close to home, LOL.

If you haven't read her books, and like "cozy mysteries" with a touch of paranormal and magick,  these are a must!

The Young Victoria



This movie was wonderful! Although I was watching it late at night and had to have the volume down a bit to where I didn't hear all the dialog.

I remember when I first heard of the film, I really wanted to see it, and then later thought.... maybe not now---not in the mood. And then when I finally did, I was really glad I had.

History tends to show Victoria as being a bit "stuffy" and "officious". In this movie though, you see that she (as portrayed in the movie... but also in a few books I've read) was really anything but. She WAS stubborn and hard-headed, though with respect, rightfully so.  Her mother was a good bit easily manipulated, and gave over all responsibility to her daughter upbringing to John Conroy (I think that is his name... probably mistaken, please excuse). He was very controlling and expected to "rule" through the mother and thus through Victoria. Victoria did notice often enough, if not all the time, that she was being used by those around her, even those she trusted. Until Albert. It took her a while to realize she "needed" him and how he kept her a bit more "grounded", so to speak. She did manage to throw a few tantrums, though.  But I couldn't help but chuckle through one in particular. "I am the Queen, you will obey me!" type of tantrum.  She was, however, pregnant with her first child when this happened in the movie, and the country and peers were in conflict. So between hormones and stress, it was kind of understood.

I highly recommend this movie, especially for those who like the following kinds of movies:
Historical romances, History (yes, I know that sounds repetitious, but oh well), Biographical, English....

Really highly recommended!  Really!