Gown of Spanish Lace Movie Update

*Just as I stated a few days ago on my latest When Calls the Heart post- From now on I won't be posting any general updates about this film (Gown of Spanish Lace), as a new post but instead will be just updating this post. It's getting a little tedious re-writing and flipping back to my other posts on the same subject, plus this way we can keep all the new info in one tidy place. So keep checking this post for news on this film- any new information will be added to the top of this post with: UPDATE (DD/MM/YYYY). 

Just my own fan-made edit for 'Gown of Spanish Lace'
to brighten this post up :) (Edit: Pictures are not from the film )

Janette Oke's A Gown of Spanish Lace follows the journey of a young school teacher, Ariana who is abducted and held prisoner by a group of outlaws. Her presence in the camp of desperadoes creates quite a stir- and none more so than in the life of the outlaw boss' son, Laramie, who is charged with her care.  (For more information on the book you can check out my review here)


A Gown of Spanish Lace has been one of my favourite novels for quite a number of years now. I read it for the first time when I had just come through a particularly dark time in my life and reading this novel really helped me through it all. So if I seem over enthusiastic about the storyline, the characters and the upcoming movie you must understand that Ariana and Laramie have been some my closest friends in the most trying of times.  




Moving on (I can almost hear you saying 'Just get to the part about the movie already') I wrote a post previously explaining that A Gown of Spanish Lace was listed as an upcoming project on Michael Landon Jr's website (who many of you may know from his success with the various film adaptations of Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series) I also noted in this post that this film was not confirmed. Now I can quite happily tell you that it's not just a rumor and that after a little searching I found a comment from Brian Bird (screenwriter and producer) below one of his posts to prove it:  

"As for “Gown of Spanish Lace,” stay tuned for more news — a screenplay is in the works"

and a few days or so ago I noticed a another comment on the Facebook page for When Calls the Heart (Janette Oke's other novel which is been adapted to screen) in response to a fan:

            "A script has been written for Gown of Spanish Lace... a film is in the planning stages."

Aren't we all excited!? I have to stop myself from breaking into some cheesy dance every time I think about it (hehe). With the news and updates looking to be far and few between as the film is still in early planning, I encourage you all if you haven't read the novel (or if its been a while) to grab a copy and give it a read. I'd love to hear what you thought of it, and i'd especially love to know which actors/actresses you'd dream cast for the various roles (and perhaps sometime in the future I can make a separate post detailing this).  

God Bless,

Mel xx

Note: All mentions of the film refer to it as 'Gown of Spanish Lace', omitting the 'A' included in the book title. I missed this tiny piece of information last time I wrote on this topic.

Update: When Calls the Heart Movie/Series

UPDATE (03/10/2012):
New photos have been uploaded to the Facebook account. The various pictures now confirm that Daniel Sharman is indeed playing the character in a red mountie uniform- who's name is Edward (not Wynn).


The IMDb site is now up and running, it lists both the cast in from the original filming and also those involved in the filming that has just wrapped up this year. The main surprise is that Maggie Grace who was cast as the original Elizabeth Thatcher is now listed as 'Aunt Elizabeth' while Poppy Drayton is listed as 'Elizabeth Thatcher' (see picture below). Although I have no information as to why this is, I cannot help but wonder if the TV series might be focusing on Elizabeth's brother, Jonathan's family. Those who have read the book may remember his youngest daughter in the first book was a baby by the name Elizabeth. Perhaps begins with Elizabeth and Wynn's story/relationship and then moves on as a series to focus on Elizabeth's niece, her life and her relationship with Mountie Edward (which would fit with the information/videos/pictures seen on the Facebook page). Again this is only my personal guess.

snippet of the cast list- as listed on the IMDb site.

*From now on I won't be posting any general information about this film as a new post but instead will be just updating this post. It's getting a little tedious re-writing and flipping back to my other posts, plus this way we can keep all the new info in one tidy place. So keep checking this post for news on this film- any new information will be added to the top of this post with: UPDATE (DD/MM/YYYY). 

An edit I made from the first 'sneek peak' video staring
Maggie Grace and Stephen Amell in the lead roles.

If you aren't aware already, When Calls the Heart is the first novel in author Janette Oke's Canadian West Series (you can read my review of the novel here). Many of her fans have been aware for quite a few years now that this lovely book was being considered to make that exciting transition from page to TV screen. Production stills and cast lists began floating around and sure enough even an IMDb site popped up. Then articles regarding the filming in 2008/2009 lead eagerly awaiting fans to believe that the film had been filmed - and after a period of silence, the closure of the IMDb site rumours and speculations that it had been shelved arose.
Then at the beginning of the this year things started to 'pick up' and there began sparks of hope that the movie may actually be released. Many of you may remember in March earlier this year that I posted (here) an update detailing a flyer which made rounds, with beautiful pictures and a blurb as to what the movie is about.




Then July brought us the most exciting piece of news- a video, posted to the official Facebook page for the movie along with the news we had been waiting for all this time, a release date: ...late spring or early summer, 2013, on the Hallmark Channel.

Since that last post there has been much 'commotion' on the Facebook Page, which I believe is run by screen-writer and producer Brian Bird. Firstly September opened with the status: Filming of "When Calls the Heart" begins tomorrow! More news coming soon! . Throwing, some-what of a curve ball at longstanding fans who believed the film to have already been filmed. However a well-placed comment from the page stating the film was never finished in 2008 due to the financial meltdown in the US. It is all building to a world premiere on the Hallmark Channel in 2013 as the first two-hour episode of what we hope will be a long-running TV series! Stay tuned for more news! put me at ease.

Pictures shown on the Flyer  with Wynn Delaney (Stephen Amell) and Elizabeth Thatcher (Maggie Grace) in When Calls the Heart (Image Credit:  aBridge International)

Those who in recent times have checked the page may have seen that it is now full of new 'on-set' photos and several 'behind-the-scenes' videos. Which is lovely for the fans. However it does not take one long to notice the change in cast, Maggie Grace who was originally cast as Elizabeth Thatcher and appears in the very first video has now been replaced by actress Poppy Drayton. In addition actor Lee Williams is featured alongside Poppy as Mr. Higgins in some of the photos appearing on the page, I am unsure as to who originally portrayed Mr Higgins but I believe that this is also a re-cast. It is highly likely that the rest of the original cast have also been replaced, which is, of course, to be expected after such a long gap in filming.

 Knowing me as you all do you can be assured that I have been checking daily (perhaps more than daily) on any update on who may be cast as the 'new' Wynn Delaney. Actor Stephen Amell appears as the original Wynn alongside Maggie Grace's Elizabeth, I must admit that I will find it very hard to accept anyone as Wynn other than Stephen, because the last 3 times I have read the book I was aware of his being cast as Wynn and therefore my mental image of the dashing mountie is highly influenced by Stephen's physical appearance.

A behind the scenes clip of WCTH shows Elizabeth
and a young man in uniform being robbed.

The only casting news I have thus far heard in terms of a male who may fit the 'Wynn' role is in a Twitter comment from, the aforementioned Brian Bird on the 12th of August saying 'Teen Wolf's Daniel Sharman signs up for double duty as co-star of@HallmarkChannel series pilot #WhenCallsTheHeart.' Daniel's bright blue eyes and sharp handsome looks do lead one to believe that the young man may indeed be our new Wynn. However there is no official word on the role, so of course I may be entirely wrong-  I am just speculating. But please take a look, I'd love to hear what you think. Also keep in mind the video uploaded today (Aug 22) which shows a 'Behind-the-scenes [...] clip of Elizabeth Thatcher's stagecoach being robbed on the journey west to Alberta.'  If you look closely you can see a young man lying on the ground behind Elizabeth (Poppy Drayton) dressed in what I can only assume to be a Canadian Mountie's uniform , which leads me to believe it is Wynn. I cannot see the actors face clearly but from a casual glance it is possible it could (I use that term very lightly) be Sharman?




The film is now a wrap and with the principal photography done it is in the stage of post-production. I am still a little confused as to how the movie/series will work. With the combining of the past footage with the new footage and with the numerous changes in cast (not to mention the obvious change in hair colour from one Elizabeth to the next)- but I am still eagerly awaiting this series and desperately hope that it stays as true as possible to the Janette Oke's original novel and wish all the best for it's success.        

God Bless and Much Love,

Mel xx

Note: I recently moved houses so here I am, once again, apologising for my neglect of this blog. Now that we have settled properly in, I will be able to get back to normal and within the next few weeks I will be posting some various book reviews along with, an update post about a Gown of Spanish Lace, a nice little Robin Hood (BBC) post and perhaps a more detailed post updating you all on my life (and the changes since moving).

Book Review: When Calls the Heart

Image credit: Goodreads

Title: When Calls the Heart (Canadian West Series Book #1)

Author: Janette Oke

My Rating: 4/5

What is it about?
Elizabeth Thatcher has enjoyed a cultured Eastern upbringing with a loving family yet her spirit is restless. When an opportunity for a teaching position in the Canadian West is presented to her she begins to believe it is an answer to her prayers. Upon arriving a twist of events forces her further away from the only life she knows but she is determined not to let it get in her way.
As she attempts to win the hearts of the schoolchildren and the local families she slowly begins to lose her own heart to a dashing young member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

My Thoughts: 
With the upcoming film adaptations of the first two books in this series I thought it would be a perfect time to begin re-reading the series. This first book was everything I had remembered it to be; charming and full of characters who came to life with each turn of a page. Unfortunately it was also just as slow to start as I remembered too. The first handful of chapters, although they set the scene for the whole series, seem to drag on and fall into (I feel so terrible for saying this) the dangerous territory of borderline boredom.
But I assure you it does get better, much better. As the story progresses there is a slight shift in the story and I found I couldn't keep turning the pages fast enough. I wouldn't call this story adventurous or fast-paced as such but it's a beautiful story that is heartwarming and has the ability to make you both smile and tear-up as you follow the journey Elizabeth takes.

Update: Film Adaptations of Janette Oke's Canadian West Series

UPDATE 16/07/2012: If you are interested in newer news on this film series (and a short video preview) see this new post here. For those of you who may be interested in reading the book, I suggest checking out my review here too. 

I was reminded this week of some posts I wrote a while back regarding some beloved Janette Oke novels, which were said to have been picked up by several film companies. The lovely Melody was asking in particular about the possible adaptation of Janette's novel A Gown of Spanish Lace. I plan to do a post sometime quite soon focusing on that wonderful novel but for now I'm going to share some news I found regarding the film adaptation of another series of Janette's novels- the Canadian West Series. I first wrote here about this back in March of last year (wow- last year! wait a minute *goes off to look at blog dates*.... my first ever post was the 13th of March 2011, I've been here for a year now!).

Image Credit: Christian Film Database

If you are a fan of Janette's work you may have noticed that for a while now there have been production stills, cast lists and quite a lot of information regarding the film When Calls the Heart floating around. It even appears that the film itself is already filmed and is only awaiting distribution. At one point there was even an IMDb site which was unfortunately taken down almost a quickly as it appeared. This lead to many speculations that the film had been cancelled. However  thankfully due to a little digging I found this flyer (There are spoilers on the flyer, so if you haven't read the book I would advise not following the link. See Below for my attempt at a spoiler free version of the flyer) and some information to prove the contrary.

Wynn Delaney (Stephen Amell) and Elizabeth Thatcher (Maggie Grace) in When Calls the Heart (Image Credit:  aBridge International)

The flyer not only displays some lovely pictures from the film (as you can see above) but also has a detailed blurb. I have carefully cut out large spoiler sections in the blurb and added the non-spoiler-ish parts below (well as much as non-spoiler-ish can go) so those who want to know more about the film can read it. I cannot promise that it is spoiler free as such, but believe you me it has less spoilers than that blurb in the above flyer link.

Young, pretty, cultured and educated, Elizabeth Thatcher’s big-city eastern upbringing in a rather well-to-do family has not prepared her for a teaching position on the Canadian frontier. But when a love-spurned school superintendent in Toronto manipulates her into the only teaching opportunity available, she has no choice but to embrace her destiny and head west. Elizabeth chooses to face her fears of the frontier and journey far away from her family, friends, and comfort.
When she arrives, she must learn many tough lessons about living in the Canadian wild west, but she is not alone. Amongst the farmers and townspeople of Pine Springs, she meets Wynn, Delaney a very handsome and charming man who immediately sparks her interest, but also seems to have his own family.  As Elizabeth becomes acclimated to the frontier and welcomes the local children into her classroom, she faces many obstacles, including wild animals, mischievous students, and misunderstandings with the townspeople [....] she soon realizes that Wynn is not only not a farmer, but actually a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. [...]As the school year winds down, and Wynn and Elizabeth grow closer, she soon realizes that Wynn is in deep conflict with himself.  [...] is in love with her [...] but he is [...] sworn to the dangerous duty of a lawman – a job not suited to a man with a wife.  

The Dvd release date for this film  is marked as TBA (to be advised) on each site I have come across, however, Annelie at the Christian Film Database site has very kindly answered some questions regarding the date saying:

'According to Believe Pictures, the production of this film will be in the Summer of 2012. There is still no release date at this time.'

This comment was posted quite recently on March 11, 2012 so it does give me hope that despite the long wait this film will eventually be released sometime in the near future :) (you can read the rest of Annelie's comments here)

Image Credit: Christian Film Database

In my search I also stumbled upon the picture to the left on the Christian Film Database site. When Comes the Spring is the second book in this lovely series and therefore would in essence be the sequel to the above film When Calls the Heart. So yay, we now have two films to eagerly await and again the Dvd release date for When Comes the Spring also stands at TBA.

I have subscribed to the site's newsletter which is the best way to hear of news on upcoming films. So as soon as I hear word of an actual date on either of these films I will be sure to let you all know.

I hope this post was of some use, most of the information is quite new to me but since I have been absent from blogger it is quite possible someone else has posted all this and you all already know about these films. Either way I enjoyed writing this up so.... :)

All my love,

Mel xx

ps. I'm really looking forward to seeing Stephen Amell as Wynn. I remember seeing Stephen in the Heartland tv series and a rather enjoyed his performance, he was quite charming.

pps. If only Harry Lloyd was going to be in these films. Actually scrap that if only Harry was in every film I plan on watching in the future. *sigh* If only I could make it through a post without saying 'Harry' or referring to him in some extremely obvious way or worse- getting stuck on this dream cast I'm trying to put together and finally deciding the perfect cast is one with Harry in all roles- male and female. I'm rambling. Sorry. Bye.

Book Review: A Gown of Spanish Lace

Title: A Gown of Spanish Lace

Author: Janette Oke

My Rating: 5/5

What is it about?
16 year old Ariana lives in a small western town with her loving parents. She has a relatively normal life working as the local schoolteacher- a job she enjoys immensely. Until one snowy day after classes have finished Ariana's life is turned upside down and she is abducted by two burly outlaws. With no idea why she has been taken prisoner Ariana spends her days in a locked up shoddy cabin in a camp full of men fearing for her life, only finding solace in her Bible.
Charged with guarding the prisoner, Laramie is the son of the outlaw leader.  Disturbed and worried when his father brings a young girl into the camp, he suddenly finds himself in an unlikely position.


My Thoughts:
This book is my favourite Janette Oke book so please bear with me as I have a little rant about it. Firstly I love this novel, Ariana is kind, sweet and so inspiring. In Ariana, Janette has built a strong but vulnerable character, she reacts to the frightening situation that she is in just as any 16 year old would be expected too. I love that Ariana cries and that she has normal fears. She is a great heroine who develops and matures throughout the novel.
Laramie is handsome, strong, kind and caring. He is a such a great hero, his compassion for people can be seen from the start however throughout the novel with God and Ariana's help he is able to break the ties that keep him down and truly become the man he was destined to be. Laramie is also a man of great honor- he is just wonderful.

The storyline is one of the best I have read, it surprised me and I really didn't see what was coming. I enjoyed it so much I literally could not put it down- I stayed up most of the night to finish it. The book has a real "Lorna Doone" feel to it especially within the camp of the outlaws. The only problem that I have with the novel is the ending, I can't quite put my finger on what I didn't like- perhaps I felt it was too rushed. Also I cannot help but wish that the novel was longer.

This book really is my favourite book of Janette's and is must read for any of her fans.

UPDATE (27/09/2012):  Also if your interested in this book you may want to check out the post I wrote detailing the movie adaptation of this book here.

Much Love,

Mel xx

Another possible Janette Oke film adaptation!!!!!

Okay, so this one is not at all confirmed like the previous Janette Oke movies I have posted about. When Calls the heart and the Love Comes Softly prequels; Love Begins and Love's Resounding Courage are definitely is some type of production state. However I stumbled across this today and I am so excited because this novel is my favourite non-Austen book....*drumroll* the book I am talking about is A GOWN OF SPANISH LACE!

I am so excited I want to scream right now! Becasuse after further research I have found that it is listed on both Michael Landon JR's and Brian Birds (screenwriter and producer) websites as a project in development *girlish screaming occuring right now*. To celebrate the possible film adaptation of this book, I will be posting the book review very shortly.

Much love from a very excited blogger,

Mel xx

ps. I hope someone understands this rant! I just love this book and the characters!

A Book Blessing

Today I stopped in at our local Op shop (which you may know as an Opportunity or Thrift shop). As most of my readers would know books are one of my most favourite things in the world. I have 3 bookselves and two large containers full of books in my room, not to mention the 2 large piles on my bedroom floor. And yes, this annoys my parents very much :) When I own my own house I am determined to have a library where the walls of the room are entirely bookshelves and there is a ladder which rolls right across the shelves (just like in Beauty and the Beast!)
Anyway back to my story, I don't often find many christian novels at the Op Shop's I have been to but today I was blessed, because in the second-hand book section were 6 novels all of which I did not own. They were all extremely cheap and in almost brand new condition. I was/am so excited I just had to tell all my blogger friends  about my wonderful find :)

The novels I bought are: Where My Heart Belongs by Tracie Peterson, Sanctuary by David and Beverly Lewis and the four books in Janette Oke's Prarie Legacy Series, The Tender Years, A Searching Heart, A Quite Strength and Like Gold Refined.  Many years ago I read the Prarie Legacy Series, and for those of you who are fan's of Janette other series: The Love Comes Softly Series you may be interested to know that the The Prarie Legacy Series continues the story of Marty and Clark as it follows the life of their grandaughter, Virginia Simpson.

I am really looking forward to, at some time in the furture, reviewing these titles on this blog :)

I wonder, have you read any of these novels? or have you heard of any of these authors?

Much Love,

Tristans_Isolde xx

p.s. This is my 50th post- how cool is that! 

Book Review; The Measure of a Heart

Title: The Measure of a Heart

Author: Janette Oke

Series: Women of the West (book 6)

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

“Anna Trent felt fortunate to finish the eighth grade with first-class honors. Already past her sixteenth birthday, most of the girls her age had been forced long ago to drop out to help at home. She loved school loved to learn, loved the excitement of new discoveries, loved the quickening of her pulse as she shared some great adventure in the pages of a book. And now that is over.

The oldest child in a farming family with six young brothers, Anna is shy, sensitive and a bit self-conscious. But when Austin Barker comes to their church to fill the pastorate for the summer months, the young seminarian is captured by Anna's admirable qualities, especially her intense desire to learn. Through his books and correspondence, Anna's education continues to expand, and the sweet country girl grows into a lovely woman.

When they meet again, will she be able to believe that Austin's words are sincere? Despite the compassion and grace she so effectively lives, and despite her selfless commitment to God and His Word, what can she do when time does not erase the inadequacy she feels or her struggles with the standard that measures her heart? Will she ever be able to see herself as others do?

If only the feelings of guilt and inadequacy would go away-”

I really loved this book and it was so easy to identify with the insecurities and self conscious nature of Anna, especially when it came to topics of faith. Anna to me portrayed everything that a true Christian is and should be without being distant and self righteous. As the story progress and Anna’s faith grew and was tested so was mine.  I am always really challenged by Janette’s books but this one in particular really helped me to see myself as God sees me, not as the inadequate, ugly, second-rate person I feel that I am.

Before I read this book I was feeling very inadequate to serve the Lord, in the sense of ministering in their lives. And Anna’s journey through the book really helped me with this.

 I just wanted to share one of the pastor Austin Barker’s lines from the book that I thought was really nice:

“It all depends on the Lord. It has all along. My inadequacies, my lack of talent, of wisdom, that is no matter to the Lord. Scripture says the He can use the weak, the small, the inadequate. Me”

Have you read this book? What did you think about it?

God Bless,

xx  

When Calls the Heart

A little while ago I came across another film that was in development which was based upon one of Janette Oke's novels. 'When Calls the Heart' is the first book in Janette's Canadian West Series. I was particularly excited to hear of this as I loved the series as books. I think it is fantastic to see more and more Christian books being adapted into movies.

The Cast includes:

Maggie Grace as Elizabeth Thacher

Stephan Amell as Wynn Delaney

and is said to be directed by Michael Landon Jr

"When Calls the Heart" tells the story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Maggie Grace), a cultured, young Toronto schoolteacher who in 1910 bids farewell to her father (Peter Coyote) to take a teaching position out west in the hardscrabble Alberta prairie. Despite the many hardships of her new frontier life, she cares deeply for her schoolchildren. But she has closed her heart to love - until she meets Wynn Delaney (Stephen Amell), a member of the Royal North-West Mounted Police."

Unfortunately there is no longer an Imdb link to this film, and there is not alot of information on this made for TV movie. Filming in Canada has been confirmed (and the movie is said to have been completed in 2010) However a release date or trailer is not avaliable. Hopefully we will hear more about this film soon.

Here are several pictures I have found

Although hard to see this production still shows
 Elizabeth Thatcher (Maggie Grace) with
Wynn Delaney (Stephen Amell)



Maggie Smith on set with Natasha Calis