Search
Search results
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Forgotten Summer in Books
Dec 14, 2018
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
Is the truth something you really want to know? Jane Cambon has the perfect husband and spends her life travelling from their flat in London to Luc’s family estate in the south of France. Despite the hostility from Luc’s mother, Clarisse Cambon, Jane loves spending time amongst the workers in the vineyard and the olive groves. However, a tragic event causes Jane to question how well she really new her husband.
<i>The Forgotten Summer </i>by Carol Drinkwater captures the southern France climate in such a way that readers will wish to go there themselves. But for Jane it becomes a place of grief and tension as Clarisse’s aggression only increases, bringing back memories of the summer when Jane was fourteen. Not only that, there is the enigma of Jane’s husband, a filmmaker. What was he filming? Why did her keep it secret? What happened during his early years in Algeria? And, most importantly, who is Annabelle?
Not knowing the answers to many questions keeps the reader engaged in the narrative. Slowly, issues are resolved, but some answers are not uncovered until the closing of the novel. After about two thirds of the book it is possible to guess the truth about Luc’s close kept secret, and it is almost annoying that Jane is blind to it.
Drinkwater has put a lot of time and effort into <i>The Forgotten Summer</i>. The amount of research she went through to keep it as factual as possible must have been phenomenal. From reading this book we learn a little about the Algerian War of Independence – something that is glossed over in French history – and the art of winemaking: both equally interesting, particularly the former, which most readers will not have heard of.
An issue that I had with this story was the way Jane was portrayed. I kept imagining her as a younger woman even though it had been explained that she was in her late forties. There was nothing in her description or personality that fitted a middle aged character. This may also be due to the way Clarisse treated Jane: as if she were incompetent and untrustworthy.
<i>The Forgotten Summer </i>is an ideal book for fans of Victoria Hislop, particularly if you also enjoy reading about southern European countries. It is engaging and exciting with a handful of lovely characters for you to admire. With its air of mystery, this book will be hard for you to put down.
Is the truth something you really want to know? Jane Cambon has the perfect husband and spends her life travelling from their flat in London to Luc’s family estate in the south of France. Despite the hostility from Luc’s mother, Clarisse Cambon, Jane loves spending time amongst the workers in the vineyard and the olive groves. However, a tragic event causes Jane to question how well she really new her husband.
<i>The Forgotten Summer </i>by Carol Drinkwater captures the southern France climate in such a way that readers will wish to go there themselves. But for Jane it becomes a place of grief and tension as Clarisse’s aggression only increases, bringing back memories of the summer when Jane was fourteen. Not only that, there is the enigma of Jane’s husband, a filmmaker. What was he filming? Why did her keep it secret? What happened during his early years in Algeria? And, most importantly, who is Annabelle?
Not knowing the answers to many questions keeps the reader engaged in the narrative. Slowly, issues are resolved, but some answers are not uncovered until the closing of the novel. After about two thirds of the book it is possible to guess the truth about Luc’s close kept secret, and it is almost annoying that Jane is blind to it.
Drinkwater has put a lot of time and effort into <i>The Forgotten Summer</i>. The amount of research she went through to keep it as factual as possible must have been phenomenal. From reading this book we learn a little about the Algerian War of Independence – something that is glossed over in French history – and the art of winemaking: both equally interesting, particularly the former, which most readers will not have heard of.
An issue that I had with this story was the way Jane was portrayed. I kept imagining her as a younger woman even though it had been explained that she was in her late forties. There was nothing in her description or personality that fitted a middle aged character. This may also be due to the way Clarisse treated Jane: as if she were incompetent and untrustworthy.
<i>The Forgotten Summer </i>is an ideal book for fans of Victoria Hislop, particularly if you also enjoy reading about southern European countries. It is engaging and exciting with a handful of lovely characters for you to admire. With its air of mystery, this book will be hard for you to put down.
CM TOEIC® MASTER
Education and Reference
App
CM TOEIC® MASTER is an application for TOEIC® testers who desire to prepare for taking TOEIC®...
TeachMe: Preschool / Toddler
Education and Games
App
"***** An absolute must-buy. An amazing app for the price." -SmartAppsForKids.com "The combination...
The Philosophy of the Coen Brothers
Book
In 2008 No Country for Old Men won the Academy Award for Best Picture, adding to the reputation of...
Debbiereadsbook (1788 KP) rated King's Obsession (Obsessions #5) in Books
May 6, 2025
There have been subtle and some not so (think more, sledgehammer upside the head!) hints to the story of these two!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the final book in the Obsessions series, and while I'm sad, I do think this might just have been the best one! You absolutely SHOULD read the other four books before this one. Cos I said so, right!?!?!?
Asmodeus is king of the demons by default, his father died. Meeting Dougal, a troll in the human realm, becomes his one place to be himself. But Dougal has awoken feelings in him, and he needs answers as to what that means. Dougal didn't think it would take this long, this many lifetimes, for Asmodeus to get the answers he needs, and he's done waiting. Asmodeus has a choice, but which one will he make?
What I loved most about this, well the two things I loved most about this, were the following.
We have been kept waiting for Asmodeus and Dougal's story. There have been subtle and some not so (think more, sledgehammer upside the head!) hints to the story of these two. You know it's going on, but Lord if you can't figure them out, especially after the others find their Blissful Ones.
And because these two have been going at each other, quite literally, forever, I found there wasn't that intense rush of mated smex, you know? The sort that comes with fated mates meeting and falling into each other. This was more a gentle build up to the main event, ESPECIALLY after Dougal puts his foot down. It takes TIME and I loved that Asmodeus steps up, and steps up so beautifully! There's steam and passion, but the level of smexiness is, I thought anyway, on the low side.
I loved the interactions between the whole group: Dakata and Silas; Peni and Meriham; Christa and Wanda and Scott and George. More so once Asmodeus steps up. And then, when in the demon realm, how Dougal takes charge. That made me laugh!
Oh and BABIES!!! And that's all I'm saying on that :-)
So, yeah, I'm sad. Ending any series I've been with since the beginning is hard, but I've especially enjoyed this series, which sees Sayle step out of her comfort zone in book 3!
What's next for this pair?? Dunno but sign me up!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the final book in the Obsessions series, and while I'm sad, I do think this might just have been the best one! You absolutely SHOULD read the other four books before this one. Cos I said so, right!?!?!?
Asmodeus is king of the demons by default, his father died. Meeting Dougal, a troll in the human realm, becomes his one place to be himself. But Dougal has awoken feelings in him, and he needs answers as to what that means. Dougal didn't think it would take this long, this many lifetimes, for Asmodeus to get the answers he needs, and he's done waiting. Asmodeus has a choice, but which one will he make?
What I loved most about this, well the two things I loved most about this, were the following.
We have been kept waiting for Asmodeus and Dougal's story. There have been subtle and some not so (think more, sledgehammer upside the head!) hints to the story of these two. You know it's going on, but Lord if you can't figure them out, especially after the others find their Blissful Ones.
And because these two have been going at each other, quite literally, forever, I found there wasn't that intense rush of mated smex, you know? The sort that comes with fated mates meeting and falling into each other. This was more a gentle build up to the main event, ESPECIALLY after Dougal puts his foot down. It takes TIME and I loved that Asmodeus steps up, and steps up so beautifully! There's steam and passion, but the level of smexiness is, I thought anyway, on the low side.
I loved the interactions between the whole group: Dakata and Silas; Peni and Meriham; Christa and Wanda and Scott and George. More so once Asmodeus steps up. And then, when in the demon realm, how Dougal takes charge. That made me laugh!
Oh and BABIES!!! And that's all I'm saying on that :-)
So, yeah, I'm sad. Ending any series I've been with since the beginning is hard, but I've especially enjoyed this series, which sees Sayle step out of her comfort zone in book 3!
What's next for this pair?? Dunno but sign me up!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Sarah (7800 KP) rated It Comes At Night (2017) in Movies
Jul 25, 2017
Full of tension and paranoia (1 more)
Great acting
Raises far too many questions (1 more)
Not a traditional horror
Tense and interesting, but ultimately disappointing
I knew little about this film other than it was billed as an 'end of the world' type horror, although as with most films I was fairly sceptical.
First off, this isn't a traditional horror so if you go in expecting a slasher flick, you'll be severely disappointed. However it is very tense, and I found myself feeling very uneasy throughout the entire film (but in a good way). The acting itself was great too and I think as a story, the main idea of the plot was good, I just don't think they quite pulled it off in reality.
I'm of the opinion that sometimes in films etc that less is more, that drawing your own conclusions is sometimes better than being spoon fed an entire story. My issue with this film is that it goes a little too far and it barely answers any questions. It doesn't explain anything and by the end it just leaves you with a "WTF just happened?". If they had just answered at least some of the questions raised, this review would've been so much better.
First off, this isn't a traditional horror so if you go in expecting a slasher flick, you'll be severely disappointed. However it is very tense, and I found myself feeling very uneasy throughout the entire film (but in a good way). The acting itself was great too and I think as a story, the main idea of the plot was good, I just don't think they quite pulled it off in reality.
I'm of the opinion that sometimes in films etc that less is more, that drawing your own conclusions is sometimes better than being spoon fed an entire story. My issue with this film is that it goes a little too far and it barely answers any questions. It doesn't explain anything and by the end it just leaves you with a "WTF just happened?". If they had just answered at least some of the questions raised, this review would've been so much better.
ClareR (6256 KP) rated The Passengers in Books
Apr 2, 2019
What would it be like if the whole of the UKs road networks operated on electric, driverless cars? What would happen if those driverless cars, operated by a computer programme, we’re hacked in to by a person who seemed bent on the destruction of those inside them? Well, John Marrs asks (and answers) that exact question in this book.
Eight people get in to their cars one morning, thinking they’re going to the destinations that they’ve programmed in, only to discover that they no longer have any control over their cars. In fact, they’re on a crash course with one another, and only one person will survive. That person will be chosen by the public, who are all seeing what’s happening in real time on social media and news outlets. That was actually the part that terrified me the most - the fact that the public was in charge of their lives!
This was a real roller coaster ride, it was so exciting! If I hadn’t have been reading it on The Pigeonhole, I would’ve read it in one sitting (I’d highly recommend doing that, by the way!). I must have changed my mind about the characters at least half a dozen times, and the ending really was just right!
Eight people get in to their cars one morning, thinking they’re going to the destinations that they’ve programmed in, only to discover that they no longer have any control over their cars. In fact, they’re on a crash course with one another, and only one person will survive. That person will be chosen by the public, who are all seeing what’s happening in real time on social media and news outlets. That was actually the part that terrified me the most - the fact that the public was in charge of their lives!
This was a real roller coaster ride, it was so exciting! If I hadn’t have been reading it on The Pigeonhole, I would’ve read it in one sitting (I’d highly recommend doing that, by the way!). I must have changed my mind about the characters at least half a dozen times, and the ending really was just right!
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Shadow Falls (Witch-Hunter, #3) in Books
May 22, 2019
Hunter Astley has always known that he is different: being a witch-hunter that can use magic has sealed his fate.
He must destroy the Shadow Witch once and for all, with the help of some unlikely allies.
We delve even deeper into the world of the Malleus Maleficarum; into myth, rumour and history that refuses to stay in the past.
The Shadow Falls by K.S. Marsden is the third and final book in the Witch Hunter trilogy.
I don't know how but each book has just gotten better each time.
The characters have all remained just as strong and you can see the natural progression with each one where they have grown.
I think that this one had more twists and turns than the last one. This one picks up where the Shadow reigns leaves off. Hunter is alone and on the run from the witches, searching for the Benandanti.
The plot, throughout all three books, was unpredictable and kept me guessing the entire time.
This is such a magnificent finale and surprise ending!
So sad to see this ending but loved getting the answers.
Highly recommend reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He must destroy the Shadow Witch once and for all, with the help of some unlikely allies.
We delve even deeper into the world of the Malleus Maleficarum; into myth, rumour and history that refuses to stay in the past.
The Shadow Falls by K.S. Marsden is the third and final book in the Witch Hunter trilogy.
I don't know how but each book has just gotten better each time.
The characters have all remained just as strong and you can see the natural progression with each one where they have grown.
I think that this one had more twists and turns than the last one. This one picks up where the Shadow reigns leaves off. Hunter is alone and on the run from the witches, searching for the Benandanti.
The plot, throughout all three books, was unpredictable and kept me guessing the entire time.
This is such a magnificent finale and surprise ending!
So sad to see this ending but loved getting the answers.
Highly recommend reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lindsay (1812 KP) rated The Camelot Kids: Volume One (The Camelot Kids, #1-4) in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
The Camelot kids is packed with adventures and action. It great for all ages of kids. Simon finds out his parents died. Simon want to find a place to belong. He starts to have dreams. A place named Camelot. Is there really a place called New Camelot?
Someone is trying to find him and wants him dead. Who could want him dead? He meets up with several different kids and is thrown from one action to another. He seem to be trying survive. Who could be King Arthur, Lancelot, many others? There seems to be more questions then answers.
What all will Simon be dealt with and understand. He makes friends and loss some as well. Their seems to be a mystery around the corner of each paged turned. I had a little bit of a hard time getting into it at the beginning of the book. Once the action started and the adventures. I was able to read it and understand it. It then seem like King Arthur and Round Table.
Pictures are done well. I really enjoyed looking at pictures. Images or pictures are colorful. I was looking and staring at the pictures for a short period of time. Children would love it. This is good for children ages 12 and up.
Someone is trying to find him and wants him dead. Who could want him dead? He meets up with several different kids and is thrown from one action to another. He seem to be trying survive. Who could be King Arthur, Lancelot, many others? There seems to be more questions then answers.
What all will Simon be dealt with and understand. He makes friends and loss some as well. Their seems to be a mystery around the corner of each paged turned. I had a little bit of a hard time getting into it at the beginning of the book. Once the action started and the adventures. I was able to read it and understand it. It then seem like King Arthur and Round Table.
Pictures are done well. I really enjoyed looking at pictures. Images or pictures are colorful. I was looking and staring at the pictures for a short period of time. Children would love it. This is good for children ages 12 and up.
Lindsay (1812 KP) rated The Amish Bride in Books
Feb 15, 2018
I enjoyed this book and received though net gallery. I am review. I truly enjoyed reading this. I could connect though the Characters of this book. The book starts out with Ella reviving a book from her grandmother. The book is from her Great Grandmother Sarah. There a mystery or code that Ella is asked to break in her great grandmothers book.
Her mother and grandmother and the Grandys want their relationship with Ella and Ezra to change. They Ezra is to go to a farm but Ella decides to go with him. She get a job and a place to live. She forms a friendship with an Amish farmhand named Luke while in Indiana.
There a tragically back at home, with her brother Zed. She goes back home and has to face her past from what she was running way from. I really like this book. The mystery is pulled though out the whole book. It come to lite and helps another family in the process. The mystery is revealed at the end of the book.
So does Ella choose Luke or Ezra to Marry? What is the Mystery in the book that Ella must break the code? To find out these answers I suggest you read the book. I would Recommend it too.
Her mother and grandmother and the Grandys want their relationship with Ella and Ezra to change. They Ezra is to go to a farm but Ella decides to go with him. She get a job and a place to live. She forms a friendship with an Amish farmhand named Luke while in Indiana.
There a tragically back at home, with her brother Zed. She goes back home and has to face her past from what she was running way from. I really like this book. The mystery is pulled though out the whole book. It come to lite and helps another family in the process. The mystery is revealed at the end of the book.
So does Ella choose Luke or Ezra to Marry? What is the Mystery in the book that Ella must break the code? To find out these answers I suggest you read the book. I would Recommend it too.