Summer Dream By Martha Rogers

Book one in the Seasons of the Heart series is set in Briar Ridge, Connecticut in 1888 the year of what historians call “The White Hurricane.” Summer Dream tells the story of Rachel Winston, the daughter of a small town minister. Rachel believes her only hope of finding a husband depends on a trip to visit her aunt in Boston. Before she has a chance to leave, Nathan Reed, a young lawyer comes to town. There is an instant attraction between Rachel and Nathan until he finds out that her father is a minister. Nathan wants nothing to do with any woman who is a Christian because of a terrible experience in his past. When Nathan finds himself caught in the blizzard he turns his life over to God and vows to take care of his past and plan for his future.

Mrs. Rogers hits another homerun with the maiden offering in this series. The glimpse into 1880s Boston social society alone makes this a must read. But the history portrayed concerning the blizzard of 1888 is what really kept me interested. I have to admit though, the sweet innocence of the main character and her best friend was a true delight. I wanted them to be friends with my own daughter who is of their age.

Summer Dream really hits home when Rachel Winston continues to pray for the man she truly loves and never gives up on him even when it seems hopeless. It’s a good lesson for all of us who have situations or people they are praying for where there seems to be no good solution. But the Bible says “nothing is impossible with God.”

Thank you Mrs. Rogers for once again managing to hook me on another of your heartwarming romance series. Suppose I’ll have to keep my eye out for the next offering in the series, Autumn Song, releasing in October 2011!

Cowboys And Aliens…I think so!

How on earth did this great summer movie receive an average rating of 3 out of 5 stars? Here’s a short blurb describing the movie.

“1873. Arizona Territory. A stranger with no memory of his past stumbles into the hard desert town of Absolution.The only hint to his history is a mysterious shackle that encircles one wrist. What he discovers is that the people of Absolution don't welcome strangers, and nobody makes a move on its streets unless ordered to do so by the iron-fisted Colonel Dolarhyde. It's a town that lives in fear. But Absolution is about to experience fear it can scarcely comprehend as the desolate city is attacked by marauders from the sky. Now, the stranger they rejected is their only hope for salvation. United against a common enemy, they will prepare for an epic showdown for survival.”

One prominent reviewer wrote, “Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford’s steampunk western piles cliché upon cliché—and just ends up being irritating.”

I don’t know what kind of person this reviewer is, cough, cough…old, grizzled dude, who hasn’t found pleasure in any movie since “Yentl” or perhaps “Burlesque” cough, cough. But seriously, I can’t imagine the person wouldn’t like a movie that offers the aspects of a great western, a great sci-fi thriller and acting genius out the wazoo?

Actors…ever heard of a couple guys by the names of Daniel Craig or Harrison Ford? Thought you might have. And one of my all-time favorites, Clancy Brown! What…don’t know who Clancy Brown is? You don’t know the name of the actor who played perhaps the most barbaric nemesis in cinematic history…the Kurgan…from the original Highlander movie staring Christopher Lambert? Well perhaps you might know him as the voice of Mr. Krabs from the SpongeBob SquarePants series.

Kind of have to hand to Jon Favreou who insisted that westerns should only be shot on film and not in 3d. Love 3d films—hate wearing the glasses over my specs.

Overall I give the movie three thumbs up, or 10 out of 5 stars! Okay, I gotta admit there are a few bad words said, but you need to go see this movie. You won’t regret it!