I heard about the un-Austen-like ending before watching the program on Masterpiece Theatre. Truth be told, that intel is what delayed my watching of this series. Typically, I am a prompt and eager consumer of all things Jane Austen. This one? Skeptical.

Once I settled in and set my mind on a different kind of Austen, I enjoyed the show. Disclaimer: I have not read the unfinished original work of Sanditon, so I'm unable to comment on the casting choices, etc. However, I appreciated the characters as they were drawn in the series and the chemistry of Charlotte and Sidney—Perfect. 
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Here's the summary from PBS.org: 
Jane Austen was chronically ill with a mysterious disease in early 1817, when she turned her thoughts to a happier subject. She started work on a witty and delightful novel set in a seaside town. She never finished it. Now, noted screenwriter Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice, Les Misérables, Primetime Emmy® winner for Little Dorrit) picks up Austen’s plot and takes it in a glorious and satisfying direction, on Sanditon.

MASTERPIECE’s bold and lavish adaptation of Jane Austen’s final work stars Rose Williams (Curfew) as Austen’s lively but levelheaded heroine, Charlotte Heywood; Theo James (Divergent) as the humorous, charming (and slightly wild!) Sidney Parker; Anne Reid (Years and Years) as the forthright grande dame of Sanditon, Lady Denham; Kris Marshall (Love Actually) as Sanditon’s compulsively enterprising promoter, Tom Parker; and Crystal Clarke (Ordeal by Innocence) as the mysterious West Indian heiress, Miss Lambe.

Five Favorites: 

• Sea Bathing
• Evil Cousins with Questionable Sibling Vibes
• Row, Row, Row Your Boat
• The Mischeivous Miss Lambe
• Cliff Kissing

Note: SEASON 1 is it!  This wonderful series did not get picked up for SEASON 2.  There is an uproar among the Austenites.  
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Y'all. Aging is not for the faint of heart. Yet, it's a blessing! We get to be here, to live out our purpose, and to love on others! So, how do we do it with grace? Without going crazy? Without committing heinous crimes during a hellacious hot flash? Without crawling out of our skin and slapping the bejeezus out of sassy, selfish people who dare cross our crampy, water-retaining paths? Leanne Morgan, hilarious comedian, and Karen Nickell, Nurse Practitioner are here to help. 

It doesn't get better than the one-two punch of laughter and medicine! 

Not convinced?  I'll let the episode titles speak for themselves: 
Leanne is Wallering in Bed and Obsessed with Buffalo
Bacterial Vaginosis: Our Crop Top Days Are Over
Hair Roots, Face Masks, and Tina Turner Arms
Liches Sclerosus: Do My Doin's Look OK?
Is a Bald Man's Head Coming Out of Your Doin's?
Boobs, Hot Flashes and Canned Wine
Hellish Hormonal Headaches and the Beauty of Botox

AND SO MUCH MORE!  

As a young adult and into my 20's and 30's, I read Francine Rivers non-stop. All in all, I've consumed a dozen+ of her novels, each imprinting in a unique way. What I love about River's storytelling is the layers of meaning embedded in the plot. I appreciate the vast characters she masterfully draws and the spiritual-faith journey I embark on when I begin on pg. 1. If you are a fan, you know what I mean. If you've not read her books, may I suggest you begin? Francine Rivers writes contemporary and historical/Biblical fiction in a way that captures the imagination, compelling the reader to think about the story long after they've closed the book. Below, I've ranked my top 10. 

1. Mark of the Lion Series (3 books)
2.  Redeeming Love
3. And the Shofar Blew
4.  The Last Sin Eater
5.  The Atonement Child
6.  Bridge to Haven
7.  The Scarlet Thread
8.  Leota's Garden 
9.  The Masterpiece
10.  Lineage of Grace 

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This is one of my weekly go-to's.

"Talking about Bible stories is often fraught with scholarly nerd alerts about ancient linguistics and inaccessible theological discussions centered around herrmeneutics.  But what if there was a way to use your pop culture literacy to enhance your biblical literacy.  What if you could recap the Bible like you recapped your favorite TV show? Welcome to the Bible Binge hosted by Knox McCoy and Jamie Golden of the Popcast" The Popcast Media Group.

9 seasons of absolute delight.  Knox and Jamie cast the players and discuss the plot of the B-I-B-L-E.  You will laugh AND learn.  They even have their own Bible Scholar, Erin (the edge) Moon, to right any unintended wrongs.

Season 1: The Lineage of Jesus
Season 2: Sibling Rivalry
Season 3: All things DAVID
Season 4: The Nativity
Season 5: Shady Ladies
Season 6: Moses
Season 7: Wizard of Oz Bible Stories (Think Balaam and The Donkey)
Season 8: The Bible Bachelor: Esther
Season 9: PIVOT

I'm one of these multitasking maniacs who enjoy reading/listening to multiple books on multiple formats.  So, on that note, withhold judgement.  (Sidenote: If you are also one of these people, feel free to share.  Maybe we can form a support group;)

Hard Copy: 
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Hamilton The Revolution by Lin Manual Miranda

EBook: 
The Silent Dolls by Rita Herrron
From Ruin to Riches Loise Allen (A Harlequen for Research)
Virgin River by Robyn Carr
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Audible: 
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (Narrated by Dan Stevens, Yes, please, and thank you.)

On Deck:
Roots by Alex Haley
The View frrom Alameeda Island by Robyn Carr
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by The Countess of Carnarvon
The Perfect Mile by Neal Bascomb
The Money Challenge for Teens by Art Rainer

Y'all I have such a list.  But I plan to continue adding as long as I hold breath.  
Feel free to share your current list with us! 

You can find all of these books on Audible.com or Amazon.com

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Why re-read through the classics?  Aren't they irrelvant, difficult to read, and a part of history that needs to be shelved in an outdated library?  No.  

IMO, the classics can teach us new lessons at every stage of life.  They are a window into another time, and a reminder that although circumstances may change, the human condition does not.  

How did I consume Frankenstein?  I alternated betwen listening to Dan Steven's magnetic rendition on Audible and a good old fashioned hard copy I procured at B/N for a few bucks.  

Summary of novel: Frankenstein tells the story of gifted scientist Victor Frankenstein who succeeds in giving life to a being of his own creation. However, this is not the perfect specimen he imagines that it will be, but rather a hideous creature who is rejected by Victor and mankind in general. The Monster seeks its revenge through murder and terror.   From bbc.co.uk

Here are my Timeless Top Ten Lessons from Frankenstein:

• A mirror of discontent is presented in each of the narrators.
• Family relationships root people in to a set of values.
• Ambition is a double-edged sword.
• Man is not good or bad.  Multiple sides exist to be seen through a prism.
• Maslow's hierarchy is an invaluable reference when examining these characters.
• Vengeance is a trickster, wielding temporary satisfaction and permanent emptiness.
• Love is a mysterious motivator.
• Playing God never turns out well.
• Favorite character: The Creation.
• Favorite Quote: "The more I read, the more I learn, the more I discover that I know nothing."

Don't y'all love sharing good finds?  I'm not a candle girl.  Only because I have people who sneeze, cough, and threaten to combust in response to the majority of scents, especially fruity ones.  However, as my people have aged, their tolerance for smells has increased a tiny bit (weird statement).  

Anyway, Yay!  In my writing space, I have a candle and it just puts me in the mood to string words together.  Allow me to introduce you to the Atelier 880 Leather Candle—a mix of leather, tobacco, and spices.  In essence, it reminds me of old fashioned book stores, my grandfather, and hole in the wall coffee shops.  Inspiring, nostalgic, and delicious!  I'm not sure how much more you could ask for in an amber tumbler of yummy.  

Locally, Serendipity Boutique carries this product and if you've not visited Martha and crew, you should go...now.  

serendipityboutiqueflorida.com

Yo, this one's mine. (Hamilton reference)

Aiden Steele is satisfied with the reclusive lifestyle he has created in the picturesque Ocala National Forest.  He can write his best-selling novels with no distraction while canoeing, fishing, and hiking to his heart's content.  Abandoned at the altar five years ago, Aiden has no desire to open his heart up for another near fatal blow.  That is until the beautiful Ember Bennettt moves next door.

Compelled by one old man's dying wish, Aiden is determined to watch over the fiery redhead set on indepedence.  Despite Aiden's attempts to dig his heels into his loner lifestyle, Ember's zest for life and contagious enthusisasm create a desire in him to trust again.  

Lost and Found, Book One of the Forest Chronicles, introduces the reader to a world of romance and intrigue set in the wilds of Central Florida.

In Season 27 of the For The Love with Jen Hatmaker Podcast, Jen dives deep into all things Enneagram.  For those of you who aren't familiar, the Enneagram is "a system of nine personality types combining traditional wisdom with modern pyschology-a powerful tool for understanding ourselves and the people in our lives-with three major applications: personal and spiritual growth, successful relationships at home and work, leadership development, team building and communicaion skills for business." theenneagramatwork.com

Type 1-Perfectionist
Type 2-Helper
Type 3-Performer
Type 4-Romantic
Type 5-Observer
Type 6-Loyal Skeptic
Type 7-Encourager
Type 8-Protector
Type 9-Mediator

Some of the experts brought in for discussion are: 
Suzanne Stabile
Fr. Richard Rohr
Phileena Heuertz
Lisa Whelchel
Ian Cron
Dr. Avon Manney
Knox McCoy
Ashton Brye
Bob Goff
Sarajane Case
Abi Robins 
Sarah Bessey

Y'all, I have started to dig deep into Enneagram for all of my relationships (home, friendships, work) and it is no joke.  It has seriously helped me understand the people I love most.  This series provided an overview, then broke down each type in detail.  Highly recommend.