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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2103 KP) rated Topped Chef (Key West Food Critic Mystery #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Hayley Snow has gotten roped into being a judge on a search for the top chef of Key West. However, when one of the judges is murdered after the first round, she begins to wonder if she’s in danger. Is someone determined enough to win to make sure the judges will vote for them?
The reality competition actually slows the plot down a little at times, but I still enjoyed this book. The very colorful assortment of characters kept me entertained, and I loved getting to see more of Hayley’s housemate, Miss Gloria.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/09/book-review-topped-chef-by-lucy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The reality competition actually slows the plot down a little at times, but I still enjoyed this book. The very colorful assortment of characters kept me entertained, and I loved getting to see more of Hayley’s housemate, Miss Gloria.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/09/book-review-topped-chef-by-lucy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2103 KP) rated Attack of the BULLIES (NERDS, #5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Now that Miss Information has entered the scene, the kids in NERDS are over worked trying to stop her many schemes. But when she creates her own team, the BULLIES, will Ruby be able to leads the NERDS to stop them?
This is the final book in the series, and it goes out in fine form. There's action. There's laughs. And Ruby gets her turn in the spotlight as well. The book does a good job of wrapping things up in a way that will satisfy fans. It certainly did for me.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/09/book-review-nerds-attack-of-bullies-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is the final book in the series, and it goes out in fine form. There's action. There's laughs. And Ruby gets her turn in the spotlight as well. The book does a good job of wrapping things up in a way that will satisfy fans. It certainly did for me.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/09/book-review-nerds-attack-of-bullies-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2103 KP) rated That Is Not a Good Idea! in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When a Fox invites a Chicken to join him for a walk in the forest, it is not a good idea. And as things continue to unfold, the bad ideas continue to evolve. But who are they bad ideas for?
This is another unique picture book from Mo Willems with pictures on some pages and dialogue on others, kind of like an old silent film. Then there’s a Greek chorus of baby chicks constantly giving the warning in the title. The end of the book contains a great laugh, making this book so much fun.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/09/book-review-that-is-not-good-idea-by-mo.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is another unique picture book from Mo Willems with pictures on some pages and dialogue on others, kind of like an old silent film. Then there’s a Greek chorus of baby chicks constantly giving the warning in the title. The end of the book contains a great laugh, making this book so much fun.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/09/book-review-that-is-not-good-idea-by-mo.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mothergamer (1521 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Spiritfarer in Video Games
Sep 13, 2020
This is a beautiful and thoughtful game that is described as a cozy time management game about death. You play as Stella the new spiritfarer who is taking over for Charon. Stella has to fulfill the final wishes of the spirits she meets before they make their final journey to the Everdoor, the gateway to the afterlife. There is exploration in the game as well as crafting and farming. The way the game truly shines is how thoughtful and gentle it is talking about death while telling a lovely story with some wonderful characters. The game is available to play on all platforms. You can read the Mothergamer review here: http://lorrie28-mothergamer.blogspot.com/2020/09/spiritfarer-beautiful-journey.html
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated I, Eliza Hamilton in Books
Oct 6, 2020
Alexander Hamilton was an integral part of the early history of the United States, both in its war of independence and later in the early days of its government. However, to look at his relatively short life and ignore his wife who survived him by 50 years, is as much a disservice to the man he was as it is to the woman who stood by his side, both in life and long after his death. Author, Susan Holloway Scott saw this lack of focus and answered this need in her latest novel "I, Eliza Hamilton." Read what I thought of this book in my review here.
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2017/09/03/a-founding-mothers-story/
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2017/09/03/a-founding-mothers-story/
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated The Music Shop in Books
Oct 7, 2020
Rachel Joyce, bestselling author of "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" and "The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy" brings us a new novel that starts simply with "There once was a music shop." No, this is no fairy tale, but a story of how music is an international language, which if you listen to it just right, can change your whole world. The blurb on this book says, "The Music Shop is about learning how to listen and how to feel; it's about second chances and choosing to be brave despite the odds. Because in the end, music can save us all. Read more in my review here.
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2017/09/10/hallelujah-for-vinyl/
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2017/09/10/hallelujah-for-vinyl/
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated Brother and Sister in Books
Oct 7, 2020
When Nathalie is interviewed about how being adopted effected her life, although initially she denies that it made any difference to her, she suddenly discovers a need to find her birth parents, and insists that her brother David (also adopted) do the same. This takes them down a road that neither of them were ever prepared to travel, and yet, are both, inexplicably drawn towards.
With "Brother and Sister" Joanna Trollope gives us a parallel study in human nature, but she does so with such simple artistry that you'll find yourself compelled to read this straight through. You can read my full review here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2013/11/09/adopted-siblings-road-to-discovery/
With "Brother and Sister" Joanna Trollope gives us a parallel study in human nature, but she does so with such simple artistry that you'll find yourself compelled to read this straight through. You can read my full review here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2013/11/09/adopted-siblings-road-to-discovery/
Julie (77 KP) rated The Upside of Unrequited in Books
Sep 20, 2017
My Review: "What a great read! Honestly, I needed this after reading so many fantasy/young adult books. I don’t read many contemporary books, but when I do, this is what I look for.
First of all, it was relatable on multiple accounts. Second, the characters were so diverse and realistic. Those two things are important for me when I read a contemporary. For me, I know what it’s like for twins, especially twin sisters, as I have younger twin sisters. They two are fraternal and VERY different. They are basically the embodiment of Cassie and Molly; I was shocked how similar they were to my own sisters." Read the entire review here: https://thenerdybookwormsite.wordpress.com/2017/09/20/the-upside-of-unrequited-by-becky-albertalli/
First of all, it was relatable on multiple accounts. Second, the characters were so diverse and realistic. Those two things are important for me when I read a contemporary. For me, I know what it’s like for twins, especially twin sisters, as I have younger twin sisters. They two are fraternal and VERY different. They are basically the embodiment of Cassie and Molly; I was shocked how similar they were to my own sisters." Read the entire review here: https://thenerdybookwormsite.wordpress.com/2017/09/20/the-upside-of-unrequited-by-becky-albertalli/
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2103 KP) rated Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle (Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Meet Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. All the kids love hanging out at her house since she serves tea and cookies and is lots of fun. And the parents love her, too, because she has cures that will get kids to take baths or stop being selfish or fighting or not putting toys away….
This book is filled with fun short stories as the kids quickly realize why they wouldn't want to have their own way all the time. These cures are a bit more realistic than some in later books, so I love the later books better. Still, this is a fun introduction to a charming character.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/09/book-review-mrs-piggle-wiggle-by-betty.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book is filled with fun short stories as the kids quickly realize why they wouldn't want to have their own way all the time. These cures are a bit more realistic than some in later books, so I love the later books better. Still, this is a fun introduction to a charming character.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/09/book-review-mrs-piggle-wiggle-by-betty.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Hilary’s lack of activity has gotten her in trouble with Captain Blacktooth, and if she wants to retain her title as a pirate, she needs to go on a big quest. When her friend Miss Pimm is kidnapped, she decides to find her. However, is that a quest that Blacktooth will approve?
The plot was a little slow in this one, especially in the middle. The characters were still wonderful, and the humor I loved from the first book was still all over the book as well. Fans of the first will be glad to spend more time with Hilary and her friends.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/09/book-review-terror-of-southlands-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The plot was a little slow in this one, especially in the middle. The characters were still wonderful, and the humor I loved from the first book was still all over the book as well. Fans of the first will be glad to spend more time with Hilary and her friends.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/09/book-review-terror-of-southlands-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.