Sara and Melissa Talk About...Favorite Movies from the 21st Century

We've been running a column series to get more personal with our readers. We are now into our sixth year!

This month, we are sharing our favorite movies from the 21st century (at least the first quarter of it). We were inspired by this article from The New York Times that was posted earlier this year. 

We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. :) We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them.

Melissa Amster:

I read through the NYT article hoping they would feature some of my favorite movies from this century, but I was sadly mistaken. They have an interesting list of movies, but none that are on my favorites list. Even the Pixar movies they included. I enjoy Ratatouille, but not enough to put it on my personal list. Monsters, Inc. is my all-time favorite Pixar film, in case anyone is wondering.

A while back, I had shared a list of favorite movies. Some of them are from this century and I will be including them once again. I don't think they need an explanation this time since I already said why before.

Without further ado, and in no particular order:

1. Where the Heart Is (2000)

2. Legally Blonde (2001)

3. 50 First Dates (2004)

4. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

5. A Man Called Otto (2022): Another incredible book adaptation, to the point where I didn't care that they changed the name from Ove to Otto. Definitely have a box of tissues handy for this one!

6. The Greatest Showman (2017): I know the story is problematic, but I couldn't get enough of it and loved the music. I would listen to it obsessively after seeing the movie. I also cried a few times.

7.  Freaky Friday (2003): There's just something I love about this modernized adaptation of the Mary Rodgers novel. It aged well and I still adore it every time I see it. I cry every time I see it. I saw the sequel this past summer and that was cute too, but still not as fabulous as the first one. 

8. Wicked (2024): The film adaptation of this beloved musical went above and beyond, spoiling me from ever seeing it on stage again. And this was just the first act! I can't wait to see part two soon.

9. Free Guy (2021): Given that I love Wreck-It Ralph, you know I'm going to love what feels like the live action version of that movie. It was creative, funny, adventurous, romantic, and highly entertaining. 

10. Theater Camp (2023): This was a fun movie done in mockumentary style and totally catered to musical theater fans like myself. My son and I still quote it all the time. While it has silly moments, it also has a lot of heart and some great surprises.

I have a lot more picks and it was hard to narrow it down to ten, that's for sure! If I could choose a runner up, it would be Chicago (2002), which was also an incredible adaptation of a musical and much deserving of its best picture Oscar.

I also agree with some of Sara's picks below.

Sara Steven:

Coming up with a top ten list of films from the last twenty-five years was a difficult task! I started out with 20, narrowing it down with the help of my oldest child and my husband, and I’m still not sure if I agree with my final choices. What influenced me the most was the watchability factor. I’m not one to re-watch much of anything, yet all of the movies on my list are ones I’ve happily seen over and over again. In no particular order:

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

“Sixty percent of the time, it works every time.” That’s a quote that is frequently said around my house. I own an “I love lamp” t-shirt, and who hasn’t heard of, “Stay classy”? The epic news team showdown is so amazing and hilarious! 

Kill Bill: Vol I

The siren music that plays leading up to a fight for The Bride is unforgettable. The movie combines impressive fight scenes and a deep need to see The Bride get redemption for everything she’s gone through, even though we know just how flawed she is. 

Sinners

Tragically beautiful. The images. The scenery. The emotions. A deeply beautiful experience.

Bring It On

“You better bring it.” Such a fun film!

Melissa: "Brr! It's cold in here..."

Center Stage

I am obsessed with this movie. I own it, which means I’ve seen it plenty of times. I’m not a dancer, yet I fall in love with the ballet, the contemporary dancing, all leading to that final dance scene that is so memorable; I can still see Jody as she spins into her soul-revealing red getup, letting the world know that she will choose herself, every time. 

The Devil Wears Prada

This is another movie that I have seen several times, and it never gets old. Considering that I feel like I’m currently working with someone who can only wish to be more like Miranda Priestly, the message behind the “mean boss” mentality rings even truer now than it ever has for me.

Mean Girls

There are so many catchphrases and quotes from this film; the one my husband and I will say from time to time is, “Quit trying to make fetch happen,” but instead of using the word “fetch,” it might be an activity or choices made that we both feel like we try to make work but it just won’t work. The movie is fun and relevant, even over two decades later.

Love, Actually

Who knew that this movie would become another holiday-themed film to add to the must-watch holiday list? It’s clever, touching, and proves just how powerful love can be.

Catch Me If You Can

I can appreciate the love/hate relationship that forms between Frank Abagnale Jr., and Carl Hanratty. They are bitter adversaries but in the end, they feel like no one understands as well as they understand each other. 

The Substance

A good friend recommended this movie; we had a mini watch party at home and I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the tv screen. It goes beyond addressing unrealistic beauty standards. It digs deeper into just how ugly societal pressures can be, that drives someone to make some pretty horrible decisions in an effort to stay relevant. 

My list should end at 10, but I have to add a runner up–Drop Dead Gorgeous! The movie came out in 1999, so I know it’s not within the 25-year time range for the post, but it is worth mentioning. One of Kirstie Alley’s best performances is in this movie, and it’s so hilariously witty and darkly funny. A must watch!  

What are YOUR favorite movies from the 21st century?

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Book Review: The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah

By Melissa Amster

Evelyn Schwartz has the perfect Hanukkah planned: eight jam-packed days producing the live-action televised musical of A Christmas Carol. Who needs family when you’ve got long hours, impossible deadlines, and your dream job? That is, until an accident on set lands her in the medical bay with one of her chronic migraines, and she’s shocked to find her ex-husband, David Adler, filling in for the usual studio doctor.

It’s been two years since David walked away from Evelyn and their life in Manhattan, and his ex-wife is still the same workaholic who puts her career before everything else—especially her health. But when Evelyn begins hallucinating “ghosts” tied to her past heartbreaks, and every single one leads to David, he finds himself spending much more time with her than he anticipated. And denying the still-smoldering chemistry between them becomes impossible.

As Evelyn revisits her ghosts of Hanukkah past, she and David both begin to wonder if they can have a Hanukkah future. But with a high-stakes production ramping up the pressure on Evelyn, and troublesome spirits forcing them both to confront their most difficult shared memories, it might just take a Hanukkah miracle for these two exes to light the flame on their second-chance at love. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I've been a fan of Jean Meltzer's books ever since I read The Matzah Ball (reviewed here). Not only do her books feature Jewish characters, Jewish holidays, and romance, but they also focus on physical and/or mental health issues that her main characters are facing. In The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah, Evelyn has chronic migraines, and the one person who understands what she's really going through is her ex-husband, who is suddenly back in her life after two years of being apart.

Jean is a great storyteller and I enjoyed getting to know Evelyn and David throughout this novel. They both had different heartbreaks to confront and seeing each other again brought that to the surface. Plus, there were other obstacles at play, such as a very annoying and overprivileged lead actor for the live musical Evelyn is producing. For all the stress Evelyn was under, which included reconnecting with her ex-husband who left her after a very difficult situation, she had a lot of patience to put up with Jared for as long as she did. He made my blood boil with how frustrating he was being. That's all I will say on that topic or I'll just get riled up again!

Another situation Evelyn was dealing with was that these "Ghosts of Hanukkah Past" would visit her every night and make her flash back to certain difficult times in her life. 

Not only did we get Evelyn's point-of-view, but we also got David's perspective and he saw some things differently from how Evelyn saw them, so they were butting heads about why the divorce happened in the first place. However, I was rooting for them to find their way back to each other. 

This story had some sad moments and after hearing about the real experiences they were based on, the sadness factor was kicked up a notch. There's still Jewish joy to balance it out, but you may want to have tissues handy.

Some characters and situations from Jean's previous novels are mentioned, which is fun for anyone who has read those books and light spoilers for those who haven't. My only concern was that it felt like there were some timing inconsistencies, but I hope these were ironed out for the final publication.

Overall, this novel was thoughtful and heartfelt and I encourage you to check it out! It's currently available, so what are you waiting for?!? 

(Trigger warning below.)

Movie casting suggestions:

Evelyn: Romola Garai

David: Michiel Huisman

Jared: Justin Timberlake

Danielle: Lauren Cohan

Thanks to Harlequin for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Jean Meltzer:

Mr. Perfect on Paper

Kissing Kosher

Magical Meet Cute

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TW: Termination of pregnancy for medical reasons. 

Spotlight: The Importance of Extracurriculars & Other Assumptions

You know what they say when you assume...

Amelia allows herself two fibs a day. Only two. And only fibs—nothing bigger. It’s not always convenient, but it has worked—earning her a job as Vice-Dean of Admissions at Chastain University, her Southern Ivy alma mater.

But lies—big or small—might still be her downfall.

Raised by her single mom in a working-class Atlanta neighborhood, Amelia—Mimi outside her carefully curated professional life— devoted herself to earning a full scholarship to Chastain University. Since then, she has tried to make good on the opportunities she fought so hard to achieve. Her fib policy started in college, after a small assumption snowballed into a campus-wide humiliation she’s never quite lived down.

These days, Amelia plays everything by the book in her structured, efficient, and safe life—filled with few people, endless nonfiction, and a deep belief in meritocracy.

A chance run-in with Ethan, a nomadic truth-teller of a different sort, sparks attraction. But when Chastain U stands accused of a ripped-from-the-headlines admissions scandal, ethics suspend the love-match, and Amelia becomes complicit in ways she never imagined. Fighting for her place in a world that offers more obstacles than opportunities; good intentions go horribly wrong. Amelia strives to make things right while the hijinks of a cabal of well-meaning geriatrics and the old boys’ club of higher education help and hinder but if Amelia’s already-lonesome ivory tower crumbles, she’ll lose everything—her career, Ethan... and the fragile relationship with her mother she’s only just begun to repair.

A witty, heartfelt romance for anyone who’s ever bent the truth, tried to break the system, or been bowled over by love for someone they absolutely shouldn’t. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

Purchase The Importance of Extracurriculars here

This is the fifth book in the Found Families series (standalones)

Praise for Kelly's writing:

"I cannot recommend this book enough! Kelly is a master wordsmith and without a doubt one of my autobuy authors from this day forward. I adored every minute of it and I’m sad it’s over!" 
- Lauren L. (Amazon reviewer) on Tex Miller is Dead

"Love these characters! The twists and turns will keep you in stitches as main characters keep getting oh, so close to that pivotal moment and various family members keep interrupting!" 

- Heidi Skinner (Amazon reviewer) on A Very Crowded House

"Told in dual timelines, Huston effortlessly weaves the threads of the past and present together, resulting in a touching, tear-jerker of an ending that will have readers longing for more." 

- P.K. (Amazon reviewer) on See Sadie Jane Run
 

Kelly Elizabeth Huston writes women-centric, genre-straddling fiction that always includes laughs and a love story. But sometimes there's heartbreak, a smidge of mystery, moments of suspense, and maybe a dead body... or two. Maybe. Above all, she hopes her protagonists are better for it in the end, and she entertains her readers along the way.

She currently lives in Georgia with her husband and two nearly-grown sons, who are, hands down, the best cheer squad a writer could wish for. After spending a few years in the traditional publishing space, Kelly leaped to the indie side without looking back and is eager to dole out her book babies and get them read. She hopes you'll join her in the adventure. (Bio courtesy of Kelly's website.)

Visit Kelly online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram

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Book Review: We Were Never Friends

By Melissa Amster

Sisters? Forever. Friends? NEVER. Who knew a reunion weekend could be so deadly?

Meet the sorority sisters of Theta Gamma Mu:

Roxy Callahan Gentry, the ruthless former sorority president and current hostess who has painstakingly choreographed every detail of this weekend—even matching the cocktails to her couture—to prove that she remains their undisputed queen

Amelia Dell, the widow drenched in old money and alcohol, with her big pot-stirring spoon and uninvited boy-toy in tow

Jamie Vale, the double-legacy pledge, straight-A student with no sparkle, now a top cardiologist with a picture-perfect family—and a well-guarded bad habit

Beth Harrison, the scholarship student who never quite fit in and was only admitted because her best friend Sunny insisted that the two were a package deal

Sunny Spencer, the carefree and beloved friend to all, or so it seemed—until she wasn't

They've been summoned to Roxy's luxurious Palm Springs vacation home to celebrate the engagement of her son to Beth's daughter. But the refurbished 1920s estate is eerily reminiscent of the hotel where tragedy struck during Spring Break twenty-five years ago. Long-simmering tensions and shocking secrets begin bubbling to the surface like bodies—because while the weekend was supposed to be about celebrating the future, it's not so easy to bury the past… (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I always enjoy a Kaira Rouda thriller. I know she's going to bring on the drama and I'm there for it. With We Were Never Friends, Kaira introduces us to four former sorority sisters who are reuniting for the first time in 25 years. They each have their own agendas and they're also hiding secrets about the death of one of their other sisters. 

The story unfolded in layers. At first I thought they were laying all their cards out by the middle of the novel, but then more information came out over the course of a highly charged evening. There was definitely a lot of mystery and intrigue, both in the past and in the present. I liked that we got each woman's perspective. I also feel like there could be a sequel as some things were left open-ended. I felt like one character had a weak motive, but they also didn't seem right in the head. 

Overall, this novel moved at a quick pace and kept me turning the pages to find out what really happened in the past and why strange things were happening in the present, as well. I already look forward to Kaira's next thriller, as I know she will deliver.

Movie casting suggestions:
Beth: Kristen Bell
Roxy: January Jones
Jamie: Anna Camp
Amelia: Sarah Drew
Ryan: Justin Hartley
Celeste: Natalie Alyn Lind

Zach: Michael Provost
Brett: Warren Christie

Thanks to Thriller Book Lovers the Pulse for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Kaira Rouda:

The Widow

Jill is Not Happy

Somebody's Home

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What's in the (e)mail

All (or most) of these books can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Apple, Kobo, etc.

NG = NetGalley

Melissa:
Last Bite by Amy S. Peele from She Writes Press (NG)
The Insomniacs by Allison Winn Scotch from Berkley (NG)
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn from William Morrow (NG)
The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery from Harlequin (NG)
The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer from Ballantine (NG)

Your Soulmail is Attached by Joan F. Smith from Harlequin (NG)

The Second Chance Cinema by Thea Weiss from Atria (NG)

Mother is a Verb by Kim Hooper from Lake Union (NG)

Sara:
Broken Bones by John Carson from Rachel's Random Resources (NG)
The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives by Elizabeth Arnott from Berkley (NG)

The Meet-Poop by/from Noelle Salazar (NG)

A Lot to Unpack by Portia MacIntosh from Rachel's Random Resources (NG)

Twinkle of Doubt by Patricia Leavy from BookSparks

Jami:
Served Him Right by Lisa Unger from Harlequin (NG)

I Came Back for You by Kate White from MB Communications (NG)

Boring Asian Female by Canwen Xu from Berkley (NG)

Melissa S:
Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk from HarperCollins (print)

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Book Review: By Your Side

By Becky Gulc

Linda and Levi will never meet. But they’re going to change each other’s lives.

In her role at the council’s Unclaimed Heirs Unit, Linda Standish investigates the lives of those who’ve died alone and tracks down any living relatives. She’s been a friend to the friendless for the past thirty-three years. And now she’s looking forward to an early retirement.

But before she hangs up her lanyard, Linda takes on one last case – that of Levi Norman – a Welshman who made his home on a remote Scottish island for the past five years.

What brought Levi here? And who did he leave behind? Obliged to travel (by hearse) with her arch nemesis Fergus Murray, and helped (and hindered) by local residents, Linda searches for clues to a life now lost. And in the process unexpectedly makes new friends, and discovers things about herself she never knew. (Synopsis courtesy of Penguin UK.)

Ruth Jones is an amazing writer. For those of you who don’t know who she is, Ruth is co-writer of the BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey and starred in the programme herself as Nessa. I’m a big fan of the programme (I may have had a little visit to Barry Island when in Wales recently where the programme is largely set). I also adored one of her other shows, Stella. Ruth has written a few novels now and I read Never Greener a couple of years back, a great book. So I was excited to read Ruth’s latest novel, By Your Side. 

Well, I adored this book. I found it charming, moving, and funny. Ruth writes such brilliant characters and evokes such a sense of community and place in her writing, I was very much transported to the remote Scottish island of Storrich with Linda on her quest to find any indication of loner Levi’s next of kin. Storrich has a great mix of characters all adding to the story.

The narrative is largely based on Linda’s story. As mentioned in the synopsis, she is heading into retirement, single, and trying to come to terms with her son and grandson moving away. There is sadness, a history we do not fully understand until much later in the novel, but this doesn’t become overly heavy. Linda is one strong, loyal, caring, and witty woman, I adored her and her adventures over in Storrich and her quest to solve the mystery over Levi.

Levi. Oh Levi. The narrative also switches to the past as Levi’s story is slowly revealed to the reader. His solitary existence in Wales, an unexpected whirlwind seeing him move to Scotland and the happiness and grief he experienced over the years. Levi’s story really pulled on my heartstrings, knowing how things end up for him. That said there’s such warmth to how everything is wrapped up and that felt so fitting for Linda and Levi. 

Another great book by Ruth and I’d love Linda and co to feature in future novels. I got attached! Highly recommended. 

More by Ruth Jones:
Love Untold
Us Three
Never Greener

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You won't want to miss Alyson Richman's latest novel...plus a book giveaway

Credit: Jeanine Boubli 

We are pleased to welcome Alyson Richman back to CLC today, as her latest novel, The Missing Pages, is now available. The Titanic, a library, and a ghost make a great combination for a novel and we look forward to checking it out. And isn't the cover fabulous?!? Thanks to Get Red PR, we have THREE copies to give away!

Alyson Richman is the USA Today bestselling and #1 international bestselling author of several historical novels including The Velvet Hours, The Garden of Letters, and The Lost Wife, which is currently in development for a major motion picture.  Alyson graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in art history and Japanese studies.  She herself is an accomplished painter and her novels combine her deep love of art, historical research, and travel.  Alyson's novels have been published in twenty-five languages and have reached the bestseller lists both in the United States and abroad. She lives on Long Island with her husband and two children, where she is currently at work on her next novel. (Bio courtesy of Alyson's website.)

Visit Alyson online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram

Synopsis:
1912:  Harry Widener, a promising and passionate book collector, boards the Titanic holding tight to a priceless volume he’s just purchased in London. After catastrophe strikes the ship, Harry’s last known words are that he must return to his cabin to retrieve his latest treasure. Neither the young man nor the book are ever seen again. Honoring her son’s memory, Harry’s mother builds the Harry Widener Memorial Library at Harvard to house his extensive book collection and ensure his legacy.

Decades later, Violet Hutchins, a Harvard sophomore recovering from her own great loss, is working as a page at the Widener Library. When mysterious things begin happening at the library, Violet wonders if Harry Widener’s ghost is trying to communicate with her, seeking Violet to uncover a long-buried secret that the ardent young Harry took with him to the grave. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

“Lyrical, unexpected, and soul-stirring—I can't remember the last time I was so charmed by a novel.”
―Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of Finding Margaret Fuller

“Just when you thought you knew everything about the Titanic, along comes Alyson Richman’s The Missing Pages, an exquisite story that is both the tender chronicle of a secret love and a love letter to everyone who adores books. . . . An ingeniously wrought masterpiece.”
―Jenna Blum, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Family and Those Who Save Us

“The Missing Pages is a ghost story, a love story, and a library story that every bibliophile will cherish.”
―Lynda Loigman, bestselling author of The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?  
When I was on my book tour for The Lost Wife, a reader shared with me that before reading my novel World War II was always distant to her. As though she were looking at an old black and white film reel.  But I made her feel like she was seeing it in Technicolor.

What is one thing you would tell the debut novelist version of yourself?
I would tell myself that having a creative life is not always linear, that there will be lots of setbacks, but to have confidence that when you look back at it all, everything will come from one radiating center. Your desire to create and to leave something beautiful behind when you’re no longer here.

If The Missing Pages was made into a movie, what songs would be on the soundtrack?
“The Ghost in You” by Psychedelic Furs
“Marjorie “ by Taylor Swift
“On the Nature of Daylight” by Max Richter

What is the last book you read that you would recommend?  
 The Artist and the Feast by Lucy Steeds. 

If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it?
Helen Mirren

If we were to visit you right now, what are some places you would take us to see?
The beach that’s walking distance from my house. I love discovering beach glass and beautiful shells. I keep them in a bowl on my desk.

My local bakery, Fiorello Dolce. It has the best pastries and my favorite place to reward myself after a long day of writing.

The Next Chapter, a charming local independent bookstore that feels like you’re stepping back in time with its backroom filled with antiques and cozy sofas where you can grab a book and read.

Thanks to Alyson for chatting with us and to Get Red PR for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Gleam to enter the giveaway. (Rafflecopter is shutting down at the end of September, so we are switching over to Gleam.) If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Gleam on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

The Missing Pages (3 print copies)

Giveaway ends October 21st at midnight EST.

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