Search
Search results
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated How to Walk Away in Books
May 25, 2018
READ THIS BOOK. That is all.
OK just kidding. That's not all. But really. There is not one bad thing I can say about this book. It's honest, it's painful, it's funny, it's refreshing. I sailed through it and I didn't want it to end. It's one of those uplifting stories that is disguised as a story of pain, and heartbreak. But did I mention it's funny too!?
Margaret seems to have it all. The job, the boyfriend, the apartment, the fiancé.... a super bright future of loads of money, the crazy hot guy to wake up next to, and endless white picket fences. And then everything changes.
Most of her story takes place in some pretty gut-wrenching hospital situations. Her fiancé may not be as great as she thought, the bright future may not be as bright anymore, and her family has some pretty serious skeletons that are about to rock her world.
And then there's Ian {{swoon!}} - who doesn't want a brooding, rock hard, gorgeous man with a Scottish accent in their life? Yes, please! Ian is gruff and salty, and pushes Margaret to extremes that make her hate him but thankful for him all at the same time... who is this guy?! And what is his story?!
It's almost a journey of Margaret becoming Maggie. The so-called picture-perfect life she had all buttoned-up, just may have been buttoned too tight, and a major life-changing event could show a side of her she never imagined possible.
I adored this book. It's so inspiring and the end was not the typical end I imagined it would be. It was refreshing, and honest, and brutal at times, but a definite new favorite. I'm adding this to my top 5 of 2018. Great story, and highly recommend!
OK just kidding. That's not all. But really. There is not one bad thing I can say about this book. It's honest, it's painful, it's funny, it's refreshing. I sailed through it and I didn't want it to end. It's one of those uplifting stories that is disguised as a story of pain, and heartbreak. But did I mention it's funny too!?
Margaret seems to have it all. The job, the boyfriend, the apartment, the fiancé.... a super bright future of loads of money, the crazy hot guy to wake up next to, and endless white picket fences. And then everything changes.
Most of her story takes place in some pretty gut-wrenching hospital situations. Her fiancé may not be as great as she thought, the bright future may not be as bright anymore, and her family has some pretty serious skeletons that are about to rock her world.
And then there's Ian {{swoon!}} - who doesn't want a brooding, rock hard, gorgeous man with a Scottish accent in their life? Yes, please! Ian is gruff and salty, and pushes Margaret to extremes that make her hate him but thankful for him all at the same time... who is this guy?! And what is his story?!
It's almost a journey of Margaret becoming Maggie. The so-called picture-perfect life she had all buttoned-up, just may have been buttoned too tight, and a major life-changing event could show a side of her she never imagined possible.
I adored this book. It's so inspiring and the end was not the typical end I imagined it would be. It was refreshing, and honest, and brutal at times, but a definite new favorite. I'm adding this to my top 5 of 2018. Great story, and highly recommend!
BeRad89 (48 KP) rated I Was Anastasia in Books
Mar 26, 2018
Anna Anderson has spent over fifty years of her life fighting to prove she is the Grand Duchess Anastasia. Her story begins near the end as she battles in court to get recognition. Anastasia is 18 months away from that fateful night in Yekaterinburg. Does she in fact survive?
I love the time line set up in this book. It is an amazing idea to have both women moving toward each other like trains on the same track. The moment they collide will be the moment we learn the truth. While I do not like Anna on a personal level, I appreciate how cunning, clever, and totally insane she is. She is one of most interesting characters I have ever read. I appreciate the amount of research that must have went into this novel. While it is a work of fiction, I bet that was a time consuming task.
The only criticism I can possibly have for this book is the very thing I like most: The Timeline. Some readers may find the nonlinear design difficult to follow.
I Was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon is a work of historical fiction. It is the prefect marriage of creativity and intelligence. From her character development to the time line set up, it is an amazing piece of work. I Was Anastasia will be published March 27, 2018 by Doubleday Books.
I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars rating. It is by far the best book I have read this year. I would recommend it to any lover of the Romanov history or historical fiction lover. However, I do recommend doing some research first. I have a good deal of knowledge on the Romanovs and that improved my experience with this book.
I love the time line set up in this book. It is an amazing idea to have both women moving toward each other like trains on the same track. The moment they collide will be the moment we learn the truth. While I do not like Anna on a personal level, I appreciate how cunning, clever, and totally insane she is. She is one of most interesting characters I have ever read. I appreciate the amount of research that must have went into this novel. While it is a work of fiction, I bet that was a time consuming task.
The only criticism I can possibly have for this book is the very thing I like most: The Timeline. Some readers may find the nonlinear design difficult to follow.
I Was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon is a work of historical fiction. It is the prefect marriage of creativity and intelligence. From her character development to the time line set up, it is an amazing piece of work. I Was Anastasia will be published March 27, 2018 by Doubleday Books.
I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars rating. It is by far the best book I have read this year. I would recommend it to any lover of the Romanov history or historical fiction lover. However, I do recommend doing some research first. I have a good deal of knowledge on the Romanovs and that improved my experience with this book.
KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated Wuthering Heights in Books
Jun 8, 2018
Narrative Frame Format (2 more)
Accurate Depiction of human life
Beautiful writing style
horrible characters (2 more)
no character development
over rated
For a full review you can check out my book review on my blog: https://katieloucreateblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/07/book-review-wuthering-heights/
:) but here are the overall points I thought about the book if you're not up for that ?
I first read this book in college and detested it. I don't know whether it was because I genuinely did not like the book or whether it was because it was being used in academic circumstances. So this year, I decided to re-read the book and settle once and for all whether I like the book.
Overall consensus? It was alright. I certainly enjoyed reading it more the second time around than I did when I first read it. But was it amazing? Was it great? In all honesty, not really.
I enjoyed the writing style and the way Bronte describes things. I like how the story is told, through the eye witness accounts of Nelly Dean to Mr. Lockwood when he comes to visit the Grange. It adds to the question-ability of truth and how stories are told.
But the story itself did not pull me in the way it has done for many other people. The 'love' between Heathcliff and Catherine is nothing less than toxic to me. No matter how much I wanted to invest in it, I just couldn't. Not only that, but all the characters are horrible. They are malicious and selfish humans and although I appreciate the accurate depiction of the human condition, it is hard to like any of the characters when you have no compassion for them and cannot relate to them in any way.
:) but here are the overall points I thought about the book if you're not up for that ?
I first read this book in college and detested it. I don't know whether it was because I genuinely did not like the book or whether it was because it was being used in academic circumstances. So this year, I decided to re-read the book and settle once and for all whether I like the book.
Overall consensus? It was alright. I certainly enjoyed reading it more the second time around than I did when I first read it. But was it amazing? Was it great? In all honesty, not really.
I enjoyed the writing style and the way Bronte describes things. I like how the story is told, through the eye witness accounts of Nelly Dean to Mr. Lockwood when he comes to visit the Grange. It adds to the question-ability of truth and how stories are told.
But the story itself did not pull me in the way it has done for many other people. The 'love' between Heathcliff and Catherine is nothing less than toxic to me. No matter how much I wanted to invest in it, I just couldn't. Not only that, but all the characters are horrible. They are malicious and selfish humans and although I appreciate the accurate depiction of the human condition, it is hard to like any of the characters when you have no compassion for them and cannot relate to them in any way.
Debbie (52 KP) rated Louisiana's Way Home in Books
Oct 11, 2018
Louisiana's Way Home By: Kate DiCamillo
Candlewick Press
Published date 2 October 2018
Children's Fiction Middle Grade 240 pages
#LouisianasWayHome #NetGalley
I know that this book has already been out in the stores for a while but I just couldn't get my review up before now. I did get the book finished before the publish date though.
I have greatly enjoyed this book and a few others that she has written.
This book is about a 12 year old girl named Louisiana and her grandma, who leave the state of Florida at 3 in the morning. Louisiana doesn't know why just that her grandma woke her up and told her to get into the car. She had to leave behind her friends and pets. She has been told that a curse has been passed down from her great grandfather and that it was time to end the curse. The curse is known as a Sundering. The story goes on to explain how the curse was started and why it is called this name. They travel with no money or means on how to get where they are going. Grandma ends up needing some dental care and time to recover so she has Louisiana help pay for things by her wit and voice. She has a beautiful singing voice. During this time Louisiana meets some a boy who befriends and they are able to have some fun while grandma recovers. On her trip back from one of the visits her grandma has taken off and left her a note. This note explains somethings to Louisiana that changes her life and questions everything that has happened. What did the note say and what does she do?
I do recommend that you read this book or have your middle grader read it. It is a fun and adventurist book.
Candlewick Press
Published date 2 October 2018
Children's Fiction Middle Grade 240 pages
#LouisianasWayHome #NetGalley
I know that this book has already been out in the stores for a while but I just couldn't get my review up before now. I did get the book finished before the publish date though.
I have greatly enjoyed this book and a few others that she has written.
This book is about a 12 year old girl named Louisiana and her grandma, who leave the state of Florida at 3 in the morning. Louisiana doesn't know why just that her grandma woke her up and told her to get into the car. She had to leave behind her friends and pets. She has been told that a curse has been passed down from her great grandfather and that it was time to end the curse. The curse is known as a Sundering. The story goes on to explain how the curse was started and why it is called this name. They travel with no money or means on how to get where they are going. Grandma ends up needing some dental care and time to recover so she has Louisiana help pay for things by her wit and voice. She has a beautiful singing voice. During this time Louisiana meets some a boy who befriends and they are able to have some fun while grandma recovers. On her trip back from one of the visits her grandma has taken off and left her a note. This note explains somethings to Louisiana that changes her life and questions everything that has happened. What did the note say and what does she do?
I do recommend that you read this book or have your middle grader read it. It is a fun and adventurist book.
Debbie (52 KP) rated My Heart Belongs In Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in Books
Nov 2, 2018
My Heart Belongs In Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
By: Murray Pura
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc
Published Date: November 1, 2018
256 pages Christian, Romance
#MyHeartBelongsInGettysburgPennsylvania
#NetGalley
<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/9a41056d7201c045d3f9e5c161f9569494687ae1"; width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>
I greatly enjoyed this book. I gave this book 4 stars. I love history and this book was about the civil war one of my favorite subjects.
Clarissa is a 19 year old girl who has a lot of spunk and energy. She is a conductor on the underground railroad. She has a love interest in Kyle and Liberty. She doesn't know which one to choose. She likes both in different ways. Liberty is also on the underground railroad but she doesn't know what he looks like because he always wears a hood over his head. Kyle is studying to be a clergyman. When the war breaks out she is upset that Kyle won't join the army instead he stays behinds and helps the head clergyman.
During one of the underground escapes with Liberty they are caught and Liberty gets hurt. Who is Liberty? Why does he hide his face? What happens to Kyle? You need to read the book to find out.
Clarissa has some more adventures during the war. At the beginning of the book I didn't like her but throughout the story she grows and learns, which makes her a better person.
I was able to figure out a few things that happen in the book fairly quickly so it brought down my rating just a little. The author did a great job on the history. I would recommended this book for those who love history and a romance story.
By: Murray Pura
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc
Published Date: November 1, 2018
256 pages Christian, Romance
#MyHeartBelongsInGettysburgPennsylvania
#NetGalley
<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/9a41056d7201c045d3f9e5c161f9569494687ae1"; width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>
I greatly enjoyed this book. I gave this book 4 stars. I love history and this book was about the civil war one of my favorite subjects.
Clarissa is a 19 year old girl who has a lot of spunk and energy. She is a conductor on the underground railroad. She has a love interest in Kyle and Liberty. She doesn't know which one to choose. She likes both in different ways. Liberty is also on the underground railroad but she doesn't know what he looks like because he always wears a hood over his head. Kyle is studying to be a clergyman. When the war breaks out she is upset that Kyle won't join the army instead he stays behinds and helps the head clergyman.
During one of the underground escapes with Liberty they are caught and Liberty gets hurt. Who is Liberty? Why does he hide his face? What happens to Kyle? You need to read the book to find out.
Clarissa has some more adventures during the war. At the beginning of the book I didn't like her but throughout the story she grows and learns, which makes her a better person.
I was able to figure out a few things that happen in the book fairly quickly so it brought down my rating just a little. The author did a great job on the history. I would recommended this book for those who love history and a romance story.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Sweet Water (Birds of a Feather #2) in Books
Nov 28, 2018
Sweet Water (Birds of a Feather #2) by Lena North
Sweet Water is the second book in the Birds of a Feather series, and we concentrate on Jinx in this story. Although she is an off-the-scale genius (quite literally), the stress of everything is getting to her. She is not sleeping, losing weight, getting attacked in her own home, and fighting with Wilder. As a result, she decides to honour her promise to Wilder on her own terms - and that is by researching the crystal in Marshes. This is a small village far enough away from Wilder for Jinx to find herself again. She gets more than she bargained for though, and is her own worst enemy at times. Luckily for her, she has more friends than she realised who are there to help her recover, even if she doesn't agree!
Whilst this book isn't as blatant in it's paranormal side, it is still there. By the book being this way, it gives Jinx a chance to shine. You learn more about her, about who is after her, and what they want. She is accepted into the village, and you will find yourself hoping she stays there after the six months is over. Dante appeared in Wilder and he is the main male character here. Seeing their relationship develop from dislike (or so Jinx thinks) to more, was simply brilliant.
I think I may have enjoyed this book a bit more than Wilder, which surprised me because there was no mention of Vilda or the others. Wilder also wasn't the nicest to Jinx, but she is only human after all.
This was a great addition to the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Whilst this book isn't as blatant in it's paranormal side, it is still there. By the book being this way, it gives Jinx a chance to shine. You learn more about her, about who is after her, and what they want. She is accepted into the village, and you will find yourself hoping she stays there after the six months is over. Dante appeared in Wilder and he is the main male character here. Seeing their relationship develop from dislike (or so Jinx thinks) to more, was simply brilliant.
I think I may have enjoyed this book a bit more than Wilder, which surprised me because there was no mention of Vilda or the others. Wilder also wasn't the nicest to Jinx, but she is only human after all.
This was a great addition to the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Tempest 4000 in Video Games
Jun 19, 2019
Back in the 80s when the arcade was king; Tempest was one of the more popular arcade games of the era. Anyone who turned their allowance or paychecks into quarters remembers the furious spinning and shooting combinations of the classic Atari game.
Tempest 4000 is the latest version of the classic game which blends new and retro graphics to
Create an updated version of the game. Playing the classic Claw, players must navigate various webs and fields to destroy and evade enemies which emerge from the center of the playing area and shoot and advance on the player. Players also will have a limited amount of Smart Bombs to use which destroy all in site which is a big help when enemies make their way to the edge of the playing area and start advancing their way to take out the players.
The game has some great new maps and colors and the action is fast paced and insane but will seem very familiar for fans of the original.
Playing on a PS4 Pro did have a bit of a learning curve as the control stick is not as ideal to circle a map as the disc of the original as I often found myself going too far or not far enough at first.
The gameplay is fast and intense but did seem repetitive after a while. No matter how many new maps, colors, and enemies it throws at you, it still comes down to how fast you can spin and shoot.
Tempest 4000 is a pleasant enough distraction for those looking for some updated nostalgia and a few hours of fun gameplay.
http://sknr.net/2018/07/31/tempest-4000/
Tempest 4000 is the latest version of the classic game which blends new and retro graphics to
Create an updated version of the game. Playing the classic Claw, players must navigate various webs and fields to destroy and evade enemies which emerge from the center of the playing area and shoot and advance on the player. Players also will have a limited amount of Smart Bombs to use which destroy all in site which is a big help when enemies make their way to the edge of the playing area and start advancing their way to take out the players.
The game has some great new maps and colors and the action is fast paced and insane but will seem very familiar for fans of the original.
Playing on a PS4 Pro did have a bit of a learning curve as the control stick is not as ideal to circle a map as the disc of the original as I often found myself going too far or not far enough at first.
The gameplay is fast and intense but did seem repetitive after a while. No matter how many new maps, colors, and enemies it throws at you, it still comes down to how fast you can spin and shoot.
Tempest 4000 is a pleasant enough distraction for those looking for some updated nostalgia and a few hours of fun gameplay.
http://sknr.net/2018/07/31/tempest-4000/
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Immortal Redneck in Video Games
Jun 19, 2019
Calling back the days of Serious Sam; a new game called Immortal Redneck has arrived and it looks to fill the gap that the previously mentioned frantic yet casual shooter has left behind.
Set in Egypt, players must travel into mysterious Pyramids and tombs to battle all manner of mythological and supernatural creatures. Along the way they must not only survive but gain treasures and weapons needed to survive.
The game does offer plenty of weapons form pistols to dynamite and of course shotguns and all manner of machines guns. While this may at first seem a bit of overkill, it is not as players will need this and more to stop the enemies that face them.
Players will also be able to gain treasures as they journey and battle which can be used at a market to purchase upgrades and special weapons which will greatly help their efforts in battle.
The gameplay and the story is very simplistic and very retro in the gameplay. The controls at times are not as responsive as I would have liked while at other times they respond faster than you would anticipate which is a pain when facing waves of enemies in a close setting and with a weapon using a slower than expected reload time.
Graphically the game is solid but do not expect AAA quality graphics as this is very much a retro game so while they are better than the previously mentioned Serious Sam, they would not hold up when compared to other shooters of the day.
However as a value priced title which can be picked up for your PC or Console for under $12.00 in many places, Immortal Redneck is a pleasant enough trip down memory lane which should keep shooter fans happy with retro nostalgic fun.
http://sknr.net/2018/02/17/immortal-redneck/
Set in Egypt, players must travel into mysterious Pyramids and tombs to battle all manner of mythological and supernatural creatures. Along the way they must not only survive but gain treasures and weapons needed to survive.
The game does offer plenty of weapons form pistols to dynamite and of course shotguns and all manner of machines guns. While this may at first seem a bit of overkill, it is not as players will need this and more to stop the enemies that face them.
Players will also be able to gain treasures as they journey and battle which can be used at a market to purchase upgrades and special weapons which will greatly help their efforts in battle.
The gameplay and the story is very simplistic and very retro in the gameplay. The controls at times are not as responsive as I would have liked while at other times they respond faster than you would anticipate which is a pain when facing waves of enemies in a close setting and with a weapon using a slower than expected reload time.
Graphically the game is solid but do not expect AAA quality graphics as this is very much a retro game so while they are better than the previously mentioned Serious Sam, they would not hold up when compared to other shooters of the day.
However as a value priced title which can be picked up for your PC or Console for under $12.00 in many places, Immortal Redneck is a pleasant enough trip down memory lane which should keep shooter fans happy with retro nostalgic fun.
http://sknr.net/2018/02/17/immortal-redneck/
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated When Tides Turn (Waves of Freedom, #3) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Every book in this series has been spectacular! Full of intrigue and drama, faith and freedom, handsome officers and daring heroines, and not to mention bursting with history! I have learned so much about the war of the Atlantic during World War II through these books. Not only does Sarah include REAL events and REAL people in these books, it inspires me to do research of my own. To delve into the facts and history that inspired these stories.
As the Waves of Freedom series comes to a close, Tess and Dan completely steal the show with their strained relationship and beautiful, er, practical? romance. Tess is full of life, color, and longs to be seen for who she is beneath the pretty face. Dan, has a one track mind focused on his career...That is, until his heart cries out for something more. Both Tess and Dan must learn to trust God to guide their paths, to find who they are in Him, individually. Once they surrender to God's plan, it is amazing to watch the events unfold.
While the books in this series can stand alone, you will want to begin with book one to enjoy and appreciate the full effect of the storyline. Plus, they are simply amazing books. All three have made it on my top reads list!
Get ready for one last amazing ride in the Waves of Freedom Series. And do not despair...For Sarah has a new WWII series she is working on titled, Sunrise at Normandy. The first book, The Sea Before us will be released Spring 2018.
I received a complimentary copy of When Tides Turn from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
As the Waves of Freedom series comes to a close, Tess and Dan completely steal the show with their strained relationship and beautiful, er, practical? romance. Tess is full of life, color, and longs to be seen for who she is beneath the pretty face. Dan, has a one track mind focused on his career...That is, until his heart cries out for something more. Both Tess and Dan must learn to trust God to guide their paths, to find who they are in Him, individually. Once they surrender to God's plan, it is amazing to watch the events unfold.
While the books in this series can stand alone, you will want to begin with book one to enjoy and appreciate the full effect of the storyline. Plus, they are simply amazing books. All three have made it on my top reads list!
Get ready for one last amazing ride in the Waves of Freedom Series. And do not despair...For Sarah has a new WWII series she is working on titled, Sunrise at Normandy. The first book, The Sea Before us will be released Spring 2018.
I received a complimentary copy of When Tides Turn from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Instant Family (2019) in Movies
Nov 18, 2019
Surprise Treat
A couple looking to foster a teenager end up taking on an entire family of three. Instant Family will give you laughs, tears, and, most importantly, insight.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 4
The movie doesn’t exactly come out of the gates swinging. You’re meeting the couple for the first time and you see what their life is like pre-kids. I understand it’s necessary, but definitely not the most fun way to get started.
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 9
I love how director Sean Anders decided to shoot the film. It’s not your average feel-good family movie. There is a real sense of struggle here, real pain, and Anders captures this in great pockets along with the more comedic moments of being a parent. Sometimes the fun and the pain are intermixed and it makes for some beautiful scenes.
Conflict: 10
All three kids within the family pose different challenges that the parents find themselves having to adjust to, besides the challenges of just being new parents. The parental-work-life balance is real and you’re exposed to all of that throughout the duration of the movie.
Entertainment Value: 8
Memorability: 8
Pace: 5
Plot: 6
The story itself is pretty straightforward and basic. Twenty minutes in and you pretty much know how it’s going to play out. Still, that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable of a movie.
Resolution: 10
The ending…man, that ending. I’ve only watched this movie once because that damn touching conclusion. Such a great payoff.
Overall: 80
I typically don’t gravitate towards movies with Lifetime plots, but Instant Family is a winner. It heartwarming, endearing, and real from start to finish. Surprise treat of 2018.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 4
The movie doesn’t exactly come out of the gates swinging. You’re meeting the couple for the first time and you see what their life is like pre-kids. I understand it’s necessary, but definitely not the most fun way to get started.
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 9
I love how director Sean Anders decided to shoot the film. It’s not your average feel-good family movie. There is a real sense of struggle here, real pain, and Anders captures this in great pockets along with the more comedic moments of being a parent. Sometimes the fun and the pain are intermixed and it makes for some beautiful scenes.
Conflict: 10
All three kids within the family pose different challenges that the parents find themselves having to adjust to, besides the challenges of just being new parents. The parental-work-life balance is real and you’re exposed to all of that throughout the duration of the movie.
Entertainment Value: 8
Memorability: 8
Pace: 5
Plot: 6
The story itself is pretty straightforward and basic. Twenty minutes in and you pretty much know how it’s going to play out. Still, that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable of a movie.
Resolution: 10
The ending…man, that ending. I’ve only watched this movie once because that damn touching conclusion. Such a great payoff.
Overall: 80
I typically don’t gravitate towards movies with Lifetime plots, but Instant Family is a winner. It heartwarming, endearing, and real from start to finish. Surprise treat of 2018.