Tips for Tuesday - Books: One Big Happy Family & The Lost Story; Movie: Ruby's Choice; & Music: Ladyship

We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any books, products, and/or any other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books: One Big Happy Family & The Lost Story

Today we are recommending One Big Happy Family by Jamie Day. A mysterious young woman named Bree who is running from an abusive boyfriend arrives at the legendary Precipice Hotel. Chambermaid, Charley agrees to hide her, a task made more difficult by the imminent arrival of the three Bishop sisters, the daughters of the recently deceased owner of the hotel for the reading of his will. When a major storm traps them in the hotel along with the late Mr. Bishop's lawyer, his grandsons, and two of his daughters' spouses, secrets are revealed and not everyone will get out alive.

This is an extremely riveting thriller with a pace that never lets up. It's chock full of exciting twists and turns that you never see coming. Throughout most of the book, the title is rather ironic because these people seem like anything but one big happy family. However, the ending is surprisingly touching. 

Today we are talking about The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer. Young boys and best friends, Rafe & Jeremy disappeared in a forest only to return years later. Upon their return, they drift apart and only Jeremy remembers the years they spent in a magical realm until they are forced to reckon with their past in order to reunite a pair of sisters. 

This book is filled with fantastical elements so if you like that sort of thing you may enjoy it, if not you may not. Although the love story between the two boys is sweet, it loses something because much of it takes place in the past and you never really see them getting together. There are a lot of good found family vibes in the book as well as actual family vibes both good and bad.

Movie: Ruby's Choice

Today we are recommending Ruby's Choice. A matriarch's descent into dementia and possibly Alzheimer's brings a family together in this moving story. Jane Seymour is terrific in the title role. Her performance is absolutely heartbreaking, and she did, in fact,  win an award for her performance. Although the story is deeply affecting and the acting is generally good, Seymour really elevates it to a must-see film. 

Ruby's Choice is available for purchase on DVD as well as for purchase or rental digitally. 

Music: Ladyship Original Concept Recording

Today we are recommending Ladyship the Original Concept Recording. Ladyship is the story of the voyage of a pair of sisters and a group of other women who are forcefully emigrated from England to Australia. The story is based on actual events and although it takes place in the 18th century, it is very timely as woman are once again losing their rights and autonomy. 

The show's book and music were co-written by sisters, Laura and Linda Good, who make up the musical group, The Twigs. The score is quite modern and yet feels appropriately old-fashioned for the show's setting and time period. It is full of beautiful harmonies. Performers include Maddie Shea Baldwin, Savannah Frazier,  the late Oliver Quentin Lee in his final performance and more.

Ladyship is available now digitally everywhere and physically only from https://ladyshipmusical.bandcamp.com 

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

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