Top Ten Tuesday: Top 9 Books or series I wish someone would make into a movie/series

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

This week is a freebie topic! I’m choosing to go with books I wish someone would make into miniseries, TV series, or movies. So, make yourself some popcorn and read on for my ideas!

Top 9 Books or Series I wish someone would make into a movie/series

Miniseries

#1 The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton

No question about it, this book is my number one pick for being adapted into some form of film. I have always said it should be a miniseries, that way there would be enough time for all the little details to be included. Plus the budget would be higher for filming on location in rural TN. And we need authentic costumes. I can dream, right? Basically, I’d volunteer to work on the crew just to see it done. (History Channel, AMC, or Hallmark, are you listening?)

#2 The “Price of Privilege“ series by Jessica Dotta (Born of Persuasion, Mark of Distinction, Price of Privilege)

It should be no surprise to see this on my list. Favorite. Series. Ever. And a miniseries would be awesome, yes?

TV series

#3 The “Redemption” series (and subsequent related Baxter Family books) by Karen Kingsbury (some with Gary Smalley)

We have 23 books in 5 series that could be adapted, so I think it could be a very long-running series. (Ahem, Hallmark, since you’ve already adapted Karen’s The Bridge and book-based Cedar Cove, this could be your next hit series.)

(2/4 update: we have a contract! Karen & Roma Downey will be working together to bring the Baxter Family series to television!! http://deadline.com/2016/02/roma-downey-the-baxter-family-faith-based-novel-tv-series-1201694238/)

#4 “Christiansen Family” series by Susan May Warren

This is another that fits the TV series format! Though the 6 books could be a series of movies, too, what with each sibling having their own book.

Movie

#5 The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

In the vein of The Book Thief or Woman in Gold, this would be an excellent historical drama on screen with 2 intertwining stories — present day and WWII.

#6 Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

Besides this being a great story, it made me want to go to Scotland. If it were made into a movie, I might not actually have to go there to see all the wonderful locations referenced in the story. Plus I’d like to see a cast with the great chemistry of James and Andrea (with Henry Cavill, of course).

#7 The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

With a large cast, this would be a fabulous family drama with flashbacks to the early story of a couple certain characters. It would be a perfect June Hallmark movie!

#8 The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd

Who doesn’t love a good Regency period drama with mystery and romance? With the right casting, it could be a new favorite!

#9 Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg

Because the world needs more good rom-coms! Why not one with realistic characters, a serious story of forgiveness, and small-town charm.

 

Well, that’s my list for now. How about you? Do you have any favorite books you’d like to see adapted to film of some kind? Share in the comments!

Book Review: “Fifteen Minutes” by Karen Kingsbury

I’ve long been a fan of Karen Kingsbury. In my opinion, she writes some of the best contemporary fiction out there – true heart-wrenching stories that ALWAYS make me cry. Her newest, “Fifteen Minutes” , is no exception. It follows the experience of Zack Dylan, a country boy at heart who wants to sing and give glory to God. His time on the mega reality show singing competition “Fifteen Minutes” propels him to stardom– and threatens to change him into a self-centered celebrity, like so many before him.

Synopsis: Zack Dylan made a promise to God and his college sweetheart as he left his family’s horse farm in Kentucky to compete on the popular reality television show Fifteen Minutes: If he makes it, the fame won’t change him. 

Overnight, Zack is the nation’s most popular contestant, a country singer with the looks and voice of a young Elvis. As his star rises, Zack is asked to compromise and quiet his beliefs, and also some­thing more. Something Zack could never have imagined. Just as America is falling in love with Zack, just as he’s on the verge of winning it all, his choices lead him to the brink of personal disaster. 

At the same time, Reese Weatherly, a thera­peutic horse instructor, is no longer sure about her relationship with Zack, or the wedding they had dreamed about. While Zack advances from one round of the competition to the next, an offer comes to Reese—one that will take her to a home halfway around the world. 

Then Chandra Olson—reigning diva pop star and one of the Fifteen Minutes judges—intervenes. Chandra has suffered so much public pain and pri­vate agony since her days as a Fifteen Minutes contestant. Now she wants just one thing: meaning. 

Can Chandra’s private losses help Zack find his way, or will his fifteen minutes of fame cause him to lose the life he once loved? Fifteen Minutes is a story of character, compromise, and the cost of having it all. A story that raises the question: Who are the real winners?

Karen has penned a story that readers are caught up in from the beginning. One thing that makes Fifteen Minutes unique and compelling is its inside exploration of the rise of a “celebrity”. We are often and easily caught up in the latest trends and popular shows. This story gives a fictional account of what could really happen to someone who gets caught between serving God and serving themselves. It shows that, ultimately, people aren’t supposed to be worshipped – that God is the one who deserves our praise.

The situations Zack Dylan faces provide a clear example of how, even someone strong in their faith, can be led astray by worldly desires while pursuing a worthy goal – to give glory to God. Judge Chandra Olsen reaches out to Zack to show him that everything has a price – every decision made, no matter how small, has a cost and consequences. Zack experiences firsthand the cost of fame and the consequences of his actions.

Ultimately, Fifteen Minutes asks these questions: “What are you willing to give up to achieve your goals on this earth?” and “Is it really worth it?” Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Fifteen Minutes. It follows a poignant story of Zack’s journey and his time on Fifteen Minutes. It illustrates how Jesus loves everyone, no matter our failures. He will never abandon us – and He always waits for us to come back home to Him.

I can’t wait to see what happens next for both Zack Dylan and Reese! I feel that this is the start of another great series by Karen!

Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review through NetGalley.