BOOKS TO MOVIES - DO THEY ALWAYS MATCH?

 Good morning, friends!

Back on September 23rd I reviewed a book, Pumpkin Everything. The book was made into a Hallmark movie and within a week or so of my review, the movie ran on Hallmark. I couldn't wait to see the book come to life.  I was sorely disappointed. I couldn't get past what would have been chapter two in the book. Here are a couple of points that threw me and kept me from watching more than the first twenty minutes.

In the book, Amy is basically dealing with writer's block. Fans are clamoring for her next book and her publisher isn't really happy with the ever-present delay either.

In the movie, Amy is in a meeting with the publisher planning the social media and marketing appearances she'll be doing for the book - you know the one in the story she hasn't written yet.

In the book, Amy is on a stressful phone call from her mom. Amy's grandfather drove through the front of a coffee shop and her mom basically guilts her into going back to her small hometown to care for him. This puts her life on hold while providing the perfect excuse to not be writing.

In the movie, the phone call with her mom is pleasant and no where in the book did I get the impression her mom was even at the hospital - as she was in the movie. She just couldn't be bothered.

With just these two points, we have great tension in the beginning. Will Amy get her book written? Will her mom quit acting like she can't be bothered to put her career as a popular QVC hostess and step up?  While in the script writing, we lose all of that. Everything is just peachy. The conversation with her mom is friendly and drama-free and Amy's life is on course. 

Then there's her grandfather. I really liked him in the book. he loves his granddaughter and seems to support her writing, while in the movie, he's a gruff old man who we are led to believe doesn't support her writing and has been miffed at her for years for not going to business school so she could take over his store, Pumpkin Everything.

Now, I am personally aware of instances where an author was happy to see his book on the big screen. They could pretty much do whatever they wanted as long as he got a check. 

I don't know Beth Labonte's feeling on the matter but if it were me, while I'd be happy for a check, I'd also want something on the screen that represented my story - not a scriptwriter's versioin.

Please let me know in the comments below, Have you found books to movies be similar? Have you liked what they did when converting from book to script? What would be your preference to (in this case) drastic changes?

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Love At The Salted Caramel Cafe

 Good moring, friends!

I had a very enjoyable day yesterday at my 'local' Starbucks with a Caramel Macchiato and this week's novella.

AMAZON

BLURB:

Sierra Blake has returned home to Mill Hollows, Virginia. She's lost her job as a hotel marketing executive. She knew getting romantically involved with the son of the franchise owner was a bad idea. Turning down his marriage proposal left Sierra updating her resume and needing a change of scenery. Returning to the small football-loving town located in view of the Blue Ridge Parkway is definitely a change of scenery from the sultry heat and water sport enthusiast city of Tampa. Wes Carter is new to Mill Hollows and stirring up more than sediment and rocks for geology sampling upon meeting the beautiful Sierra Blake at the Salted Caramel Cafe. Renting the cabin next door to the Blake family gives him views of the Roanoke Valley and reasons to contemplate leaving behind his days of suitcase living. Fall in Virginia isn't the only chill in the air. The last time Sierra saw her younger sibling, Roxie, the two didn't exactly leave each other on the best of terms.

Reading Love At the Salted Caramel Cafe was a trip back to my ancestral home for me. My Daddy and his family going back generations were from the Blue Ridge Mountains & the Roanoke area. Think Walton's Mountain and that was where my family lived.  I was blessed to live in the area briefly and experience the Blue Ridge Mountains in the fall. I called a little community called Rapidan home. While the town wasn't as big as Mill Hollows, there was an old mill along the creek across from the Civil War era home we lived in. I'd love to visit again. 

One of the key points I loved about this book was the immediate connection I could feel between Wes and Sierra in the very beginning. That kismet feel when you meet 'the one' for the first time. Both had their relationship obstacles so when the time came, Wes and Sierra had that feeling of coming home. Besides that, a complete stranger on the trail saw the love blooming between them. Their instant love was tangible to those around them. 

My quill rating isn't just about my connection to the story, but overall about the almost-flawless writing and putting me in the location as well as the little moments between Wes and Sierra as their atraction grew. Sometimes you just know where you're supposed to be and who you are meant to be with. 

I'm giving Love At the Salted Caramel Cafe ...

All my best! 

~ Angela

 

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Angie Ellington

Good morning, friends!

I'm a bit behind again this morning. I've been sorting through Fall & Halloween decor. Trying to make the house look a bit less scattered and a lot more cozy. Also, because this is the waxing moon, I'm trying to acquaint myself with what I want to acquire for future coziness. Are you decorating for fall? Halloween? Please let me know in the comments.

This week's author is Angie Ellington:

Here's a bit about Angie:

Angie Ellington's sweet romances are filled with summer breezes, lemonade, hot cocoa, and snowy settings. If you're looking for a book that gives you the feel of gently rocking in a hammock or snuggled under a blanket by a cozy fire, Angie's books can transport you there. She also includes inspirational messages of hope and confidence, includes fun side characters to adore, & sets her books where family and friendship are at the core of finding one's happily ever after.

Her book, Autumn at Apple Hill, has recently been adapted as a Hallmark Channel Original Movie of the same name, and her book, Dancing by the Moonlight, is currently in development for a tv/streaming movie.

I look forward to reading this book, as well as finding the movie. Speaking of movie's I'll be posting my thoughts on movies transitioning to Hallmark movies on Thursday.

In the mean time, please click on any of the links below to learn more about Angie Ellington

WEBSITE   TWITTER-x   IG   BookBub  GoodReads

LinkedIn   SubStack   Imbd   YouTube  

Amazon Author Page 

I'll be back tomorrow for my review of Love At The Salted Caramel Cafe. 

All my best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends.

All my best!

~ Angela

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning!

Flying in a bit late today but finally feeling more normal. Those sugar spikes are horrid but they don't come often. Just didn't take care of myself at conference last week like I should have. I'll have a conference post next Thursday.

In the mean time, I'm all about spooky season:

Courtesy of dipakpatel on Pixabay

All my best!

~ Angela

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - October's Kindest Secret

 Good morning, everyone!

First, my intent was to get posts uploaded while at the conference. I had horrid internet. I only work from my laptop for these posts and I couldn't get more than a single bar WHEN I could connect at all.

Also, through the conference, I wasn't able to eat on my schedule or properly so my sugar spiked. My Tuesday morning, I was ill and I slept all day Wednesday. That's what I have to do after one of these episodes. Thankfully, they don't happen often. I'm closer to myself today and diving in. Not hard, but at least trying to catch up. 

Which brings me to today's review:

AMAZON

BLURB:

A joyful surprise can hide a painful truth—and Naomi Mercer is done trusting what no one will explain. 

October has painted Gracefield, Tennessee, in copper and gold, and caterer Naomi Mercer has one important assignment: plan a secret Pastor Appreciation Lunch for the man who helped her family through its darkest season. The trouble is that the church has paired her with Gideon Hale, the dependable carpenter who once disappeared from her life without a word.

Gideon believes faithful love means serving quietly and protecting other people’s burdens. Keeping one celebration under wraps should be easy. Instead, covert orchard runs, after-hours meetings with Naomi’s sister, a mysterious envelope, and a treasured recording from Naomi’s late mother make every good intention look like another betrayal.

As their hidden preparations grow increasingly complicated—and increasingly funny—old affection begins to return. But when an autumn storm threatens the lunch and Naomi receives an offer that could take her away from Gracefield, both must decide whether a second chance can survive without brave, honest trust.

To be honest, I found the reading slow and the whole premise of a 'surprise' a bit broken up. First off, the whole organized method, right down to measurements of table placing was a bit much. I've never seen anyone organize something so detailed. Planners, notes, etc I can see (and use) but everything else pulled me away from where the author wanted to lead. 

As I read, I felt as if I were reading an AI story similar to what I listen to on YouTube. Not just in the detail but how the wording is presented. I'm NOT saying she used AI, I'm just saying that was the overall feeling. I want something I can immerse myself in the story. October's Kindest Secret was not that story for me.

But here's the good news. Arabella can write tension. Not 'sexual tension' per say (since it is a Christian story at it's core) but the slow move from 'how can I work with him' to "we make a good team, don't you think."

I enjoy Amish and Christian romances from the 'clean/ sweet' perspective. If you like being led by bible verses throughout the story, then this book is for you. 

I'm giving October's Kindest Secret...

.5

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Arabella G. Hamilton

 Good morning, friends!

I'm just back from the Ozark Creative Writers Conference. Fabulous weekend of celebration and meet-up with friends I only get to see in October.

Today, I'm sharing the talent of Arabella G. Hamilton.

Arabella G. Hamilton is a beloved voice in contemporary Christian romance, crafting stories that explore the beautiful intersection where love meets divine purpose. Her novels are known for their emotional depth, genuine faith elements, and the hopeful message that true love flourishes within Christian principles.

Drawing from her deep understanding of human relationships and spiritual growth, Arabella creates characters who face real-world challenges while discovering God's plan for their lives. Her work offers clean, uplifting romance that honors both the complexity of human emotions and the transformative power of faith.

When she's not writing, Arabella enjoys quiet mornings with her Bible and coffee, tending to her garden, and spending time with her local church community. She finds inspiration in everyday moments of grace and believes that every love story is ultimately a reflection of God's love for us. 

Residing in a charming small town that inspires her close-knit fictional communities, Arabella is passionate about encouraging other writers and frequently speaks about the importance of faith-based literature.

"I believe every love story is a small miracle, and every heart that finds its home in both human love and divine grace is a testament to God's beautiful design for our lives."

I'll be back tomorrow with my review of October's Kindest Secret. In the mean time, you can find more about Arabella by clicking on the links below. 

Goodreads   Audible

Amazon Author Page

All my best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, everyone!

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - The October Book Shop

 Hi everyone!

Sorry for the delay. My hotel room is down below a hill and connection is spotty at best. 

I've really been looking forward to today's review.

AMAZON

BLURB:

A hidden bookshop. A grieving writer. A story that knows her name.

In Thistlemoor, a magical shop appears only in October—just when Clara Bell needs it most.

Whispers of the past, blank pages of the future, and one choice that changes everything.

A cozy, heartwarming novella about lost stories, second chances, and the magic of books.

I've never read a book laid out in such a way. The formating was as unique as the story itself.  For me, October is a month full of possibilities and magic. The October Bookshop gave me that. From the moment Clara spies a bookshop down an anney, that no one in town believes exists, until the true magic of the story is revealed to everyone, this book kept me enthralled. Books with blank pages? Promps of possibilities? Lines appear after you've dreamt them?

There isn't anything spooky about the story, really. Just the imagination of what has been and what could be. The cat is a great touch. No old bookshop would be complete without one.  I hope you enjoy this seasonal story as much as I did.

I'm giving THE OCTOBER BOOK SHOP...

The October Book Shop is Book 2 o the Cozy Holiday Season Collection.

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Amanpreet Kaur

 Good morning, everyone.

Apoligies for the delay in posting. Blogger decided to crash yesterday morning. So  you're seeing the Author Spotlight today then the review tomorrow (Thursday)

Here's a bit about Amanpreet:

Amanpreet Kaur is a contemporary author who writes heartfelt cozy romance, small-town fiction, and uplifting self-help books. Her work is deeply rooted in themes of love, hope, and comfort, offering readers a sense of warmth and emotional connection through every story.

Currently pursuing a Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Amanpreet began her journey as a self-publisher with a clear vision to build a meaningful presence in the literary world. Blending creativity with purpose, she crafts stories that celebrate simple moments, human relationships, and personal growth.

With a growing portfolio of work, Amanpreet Kaur continues to inspire and engage readers, striving toward worldwide recognition as both an author and a self-publisher.

While you wait for my review post tomorrow, please check out her links below:

Goodreads    AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

Another month begins.  Let's make the most of every day.

All my best!

~ Angela

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, friends!

I thought we'd kick October off with a fluffy orange kitty. I'm sure a black cat will show up later in the month ;-)

Pixabay - orlizasa-autumn-2703940_640

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Pumpkin To Talk About

 Good morning!

I have a spicy read for you this week.

AMAZON

BLURB:

Mike Page fled Ironwood Flats, Texas the moment he tossed his high school cap in the air and never looked back. But when his little sister, Annie, is suddenly left raising two kids on her own, one desperate call brings him right back to the one place he swore he’d never return. Now, stuck playing uncle, Mike’s in for more than he bargained for, especially since it means surviving the town’s infamous Halloween celebrations—his personal nightmare.

Belle Allen has always been a bit eclectic. As Ironwood Elementary’s quirky part-time librarian by day and bartender by night, she has finally found her rhythm. That is, until Mike, her high school nemesis, walks into the bar bringing painful memories back with him.

Old wounds run deep, but so do new sparks when they keep bumping into each other. As they’re pulled together by chance encounters and unexpected chemistry, Mike and Belle realize they’re not the same people they were in high school. But just as they start falling harder than autumn leaves, reality hits—Mike’s heading back to Indiana after Halloween.

Can they admit they’re bewitched with each other? Or will the spell of their romance be broken?

Notice, the blurb gives no indication of actual sex taking place in the story. I've been really careful about catching those ahead of time. The only indication is in one of the keyword categories. Pumpkin To Talk About hit #182 in the Love/Sex/ Marriage. 

However, the author does open up by telling us there is sex and where we can find it in the book, you know in case you're a teen just looking for the dirty parts 😉. She even tells us we're welcome to skip over that part and keep reading.

Well, I didn't skip. I could have. I could also have decided those parts were not what I signed up for when I borrowed the book. The story kept me sliding pages and wanting to see these two work things out. The parts weren't that bad and didn't detract from the story. Instead, they enhanced the fact that Mike and Bella had some unfinished business and needed to work through things. I am glad I didn't. As you know, I'm all about second chances. They're the theme I follow when telling my own stories. 

I'm glad I kept reading. Aside from Halloween being my favorite holiday and I love a storyline that includes kids. What made this interesting is why the story had two kids, they weren't part of the relationship between Bella and Mike. The kids were Mike's neice and nephew. They added a fun aspect to the story I wasn't expecting. 

I'm giving PUMPKIN TO TALK ABOUT...

.8

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Allie Samberts

 Good morning, everyone!

I woke up to 55*F this morning. I think Autumn is officially here. Great time for your favorite beverage and a good book. I have what I hope are some great reads lined up for the month.

Let's start the month of with author, Allie Samberts.

Allie Samberts is a romance writer, book lover, and high school English teacher. She was voted funniest teacher of the year for 2023 and 2025 by her students, which is probably her highest honor to date. She fuels her writing with a ton of coffee, and in her free time she is also a runner, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two kids, and their dog. You can follow her on Instagram, Substack, or TikTok.

I'll be reviewing PUMPKIN TO TALK ABOUT tomorrow. In the mean time, please check out the links below to learn more about Allie.

Website   FB   FB Fan Page   IG   Tik Tok   YouTube   Audible   Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

All my best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

All my best!

~ Angela

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, friends!

As I post today's inspiration photo, I hope the weather has begun cooling down.

Pixabay - commander05-croatia-3182810_640

All my bests!

~Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Pumpkin Everything

 Good morning, readers!

NOTE: While working on my article for October 22nd, I realized I had the title incorrect in the subject line. I've since made the correction. My apologies to Beth Labonte

After waking to 58* F for the first time in months, the sun is shining and we're in for a delightful fall day in the Ozarks. Perfect for today's review:

AMAZON

BLURB:

After calling off her fall wedding, horror novelist Amy Fox is left with a broken heart, a mega case of writer’s block, and a serious aversion to all things pumpkin spice. When she receives news that her grandfather has broken his wrist driving through a Dunkin Donuts—literally straight through the front windows—five hundred miles away, in her hometown of Autumnboro, New Hampshire, Amy has no choice but to return to check on him. If she doesn’t make sure that he’s back on his feet, Grandpa may be moved into assisted living, and Amy’s beloved childhood home will be put on the market.

Knowing she must return, Amy worries about the only thing worse than pumpkin spice—a reunion with Kit Parker—her childhood best friend, first love, and entire reason for skipping town in the first place. As the two reconnect, a second chance seems possible...if only Kit weren’t holding on to a secret that just might unravel everything.

For me, a true testament to a book scoring high in the quills is a book I can't put down. In the beginning, I had a problem staying in the story. I found myself putting the kindle aside and doing other things around the house. Not until bedtime last night was I able to get into the book. I was still unable to stay in the story (at 25% in) before turning out the light. 

I tried again this morning and the story improved drastically. Stretched out in the recliner with my lemon water on the side table and a cat sleeping in my lap did I finally find something to keep me reading.

Senior Citizens!

Yes, Grandpa and all his friends, including a girlfriend, finally had me involved in the story. You'll love these characters.

I found Amy to be a bit whiney. I am still not sure if crossing AMY with AME was an endearmant from Kit and Riley, or simply a spelling issue that was never caught. 

I still have about 25% of the book to read and I will do that today. But I'ver read enough to know that while this book started out slow (for me), you will enjoy the story.

Now a Hallmark Channel Original Movie starring Taylor Cole and Corey Sevier! Set against the scenic backdrop of the White Mountains, New Hampshire, Pumpkin Everything is a small town, sweet romance, and the perfect way to kick off the fall season! A pumpkin spice latte wouldn’t hurt, either.

One thing I've never done is both read a book then watch the movie, or vice versa. I'll be searching out the Hallmark movie this weekend to see how things changed. 

I'm giving PUMPKIN SPICE EVERYTHING...

. 8

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Beth Labonte

 Good morning, everyone!

We finally got rain in the early morning hours. Good news is the repair in the office seems to have worked. On the other hand, the dining room still has a drip ::: sigh ::: We'll get there. 

Shining the spotlight on Beth Labonte. Here's a bit about Beth:

After working as an administrative assistant for fourteen years, Beth turned to writing silly romantic comedies as her creative outlet in a mundane corporate world. She wrote full time for several years, until a pandemic drove her out of her mind and she gleefully returned to work as a legal assistant. Beth lives in Massachusetts with her husband, son, and cat.

While you wait for the review tomorrow, take a look at her social media links below.

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   X-TWITTER   IG   BOOK BUB

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

Angela

 

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

All my best!

~Angela

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, friends!

I'm scheduling this all ahead of time this month as I have a lot going on before the Ozark Creative Writers Conference in October. I hope you find the photos inspiring.

Pixabay - summa-way-2771495_640

All my best!

~Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Pumpkin Spice for Autumn

 Hi friends!

I have a fun review today. But first, here's the book:

AMAZON

BLURB:

Love can happen to anyone, anywhere, and in any season. It’s Romantically Seasonal...

They were gods.
They were celestial beings.
They were mythological creatures.

It didn’t matter what they were called. Names were merely a reflection of the current age and occasion. Throughout time, there was only one constant: a strong dedication to their own worthless pride.

Wars were fought... humans suffered... tricks were played... and all in the name of competition; a way of determining a hierarchy amongst themselves.

The strong thrived. The weak suffered.

Cupid shed his stereotypical persona to bring about the bet of the century. For once and for all, he was going to prove helping people fall in love was, is, and always would be, the hardest job.

Four challengers stood at the plate, ready to swing. But would they actually find a way to bring about the romance of Valentine’s Day in their designated seasons?

In book three of this four part series of standalone books, pumpkin spice is in the air. It's the Grim Reaper's turn and he has his own plans for this season. Can love conquer when costumes and curses threaten any hope for a happily ever after?

For lack of a better word, I found this story ENCHANTING. I have never read a book with such an adventurous spirit for a romance. And yes, there is romance. There are two romances in this book, though you don't see the second one coming. PUMPKIN SPICE FOR AUTUMN is probably the most fun book I've read in a long time. I may have to get the rest of this series at some point.

I'm giving Pumpkin Spice for Autumn...

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - C. A. King

 Good morning, friends!

Another hot day in the Ozarks. I can't even get cool enough weather to dig the fall decor out of the warehouse. Who else is ready for Pumpkin Spice Latte's and all things Autumn?

Today's author is C. A. King:

Here's a bit about C. A. King:

USA Today Bestselling & Award Winning Author, C.A. King, was born and raised in Halton County. She currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her two sons.

After the loss of her loving parents and husband, Ms. King was devastated. She decided to retire from the workforce for a year or two to do some soul searching. It was during this time that writing became her passion. She found she was able to redirect her emotions through her writing and decided to publish some of her works.

Carol Ann King is proud to have her name join the list of Canadian born authors. She hopes her writing will help inspire another generation of Canadians to continue adding to the literary heritage and rich culture Canada already has to offer.

Tomorrow, I'll be reviewing the third book in her Romantically Seasonal series. In the mean time, you can find out more about Carol by clicking her links below:

FACEBOOK   GOODREADS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela

 

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

All my best!

~ Angela

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, friends!

May we never forget how much this day in 2001 changed our lives.

Pixabay - ylh-usa-3012538_640

All my best!

~ Angela