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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Murder She Wrote: Manuscript for Murder in Books
Feb 6, 2019
Is Jessica Reading a Motive for Murder?
When Thomas Rudd approaches Jessica Fletcher after one of her signings and accuses Lane Barfield, their mutual publisher, of skimming money from their royalties, Jessica can hardly believe it. Within a couple of days, both of the men are dead. However, Jessica begins to suspect that the political thriller Lane asked her to read was to blame. Is she correct? If so, is she the next target?
I had a mixed reaction to this book. On the one hand, I got very caught up in the plot, and always had a hard time putting it down. There are twists and turns and plenty of danger, and I loved it. It would have worked better, however, if it weren’t a Murder, She Wrote book. It certainly doesn’t fit with the rest of the franchise in tone, with several events being several shades grayer than we got, at least on the TV show. (I’ve only read one other book, the previous one.) We see several of the regular side characters, but they and their relationship with Jessica was off. What I suspect was supposed to be funny came across as rather mean. These characters wouldn’t interact this way. There’s also the fact that one of the plots in the book gets dropped in favor of the other. Honestly, I think there are two good storylines here, and they should have gotten their own books. This is the second book that Jon Land has written in the franchise, and I’m wondering if his efforts to turn things darker are going to be a permanent thing or if he will adjust better to the light tone of this franchise.
I had a mixed reaction to this book. On the one hand, I got very caught up in the plot, and always had a hard time putting it down. There are twists and turns and plenty of danger, and I loved it. It would have worked better, however, if it weren’t a Murder, She Wrote book. It certainly doesn’t fit with the rest of the franchise in tone, with several events being several shades grayer than we got, at least on the TV show. (I’ve only read one other book, the previous one.) We see several of the regular side characters, but they and their relationship with Jessica was off. What I suspect was supposed to be funny came across as rather mean. These characters wouldn’t interact this way. There’s also the fact that one of the plots in the book gets dropped in favor of the other. Honestly, I think there are two good storylines here, and they should have gotten their own books. This is the second book that Jon Land has written in the franchise, and I’m wondering if his efforts to turn things darker are going to be a permanent thing or if he will adjust better to the light tone of this franchise.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Hope Jar (The Prayer Jars #1) in Books
Feb 25, 2019
As you all know, I'm huge fan of Wanda Brunstetter. Not one of her books left me disappointed. So, to say I was excited about the start of this new series , is quite the understatement. The more I saw about it on Mrs. Brunstetter's pages, the more anxious for the release I became. Then when the book arrived, I couldn't wait to dive into it. And then......well, then I was in awe of Mrs. Brunstetter. Why? Because she has once again managed to take me to the heart of Amish country, to the world I wish I belonged in, and filled my heart with healing and hope.
I loved the characters within the book. They were all chiseled perfectly for their rolls. I loved watching Michelle grown in her relationships, especially her convictions with God after she found the jar. The messages she received, the feelings she felt, all of them quickly spoke to me and became my own feelings.
This book is beautifully written and will have the reader pulled to the center of the story instantly. From start to finish, I smiled, I laughed, I wondered what God would do in Michelle's life. The messages that Mrs. Brunstetter always manages to weave within the story speak loudly to the soul. I love that in Amish novels. So, if you are looking for a wonderful book to transport you to the heart of Amish country, then grab this book now. You'll be instantly addicted to the beautiful works of Wanda Brunstetter, if you aren't already. This 5 star book is definitely a keeper for me, and I can't wait to start my own hope jar!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
I loved the characters within the book. They were all chiseled perfectly for their rolls. I loved watching Michelle grown in her relationships, especially her convictions with God after she found the jar. The messages she received, the feelings she felt, all of them quickly spoke to me and became my own feelings.
This book is beautifully written and will have the reader pulled to the center of the story instantly. From start to finish, I smiled, I laughed, I wondered what God would do in Michelle's life. The messages that Mrs. Brunstetter always manages to weave within the story speak loudly to the soul. I love that in Amish novels. So, if you are looking for a wonderful book to transport you to the heart of Amish country, then grab this book now. You'll be instantly addicted to the beautiful works of Wanda Brunstetter, if you aren't already. This 5 star book is definitely a keeper for me, and I can't wait to start my own hope jar!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Promise of a Letter (Amish Letter #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
After reading Written In Love, I couldn't wait to get my hands on book 2. I finally did and let me tell you what. I absolutely adored it! Book 2 is wonderfully written and instantly captivating, just like book 1. Ms. Fuller once again takes us to Birch Creek where her readers get to fall in love all over again with past, and new characters.
Roman and Leanna's characters really gripped me! I loved them both for different reasons. Roman's character really pulled at my heart, perhaps because I always felt like I couldn't please anyone know matter what I did. Watching him and seeing how he reacts to the letter from his grandmother, really tugged at my soul. I loved him! And sweet Leanna. Bless her. She's so different from your typical Amish women and I loved that about her! Ms. Fuller truly did a good thing with her character. Seeing Roman and Leanna together, following them through this story, was a wonderful time.
This book is so full of messages of God's understanding and forgiving grace. I loved that. I felt His presence while taking this journey with Leanna and Roman and I couldn't wait to get to the end of the book to see what God's plan was for them. I was not disappointed! Ms. Fuller made it into a 5 star worthy book for sure, and it leaves me wanting book 3! I need more Birch Creek Amish and God's grace in these books. Hats off to a wonderfully talented, truly fantabulous Amish novelist who knows how to throw a curve ball and hook her readers! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/13980-revision-v1/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Roman and Leanna's characters really gripped me! I loved them both for different reasons. Roman's character really pulled at my heart, perhaps because I always felt like I couldn't please anyone know matter what I did. Watching him and seeing how he reacts to the letter from his grandmother, really tugged at my soul. I loved him! And sweet Leanna. Bless her. She's so different from your typical Amish women and I loved that about her! Ms. Fuller truly did a good thing with her character. Seeing Roman and Leanna together, following them through this story, was a wonderful time.
This book is so full of messages of God's understanding and forgiving grace. I loved that. I felt His presence while taking this journey with Leanna and Roman and I couldn't wait to get to the end of the book to see what God's plan was for them. I was not disappointed! Ms. Fuller made it into a 5 star worthy book for sure, and it leaves me wanting book 3! I need more Birch Creek Amish and God's grace in these books. Hats off to a wonderfully talented, truly fantabulous Amish novelist who knows how to throw a curve ball and hook her readers! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/13980-revision-v1/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated When It's Real in Books
Apr 4, 2019
Sometimes you just need a story with a ridiculous, rather implausible situation to soothe your soul.
This book was tons of fun and really compelling. I couldn't put it down and read it in 24 hours. Both Vaughn and Oakley were really interesting characters with a lot of depth behind their silly situation. As he was probably supposed to, Oakley irritated me in the beginning; yes, we are supposed to feel sorry for him, but he was also really good in his role of being a jerk.
"Am I already the washed-up pop star before I hit my twenties?"
The first person point of view in this one makes it very easy to read. The chapters alternate between Oakley and Vaughn and just slide by. The book is a slow burner (no immediate romance here) and fun and hot. Sure, it's a little predictable and you know nothing will go smoothly at first, but it's really enjoyable seeing how things play out. For me to enjoy a romance, I have to like the characters, and I have to be invested in their story--both of those things were definitely happening here. I fell for Vaughn and her family and then for Oakley, too, as I got to know him. There was some good depth and background to both characters, and I empathized with Vaughn as she struggled to find herself, especially after her family's tragedy.
"I’m good at pretending, but not so great at living."
There's even some fun twists in this one, with things not always happening exactly as you might think. Overall, it's really fun, with two great main characters and a really humorous supporting cast. The story has its serious moments, and it's easy to get invested in Vaughn and Oakley's romance. It's a fast read and a good one. 4 stars.
This book was tons of fun and really compelling. I couldn't put it down and read it in 24 hours. Both Vaughn and Oakley were really interesting characters with a lot of depth behind their silly situation. As he was probably supposed to, Oakley irritated me in the beginning; yes, we are supposed to feel sorry for him, but he was also really good in his role of being a jerk.
"Am I already the washed-up pop star before I hit my twenties?"
The first person point of view in this one makes it very easy to read. The chapters alternate between Oakley and Vaughn and just slide by. The book is a slow burner (no immediate romance here) and fun and hot. Sure, it's a little predictable and you know nothing will go smoothly at first, but it's really enjoyable seeing how things play out. For me to enjoy a romance, I have to like the characters, and I have to be invested in their story--both of those things were definitely happening here. I fell for Vaughn and her family and then for Oakley, too, as I got to know him. There was some good depth and background to both characters, and I empathized with Vaughn as she struggled to find herself, especially after her family's tragedy.
"I’m good at pretending, but not so great at living."
There's even some fun twists in this one, with things not always happening exactly as you might think. Overall, it's really fun, with two great main characters and a really humorous supporting cast. The story has its serious moments, and it's easy to get invested in Vaughn and Oakley's romance. It's a fast read and a good one. 4 stars.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Chat Love in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Let me start by saying that this was a cute little love story, that I read quickly. I give it such a low rating mainly because it was pretty predictable and I figured out what was going to happen 1/3 of the way into the book.
Lucia is from an Italian family. Being 28 and single means she is practically an old maid. She has a couple of serious boyfriends, but she has never found THE ONE. One of her co-workers has recently found the man of her dreams on an online dating site called Chat Love. When her married younger sister announces that she is pregnant, the pressure is really on then. After pressure from her friends, Lucia decides to join Chat Love and try something new. Her dates are very interesting, to say the least. But you never know where you will find love.
As I stated before, this was a quick and fun read. The story is cute, but very predictable. The dates that she goes on are always dinner dates, there is no variety to them. The main character Lucia is an Italian bombshell from the way she is described by her dates and her peers. She is loved by all, but can't seem to find love. She goes on several dates in the book that range from good to just plain weird. She even had a stalker for a brief moment. In the end, she ends up with the guy she would have least expected, but the reader knew from the start. There is a part in the book, where I wanted to jump through the pages and smack Lucia for not knowing she was talking to the man she wanted online the whole time.
I will try another title by Justine Faeth.
Lucia is from an Italian family. Being 28 and single means she is practically an old maid. She has a couple of serious boyfriends, but she has never found THE ONE. One of her co-workers has recently found the man of her dreams on an online dating site called Chat Love. When her married younger sister announces that she is pregnant, the pressure is really on then. After pressure from her friends, Lucia decides to join Chat Love and try something new. Her dates are very interesting, to say the least. But you never know where you will find love.
As I stated before, this was a quick and fun read. The story is cute, but very predictable. The dates that she goes on are always dinner dates, there is no variety to them. The main character Lucia is an Italian bombshell from the way she is described by her dates and her peers. She is loved by all, but can't seem to find love. She goes on several dates in the book that range from good to just plain weird. She even had a stalker for a brief moment. In the end, she ends up with the guy she would have least expected, but the reader knew from the start. There is a part in the book, where I wanted to jump through the pages and smack Lucia for not knowing she was talking to the man she wanted online the whole time.
I will try another title by Justine Faeth.
Lee (2222 KP) rated Avengers: Endgame (2019) in Movies
Apr 29, 2019
For me, this was just a perfect movie
After the intensity and shock of Infinity War, I was certainly expecting some kind of epic payback and a plan to try and correct or alter the devastating effects of the snap, but I had no idea how that would all play out and wrap things up for us. Marvel have perfected the art of producing trailers which either give very little away, or hint at something which then doesn't even play out the way you expected. Not only did the trailers for Endgame follow that trend, there were parts of the trailers that weren't even in the movie! The result is something which gave me everything I hoped for, and a lot more.
Endgame also manages to include pretty much every single MCU character to date, including characters who you would never even imagine seeing in this movie. And it expertly and effortlessly juggles every single one of them too, weaving multiple plot threads and themes, paying homage to and referencing much of its back catalogue of movies. It rewards an audience that has been invested in these movies all the way, and it does this all perfectly. These are characters that we've followed and loved for over 10 years, experiencing their highs and their lows right there with them. We've laughed with them, felt their pain and their suffering, felt empowered and inspired by them. Endgame is the closing chapter to what has been one hell of an incredible journey and was always going to provide us with heightened levels of all of those emotions. Once again, I certainly wasn't expecting it to do that quite as perfectly as it did, and in as many ways as it did too. For me, it was the perfect conclusion to an incredible saga, and it completely blew me away.
Endgame also manages to include pretty much every single MCU character to date, including characters who you would never even imagine seeing in this movie. And it expertly and effortlessly juggles every single one of them too, weaving multiple plot threads and themes, paying homage to and referencing much of its back catalogue of movies. It rewards an audience that has been invested in these movies all the way, and it does this all perfectly. These are characters that we've followed and loved for over 10 years, experiencing their highs and their lows right there with them. We've laughed with them, felt their pain and their suffering, felt empowered and inspired by them. Endgame is the closing chapter to what has been one hell of an incredible journey and was always going to provide us with heightened levels of all of those emotions. Once again, I certainly wasn't expecting it to do that quite as perfectly as it did, and in as many ways as it did too. For me, it was the perfect conclusion to an incredible saga, and it completely blew me away.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Avengers: Endgame (2019) in Movies
May 1, 2019
Fantastic
Contains spoilers, click to show
What a fantastic film!
I have waited a few days before reviewing this film, and honestly think it would have been 10/10 if I had reviewed it straightaway.
This is so very nearly the perfect superhero film. There is a massive cast of characters, there is humour, there are niche geek references, there are shocks and twists, there are highs, there are lows and there are tears.
But also (and here comes why 1 mark was lost) ... there is time travel. I have an uncomfortable relationship with time travel. I know you always have to give a bit of artistic license with time travel and not get too hung up on the nitty gritty. But here the plot revolves around the characters changing nothing in the past as it would change the future/make it not happen. And yet they go ahead and do it anyway! We have to go back and put the infinity stones back the instant after they were taken. But they didn't have to with Thor's hammer? And why did they have to do that at all because past-Thanos died which means the Infinity War never happened.
I have never been truly happy with time travel in film, with the notable exception of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure which somehow nails it. For me, Endgame failed in this regard purely by setting itself rules it then broke and didn't explore the consequences.
But still, an outstanding film and if I can get myself happy with a crude, straight-talking, machine gun-toting space-raccoon and a teenage living tree then I think I can overlook some timey-wimey things.
I have waited a few days before reviewing this film, and honestly think it would have been 10/10 if I had reviewed it straightaway.
This is so very nearly the perfect superhero film. There is a massive cast of characters, there is humour, there are niche geek references, there are shocks and twists, there are highs, there are lows and there are tears.
But also (and here comes why 1 mark was lost) ... there is time travel. I have an uncomfortable relationship with time travel. I know you always have to give a bit of artistic license with time travel and not get too hung up on the nitty gritty. But here the plot revolves around the characters changing nothing in the past as it would change the future/make it not happen. And yet they go ahead and do it anyway! We have to go back and put the infinity stones back the instant after they were taken. But they didn't have to with Thor's hammer? And why did they have to do that at all because past-Thanos died which means the Infinity War never happened.
I have never been truly happy with time travel in film, with the notable exception of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure which somehow nails it. For me, Endgame failed in this regard purely by setting itself rules it then broke and didn't explore the consequences.
But still, an outstanding film and if I can get myself happy with a crude, straight-talking, machine gun-toting space-raccoon and a teenage living tree then I think I can overlook some timey-wimey things.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated All the Broken People in Books
May 22, 2019
Alice Bennett knows what it means to suffer. After burying her abusive childhood and reinventing herself, Alice is living a life she never imagined could be hers. She's married to a perfect Southern gentleman. She has a challenging job she loves--writing for a woman's magazine. But when her past comes back with a vengeance, Alice finds herself on the outs with her husband, her perfect life crumbling around her feet.
Desperate to get things back to where they were, Alice travels to the mountains of North Georgia to care for her mother-in-law who was injured in a bad fall. Her motives aren't purely altruistic; she's hoping to get back into her husband's good graces. When she arrives, Alice discovers that the fall was no accident. Alice must battle her own inner demons as she uncovers the not-so-perfect truth of her husband's past. Ugly family secrets and devious attacks from an unknown assailant threaten to kill more than just Alice's dreams.
A dark journey into the Georgia mountains where kudzu covers the landscape and a grudge can last generations.All the Broken People will leave you questioning who the good guys really are or whether they exist at all.
This is an absolutely great suspenseful thriller, a roller coaster ride of a book! I couldn't put it down! The characters were well written, the intricate plot was fascinating. Just a wonderful book!
There is plenty of suspense and surprises.
The conclusion was something I didn’t see coming which is always fun.
The author has a real sense of how to build the tension to bring out the best pieces of the plot.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this early copy!
Desperate to get things back to where they were, Alice travels to the mountains of North Georgia to care for her mother-in-law who was injured in a bad fall. Her motives aren't purely altruistic; she's hoping to get back into her husband's good graces. When she arrives, Alice discovers that the fall was no accident. Alice must battle her own inner demons as she uncovers the not-so-perfect truth of her husband's past. Ugly family secrets and devious attacks from an unknown assailant threaten to kill more than just Alice's dreams.
A dark journey into the Georgia mountains where kudzu covers the landscape and a grudge can last generations.All the Broken People will leave you questioning who the good guys really are or whether they exist at all.
This is an absolutely great suspenseful thriller, a roller coaster ride of a book! I couldn't put it down! The characters were well written, the intricate plot was fascinating. Just a wonderful book!
There is plenty of suspense and surprises.
The conclusion was something I didn’t see coming which is always fun.
The author has a real sense of how to build the tension to bring out the best pieces of the plot.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this early copy!
This was so original - dystopia where the women take control. This isn't an angle that we see very often, and in the current climate of #MeToo, it's nice to read something where the women have the upper hand (or is it?! Because that's what you're left thinking).
Women develop a 'skein' that grows across their collar bone, and gives them the ability to control/ kill/ maim men and each other. Absolute power corrupts absolutely (who said that anyway?) after all.
This is the story of the genesis of the power, how it was triggered throughout a generation, who were then able to awaken it in older women. How women realised that they didn't have to be victims anymore, and began to take on many/ all of the attributes of their male counterparts (and not always the good ones). Men are viewed as the weaker sex, women as protectors and leaders.
I was fascinated by this whole idea. The characters showed us the different sides to the power - religion, organised crime, politics - and how it utterly changed the dynamic in society.
The museum pieces were very interesting, and the idea that this book was being written thousands of years in the future was very clever. And being written by a man. I liked how his editor (a woman) thought he would be taken more seriously if he were to write under a female pseudonym! Oh how times had changed!
I listened to this on audiobook, and read along to parts of it. The narration and voice actors were spot on - I couldn't stop listening until I had to, of course. Real life has a habit of interrupting reading and listening time!
Highly recommended.
Women develop a 'skein' that grows across their collar bone, and gives them the ability to control/ kill/ maim men and each other. Absolute power corrupts absolutely (who said that anyway?) after all.
This is the story of the genesis of the power, how it was triggered throughout a generation, who were then able to awaken it in older women. How women realised that they didn't have to be victims anymore, and began to take on many/ all of the attributes of their male counterparts (and not always the good ones). Men are viewed as the weaker sex, women as protectors and leaders.
I was fascinated by this whole idea. The characters showed us the different sides to the power - religion, organised crime, politics - and how it utterly changed the dynamic in society.
The museum pieces were very interesting, and the idea that this book was being written thousands of years in the future was very clever. And being written by a man. I liked how his editor (a woman) thought he would be taken more seriously if he were to write under a female pseudonym! Oh how times had changed!
I listened to this on audiobook, and read along to parts of it. The narration and voice actors were spot on - I couldn't stop listening until I had to, of course. Real life has a habit of interrupting reading and listening time!
Highly recommended.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Don't you dare in Books
Jun 5, 2019
‘Don’t You Dare’, by author, A.J. Waines was a riveting, taut and cleverly choreographed read from start to finish!
Although a mistake, and seemingly justified at the time, Rachel, accidentally kills the man her daughter Beth was having an affair with. From then on, both women are forced to cover their tracks to not only hide evidence from the police, but Beth’s fiancé, Peter, too. Beth’s marriage to Peter was supposed to be the answer to all their financial worries and further her acting career, but if this ever got out, well you can imagine, not only would the wedding be over because of her affair, but if caught for murder their lives would be inevitably ruined forever with prison awaiting.
Written from from both mother and daughter’s point of view in first person, this edgy psychological thriller had me hooked from the first page.
‘Don’t You Dare’ was one heck of a fast, tense read for me. Watching the mother desperately trying to sort out her mess, and keeping her daughter from going into a full on meltdown and revealing all, kept me on edge throughout. On top of that, each time I thought I knew all the answers the storyline branched out into another direction, and upped the stakes for both ladies even more.
The ending is superb! I loved how twist after twist the final scenes came to a satisfying end, whilst at the same time the story took on a different angle where an underlying threat would always shadow the two women. Yes, I’m being cryptic for a reason! This is indeed heart-stopping as the hype suggests! I thoroughly enjoyed this thriller, and A.J. Waines’ entertaining writing.
Thanks to A.J. Waines, Bloodhound books and Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest opinion of Don’t You Dare.
Although a mistake, and seemingly justified at the time, Rachel, accidentally kills the man her daughter Beth was having an affair with. From then on, both women are forced to cover their tracks to not only hide evidence from the police, but Beth’s fiancé, Peter, too. Beth’s marriage to Peter was supposed to be the answer to all their financial worries and further her acting career, but if this ever got out, well you can imagine, not only would the wedding be over because of her affair, but if caught for murder their lives would be inevitably ruined forever with prison awaiting.
Written from from both mother and daughter’s point of view in first person, this edgy psychological thriller had me hooked from the first page.
‘Don’t You Dare’ was one heck of a fast, tense read for me. Watching the mother desperately trying to sort out her mess, and keeping her daughter from going into a full on meltdown and revealing all, kept me on edge throughout. On top of that, each time I thought I knew all the answers the storyline branched out into another direction, and upped the stakes for both ladies even more.
The ending is superb! I loved how twist after twist the final scenes came to a satisfying end, whilst at the same time the story took on a different angle where an underlying threat would always shadow the two women. Yes, I’m being cryptic for a reason! This is indeed heart-stopping as the hype suggests! I thoroughly enjoyed this thriller, and A.J. Waines’ entertaining writing.
Thanks to A.J. Waines, Bloodhound books and Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest opinion of Don’t You Dare.