July 9, 2021 by Courtney @ The Green Mockingbird Blog

Audiobook Review: “Once Upon a Royal Summer” by Teri Wilson

Happy Friday! I’m sharing a quick audiobook review today of a recently released novel: Once Upon a Royal Summer by Teri Wilson. This is the first full book I’ve read by Teri and Hallmark Publishing, and I’m delighted to say it offered fun and depth in one cute, summer-y package!

A theme park “princess” meets a single dad…who turns out to be a real prince! Enjoy the delightful royal romance from acclaimed author Teri Wilson and Hallmark Publishing.

Lacey found her dream job: playing a princess character at a popular fairytale theme park in sunny southern Florida. Her diamond tiara might not be real, but the smiles of the children she meets every day certainly are. It’s just too bad that her ex-boyfriend was never impressed with her career choice.

Henry, the crown prince of Bella-Moritz, is trying to fulfill his young daughter’s birthday wish: to be a normal girl with a normal life. That’s why they’re pretending to be ordinary tourists at an American amusement park. Henry lost his wife four years ago, and he’s been going through the motions ever since. But could a meeting with a make-believe princess lead to real love?

Goodreads | Amazon

I really enjoyed the audiobook version of Once Upon a Royal Summer! It combines a sweet romance with all the romcom moments and fairytale references galore. The narrator did a fantastic job with the accents of a southern heroine and the posh Bella-Moritz royals.

Our heroine Lacey is likable and relatable, with her genuine heart for children and their dreams at the core of her motive to play a princess every day. I love how her growth in confidence comes naturally as a result of her interactions with Henry. And HENRY… he is princely perfection and a great dad, too! What is it about single dad heroes that inspire such tenderness?! His daughter, Rose, lives up to the beauty of her name and is absolutely endearing.

With references to classic princess tales, pop culture, and showcasing a unique side of theme park culture, Once Upon a Royal Summer is sweetly original. I recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and uplifting summer-y read. The close nods to Cinderella and the slight twist on the role of a fairy godmother are my favorite parts!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the audiobook review copy.

December 31, 2019 by Courtney @ The Green Mockingbird Blog

Best of 2019: Film & TV + Top Ten Tuesday

Welcome to my annual “best-of” celebration! Like last year, I’m separating the categories of my yearly best-of lists over a few days. It’s going to take me a few days to talk about all the stories I loved in 2019!

I’m also linking up with Top Ten Tuesday today, the topic being Favorites of 2019 ~~ my twist being fav movies & shows!

Best of 2019: Novellas & Audiobooks
Best of 2019: Contemporary Fiction
Best of 2019: (General) Historical Fiction
Best of 2019: (Inspirational) Historical Fiction
Best of 2019: Film & TV + Top Ten Tuesday!
Best of 2019: Happy New Year #OnTheBlog

So far, I have talked all about the books I loved. Today I shift focus slightly and talk about story in a different form: TV & movies! From this list it’s obvious how my taste is eclectic 😉

Best of 2019: Film & TV

FILM FAVORITES

Avengers: Endgame (Disney) | Yes, I admit it. I’m a big fan of the MCU, moreso in recent years, as I’ve seen Disney take these characters on unforgettable story arcs all wonderfully (if not always perfectly) intertwined. I’m excited to see what 2020 brings with new additions to the next “phase” of films!

The Boys are Back (Miramax) | I discovered this 2009 film re-airing on television. It is a humorous and poignant look at family and grief, and one father’s journey to learning how to do “life” in a different way.

Harriet (Focus Features) | This real-life story of a BRAVE woman was both encouraging and tragic. I wonder if the real Harriet ever considered how her story could still be impacting the world 150 years later?

Overcomer (Affirm Films) | A film for anyone in the family to enjoy, this story touched my heart with its surprises and depth.

Ad Astra (Fox) | Stunning visuals combine in this “to the stars” movie, but it’s not all about exploration and the cosmos. Its message about life, family, and people needing PEOPLE is subtle and beautifully expressed.

Midway (Lionsgate) | If it’s a WWII story, count me in! This well-told story incorporates a cast based on real-life heroes.

Little Women (Sony) | In theaters now, this re-imagining of Alcott’s classic shows the March sisters in a fresh way. I really liked the way the non-linear timeline of the film was presented! Saoirse plays Jo SO WELL.

Downton Abbey (Focus Features) | Avid fans of the series rejoiced when the movie-length story released! It is a continuation with beloved characters! Though I didn’t love *every* aspect of this presentation, I did love the way they hint at a happily-ever-after for Tom. And I loved ALL the scenes and one-liners of Lady Violet’s.

Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (Disney) | Yes, I’m a fan. Every scene was fascinating! I did not expect THAT ENDING. I love it when a story surprises me.

TV FAVORITES

I have loved my PBS channel this year! The final season of Poldark left me happy because it ended hopefully. Also, George Warleggan was a surprise this round!

New seasons of Victoria and Grantchester were great, too! I’m still working my way through the PBS Country Music documentary series.

My recommended Hallmark channel Christmas movie list this year includes A Godwink Christmas: Meant For Love, Picture a Perfect Christmas, and A Christmas Love Story, the latter being my favorite! Also, I enjoyed Christmas On My Mind, adapted from a Denise Hunter novel (woohoo)!

What did you watch this year? Do you have favorite movies to recommend? Did you participate in Top Ten Tuesday with a favorites list?

September 30, 2017 by Courtney @ The Green Mockingbird Blog

September Happenings

September was a busy blogging month! I honestly don’t know how that worked out — most of the month was a blur. BUT, we did get to welcome fall (my favorite season) and barely start to feel the cooler days in my neck of the woods.

on the bookshelf

Oh my, I’m turning into a book hoarder. My mother would agree. New titles on the shelves, both virtual and paperback, include the “Targeted for Danger” ebook novella collection, The Last Summer by Brandy Bruce, Chasing Haven by Rachel Fallin… and for upcoming review Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig, All This Time by Melissa Tagg, Hometown Girl by Courtney Walsh, Too Far Down by Mary Connealy, The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner, The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright, Returning Home by Toni Shiloh, and Impossible Saints by Clarissa Harwood.

on the blog

in the kitchen

I tried this fresh raspberry pie recipe from PBS Food (yes, them again. They just post some good recipes!). It was light and fun and soooo good.

I’m also having fun with a new Christmas cookie cookbook…. more on that, and a review, soon.

on the screen

I admit it, I’ve never read an Agatha Christie book OR seen any adaptations (that I know of). So, I watched the “classic” Murder on the Orient Express from 1974 because the new one looks just so darn good. I admit, I didn’t see some of the twists coming! It has a 1970s drama flair to it that I will be anxious to compare with the new one.

Of course, I watched the new Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Home Again Hallmark production (shoutout to the #POstables fans!!!). I’ve been following this saga for most of its duration, happily rooting for the characters, friendships, and (finally) romance of the series. This latest made me happy, once again! I really, really appreciate how the ongoing relationships have steadily grown in complexity and depth over several installments — and not just with the 4 main characters, but with the extended family dynamic and other characters. Also, I LOVE how the series refocuses on a fresh storyline yet frequently retains a thread of patriotism and honors historical events.

around the web

Merriam Webster added new words to the dictionary. You might learn a thing or two from their announcement, or be glad your slang terms are now “official” (I’m talking about froyo here.)

And this is SUPER nerdy, but I was amused by this TED video on alphabetizing and types of sorting algorithms:

Exciting covers were revealed this month for two 2018 releases: Rachel McMillan’s upcoming Murder at the Flamingo AND Joanne Bischof’s Sons of Blackbird Mountain! Both are gorgeous and creative and exquisite.

Bethany House’s blog post featuring Five Bookish Mysteries to Solve is witty and fun!

YOUR TURN! How was September for you? Did you accomplish that “to-do” list or do anything exciting?