On "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir": A Book Review

Title: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir 

Author: R. A. Dick

Genre: Fiction, Romance, Ghost Story

About the book…

After the death of her husband, Lucy Muir come to the realization that it’s time to escape her oppressive in-laws and live a life of her own where she can raise her children to her liking. Despite her debt she is determined to have her own home in Whitecliff even it is reputed to be haunted. Little does she know, though, the former house owner’s ghost, Captain Daniel Gregg, will bring just the change to her life that she needs as he prompts her to write a book for him, proves to be a voice of reason, and a friend to the very end.

Published in 1945 by Josephine Aimee Campbell Leslie, under the name R.A. Dick, this book was made into a movie in 1947 starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison.

What I think…

This book doesn’t stand out for brilliant writing or for being absolutely riveting, but it does stand out for its charm and the lovely story it holds within its covers.

While I tend to favor books with more complexity, I didn’t mind that this book has such a simple and somewhat predictable plot (although it was probably more predictable because I’d already seen the movie). I also enjoyed that it wasn’t your traditional ghost story, but a rather sweet one that didn’t go overboard in the comedic area either.

The delicate humor infused in the relationship between Captain Gregg and Lucy, or as Gregg calls her, Lucia, is delightful from the start. Lucy is so determined not to let anyone push her about that her protests in combination with his brusque and impatient ghostly sea captain manner make for some rather amusing situations when it comes to redecorating the house and getting his book published. These humorous moments, however, also made moments, such as when Lucy finds herself in a dubious romance, all the more heart wrenching.

As with a good many of the other books I’ve reviewed, this book is of a slower pace. In this case I felt that it was particularly well suited based on the simplicity of the story and my only disappointment was that it eventually had to come to an end. 

To sum it all up…

If you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for a lightweight ghost story that doesn’t fall into the category of horror or suspense, then this might be the perfect book for you! ♥

On a Bright Spot for Today

This has been one of those weeks where things seem to be somewhat off, ranging from feeling rushed to get places, being unable to find matching socks (my drawer must be eating them), and someone taking some of the heart decorations at work, among other things.  

Today, though, there was a bright spot when I found this darling children's book from 1962, Ladybug Hitch Hikes Home, appropriately part of the Sunny Book collection.

It's a delightfully simple book. Mrs. Ladybug decides to go on a walk, beginning with walking over a cabbage. From there she climbs to the top of a pussy-willow tree, which is so soft she falls asleep and, unfortunately, as she's sleeping a storm starts. 
Frightened by the storm, Mrs. Ladybug starts asking every passing bug and insect to take her home. After asking a bee, a grasshopper, and a butterfly, who all turn her down for varying reasons, a measuring worm offers to do so.

The moral of this illustration: hitchhiking can be scary.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Ladybug is unable to bear going up and down, up and down, so she is still stuck in the pussy-willow tree. Uncle Beetle and Mrs. Spider try to make a net for her to jump into, but that fails because it's windy and Uncle Beetle looses his hat. Meanwhile, while all this has been going on Mrs. Snail has been making her way towards Mrs. Ladybug and it is she who saves the day!

In my opinion, charming from beginning to end, both in story and illustrations! And while I would have been happy finding this book at any time, I have to say that finding it today it was very much needed and all the more appreciated! ♥   

On An Atomically Awesome Circle Skirt!

Or…as I’ll probably be referring to it as, the Jay Ward skirt (since it reminds of the cartoon clouds when someone crashes into something).

First off let me say, I love, love, LOVE this print! As far as I'm concerned I couldn't have found a more perfect 50's style fabric and while it's definitely thinner than the fabric I usually buy, I love that I'll be able to wear it in the warmer months and the cooler months with layering. And just as good, it happened to be a perfect match for a blouse that I thrifted awhile back! 

That being said, this is the same circle skirt pattern as the outfit I shared last month (no problems making this one!).

I decided to use the scalloped waist I had drafted for my cherry skirt. I think this waist style is actually better if it’s in a solid color or a print that is not quite as busy, but as I didn’t have an issues when putting this skirt together and it fits well, I have no complaints about it.

Even had a vintage button to match!

When I found this fabric I noticed that there were two other fabrics that went with it, so one I bought a couple yards to quite possibly to make a dress, and I bought a yard of the other to make a bag. While I'm still contemplating the dress idea, the bag I went to work on right away. I used it the day I wore the skirt, but it isn't quite finished yet as I still want to add a flap (envelop style) and after using it for a day I know that I really need to do this if I don’t want to sides pulling open too much. Hopefully, I’ll be doing a post to show you the finished bag in the near future and explain all the details!

 ♥♥♥