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Legend Hunter
Games and Stickers
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Legend Hunter is a fast-paced action multiplayer RPG in 3D. Collect more than 25 Heroes from 5...
Woopdrift.io
Games and Stickers
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Woopdrift.io, le jeu MULTIJOUEURS EN TEMPS RÉEL officiel du Woop Gang. Choisis la caisse de ton...
Easy Street (the Hard Way): A Memoir
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The engaging, passionate, always-honest, and often-hilarious memoir of actor Ron Perlman--his...
An Amish Home: Four Novellas
Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid and Kathleen Fuller
10.0
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A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman-Sarah Lantz always dreamed of the perfect home, the perfect husband,...
ClareR (6037 KP) rated The Switch in Books
Jul 18, 2020
The Switch by Beth O’Leary was a book that I was very much looking forward to reading. I had read, loved and gifted The Flatshare, her debut book. Then I read the synopsis for this book, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little trepidatious (is that a real word?). I had visions of Tom Hanks in Big, or of Jodie Foster in Freaky Friday, if I’m honest. I needn’t have worried, because this isn’t Big or Freaky Friday (sorry, if that’s what you’re expecting 🤷🏼♀️).
Instead, this is the story of two Eileens: 79 year old Eileen and her granddaughter Leena who is 29. They are both at times of great change in their lives. They’ve both just experienced the death of Leena’s sister, and Eileen’s husband has left her for a younger woman.
When Leena comes home for a visit, she realises that Eileen has been casing the men in the village with a mind to dating one. There isn’t a great choice. After a look on a dating website, she realises that the choice of men in their 70’s is far greater in London, so Leena creates an account on the dating website for her Grandma, and they swap lives for 8 weeks - the length of time that Leena’s boss has given her as a holiday, to try and recover from the loss of her sister.
I adored this book. Need I say more? OK, I suppose I should.
I loved how Eileen was treated as an adult with real feelings and sexual urges. She may be 79, but she isn’t some sexless old biddy, treated like a child. As much as we don’t necessarily like to think of our mothers/ grandmothers having sex , it’s highly likely that they do, and why not?
I loved how the death of Leena’s sister was treated. The long, slow process of grieving, and how it doesn’t just switch off, that there are no rules.
Leena’s love life is very entertaining too, and I was rooting for one particular character throughout.
So in conclusion, just do yourself a favour and go and buy this book. It’s ace. Beth O’Leary writes wonderful stories it would seem, about wonderful, quirky, normal people. I’ll be waiting and ready to read whatever she puts out there next, of that I’m sure!
Instead, this is the story of two Eileens: 79 year old Eileen and her granddaughter Leena who is 29. They are both at times of great change in their lives. They’ve both just experienced the death of Leena’s sister, and Eileen’s husband has left her for a younger woman.
When Leena comes home for a visit, she realises that Eileen has been casing the men in the village with a mind to dating one. There isn’t a great choice. After a look on a dating website, she realises that the choice of men in their 70’s is far greater in London, so Leena creates an account on the dating website for her Grandma, and they swap lives for 8 weeks - the length of time that Leena’s boss has given her as a holiday, to try and recover from the loss of her sister.
I adored this book. Need I say more? OK, I suppose I should.
I loved how Eileen was treated as an adult with real feelings and sexual urges. She may be 79, but she isn’t some sexless old biddy, treated like a child. As much as we don’t necessarily like to think of our mothers/ grandmothers having sex , it’s highly likely that they do, and why not?
I loved how the death of Leena’s sister was treated. The long, slow process of grieving, and how it doesn’t just switch off, that there are no rules.
Leena’s love life is very entertaining too, and I was rooting for one particular character throughout.
So in conclusion, just do yourself a favour and go and buy this book. It’s ace. Beth O’Leary writes wonderful stories it would seem, about wonderful, quirky, normal people. I’ll be waiting and ready to read whatever she puts out there next, of that I’m sure!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated What Could Be Saved in Books
Jun 3, 2021
A lyrical and fascinating look at the pull of family
This is the twenty-third book in my #atozchallenge! I'm challenging myself to read a book from my shelves that starts with each letter of the alphabet. Let's clear those shelves and delve into that backlist!
Much of Laura Preston's life has been defined by the disappearance of her brother, Philip, when they were children. The family lived in Bangkok in the 1970s for her father's work. While there, Philip went to judo class--and never returned. His loss tore their family apart. When a stranger contacts Laura, claiming to have information about Philip, she defies her older sister's wishes and flies to Thailand to see if this is indeed true. Laura knows that this is what their mom, Genevieve, now suffering from dementia, would want.
This was a fascinating, atmospheric book that pulled me in immediately. It's beautifully, lyrically written. The story is told in the present day, with Laura's perspective as a somewhat struggling painter in Washington, DC and then flashing back to Bangkok in the 1970s, with Genevieve's story and even Philip's. It's utterly compelling, weaving both a mystery yet also a character-driven tale.
Schwarz offers such unique and well-done characters. Not just the Preston family, but also their servants in Bangkok, including Noi, who accompanies the family back to America. There's Robert Preston, the family patriarch, who has a mysterious career, and his boss, who pulls Genevieve into his orbit. There's Genevieve, who tries to mimic the life her children might have in the United States--and then basically abandons the role of mother once Philip disappears. Bea, who tries to be a strong big sister for Laura. And Laura, who struggles as the youngest and sometimes forgotten child in the wake of her brother's disappearance.
Each Preston--and those in their orbit--is well-written and flawed. They seem real and true. Schwarz's writing is thoughtful and excellent and everyone comes to life as you read. Her descriptions of Bangkok and Thailand are excellent as well.
I was totally immersed in this tale, wondering what had happened to Philip; in many ways, this is a heartbreaking tale. It's a beautiful look at family and what it means. Schwarz's story makes you think and allows you insight into the Preston family's world. It's illuminating and lovely. Certainly worth the read. 4.5 stars.
Much of Laura Preston's life has been defined by the disappearance of her brother, Philip, when they were children. The family lived in Bangkok in the 1970s for her father's work. While there, Philip went to judo class--and never returned. His loss tore their family apart. When a stranger contacts Laura, claiming to have information about Philip, she defies her older sister's wishes and flies to Thailand to see if this is indeed true. Laura knows that this is what their mom, Genevieve, now suffering from dementia, would want.
This was a fascinating, atmospheric book that pulled me in immediately. It's beautifully, lyrically written. The story is told in the present day, with Laura's perspective as a somewhat struggling painter in Washington, DC and then flashing back to Bangkok in the 1970s, with Genevieve's story and even Philip's. It's utterly compelling, weaving both a mystery yet also a character-driven tale.
Schwarz offers such unique and well-done characters. Not just the Preston family, but also their servants in Bangkok, including Noi, who accompanies the family back to America. There's Robert Preston, the family patriarch, who has a mysterious career, and his boss, who pulls Genevieve into his orbit. There's Genevieve, who tries to mimic the life her children might have in the United States--and then basically abandons the role of mother once Philip disappears. Bea, who tries to be a strong big sister for Laura. And Laura, who struggles as the youngest and sometimes forgotten child in the wake of her brother's disappearance.
Each Preston--and those in their orbit--is well-written and flawed. They seem real and true. Schwarz's writing is thoughtful and excellent and everyone comes to life as you read. Her descriptions of Bangkok and Thailand are excellent as well.
I was totally immersed in this tale, wondering what had happened to Philip; in many ways, this is a heartbreaking tale. It's a beautiful look at family and what it means. Schwarz's story makes you think and allows you insight into the Preston family's world. It's illuminating and lovely. Certainly worth the read. 4.5 stars.
Jeff Lynne recommended Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1 by The Traveling Wilburys in Music (curated)
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Night Hawk in Books
Jul 15, 2021
Captivating and atmospheric mystery featuring archaeologist Ruth Galloway
In the 13th entry in the Ruth Galloway series, we find Ruth and her daughter Kate back in Norfolk. Ruth is now head of the department at the university, dealing with the perils of being in charge. This includes handling David Brown, her replacement as lecturer, who always seems to be in Ruth's business. As for Nelson, his boss Jo wants him to retire--something Nelson is firmly against. Instead, Nelson and team find a body washed up on shore, as well as a skeleton that Ruth believes may date to the Bronze Age. Thrown together again, Nelson and Ruth find themselves investigating a series of murders--all of which relate to a group of local metal detectorists, who keep finding the bodies, and the myth of the Black Shuck, a black dog who forewarns of death.
I love all of the Ruth books, but oh, this one was a particular favorite. It's creepy with the references to the Black Shuck filling you with an ominous sort of fear. There's the usual atmospheric feeling from a Ruth book, especially with Ruth returning to her beloved Norfolk--with the marshes, the sea, and the tides playing their own role in the story.
Griffiths writes with her typical charm and wit where you feel like you know Ruth, Nelson, and the whole gang. Clough shows up and Cathbad, our lovable druid and partner to Judy, Nelson's faithful DI, has a strong role. Everyone seems like an old friend at this point. The book is filled with Nelson and Ruth banter and plenty of tension between the two; it was excellent!
The mystery in this one is superb, as the bodies pile up and Nelson tries to figure out how the Night Hawks relate to his case, and why David Brown seems to follow Ruth everywhere. It kept me guessing, which is something I always appreciate! The Black Shuck myth adds a creepy element on top as well.
Overall, this is a lovely book with an captivating mystery and wonderful characters who are beloved. I'll be so sad when this series ends, but I'm loving it right now. This book will stand alone, but you'll fully appreciate the Ruth and Nelson nuances/dynamic if you read them all. 4.5 stars.
I love all of the Ruth books, but oh, this one was a particular favorite. It's creepy with the references to the Black Shuck filling you with an ominous sort of fear. There's the usual atmospheric feeling from a Ruth book, especially with Ruth returning to her beloved Norfolk--with the marshes, the sea, and the tides playing their own role in the story.
Griffiths writes with her typical charm and wit where you feel like you know Ruth, Nelson, and the whole gang. Clough shows up and Cathbad, our lovable druid and partner to Judy, Nelson's faithful DI, has a strong role. Everyone seems like an old friend at this point. The book is filled with Nelson and Ruth banter and plenty of tension between the two; it was excellent!
The mystery in this one is superb, as the bodies pile up and Nelson tries to figure out how the Night Hawks relate to his case, and why David Brown seems to follow Ruth everywhere. It kept me guessing, which is something I always appreciate! The Black Shuck myth adds a creepy element on top as well.
Overall, this is a lovely book with an captivating mystery and wonderful characters who are beloved. I'll be so sad when this series ends, but I'm loving it right now. This book will stand alone, but you'll fully appreciate the Ruth and Nelson nuances/dynamic if you read them all. 4.5 stars.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Zenka in Books
Sep 24, 2020
More reviews can be found at https://bbookinspector.wordpress.com
Even though the name of this book is Zenka, she is not the main character in this book. The main character in this novel was Nicholas, a very good-hearted nurse, who works with old people and is a coward. He is scared of any conflict and does everything to please people. Jack is a mob boss with principles, and when he finds out that he has a son, Zenka and him, decide to make Nicholas a “real man”, and that is where all the fun begins. I really liked, that A. Brodie chose to tell this story through Nicholas’s and Trevor’s (Jack’s Lawyer) perspectives, it has a fresh and different approach to the characters and I really enjoyed how the story was told. I really liked, that there was a wide variety of characters and that the mob gang was not very cruel, they had class in what they did. My favourite of all was Nicholas, first of all, I love his name, secondly, I really enjoyed his journey to “manhood” in this novel.
The beginning went a little bit slow for me, but when I was about halfway through, I could not put it down. The turns and twists in this novel left me very surprised and pleasantly baffled. I really enjoyed A. Brodie’s sense of humour, and I was laughing out loud while reading this novel.
The writing style of this book was very creative, I liked that Zenka’s thoughts were written through the letters to her friend Olga, using a different accent. That accent, as well as the slang used, made this book more lively and believable. I am grateful, that author gave a slang explanation page at the beginning, for me it was really helpful. The chapters were a decent length and it did not drag to me. I really really enjoyed the ending, it rounded up the whole story very nicely and at the same time gave a tight slap of surprise. Great way to finish the story! So to conclude, it is a very funny comedy with a dash of romance, crime and Christmas spirit, filled with very statuesque, charming and charismatic characters, which won’t leave u bored. I do strongly recommend to read this book, and like always, don’t forget to Enjoy!
Even though the name of this book is Zenka, she is not the main character in this book. The main character in this novel was Nicholas, a very good-hearted nurse, who works with old people and is a coward. He is scared of any conflict and does everything to please people. Jack is a mob boss with principles, and when he finds out that he has a son, Zenka and him, decide to make Nicholas a “real man”, and that is where all the fun begins. I really liked, that A. Brodie chose to tell this story through Nicholas’s and Trevor’s (Jack’s Lawyer) perspectives, it has a fresh and different approach to the characters and I really enjoyed how the story was told. I really liked, that there was a wide variety of characters and that the mob gang was not very cruel, they had class in what they did. My favourite of all was Nicholas, first of all, I love his name, secondly, I really enjoyed his journey to “manhood” in this novel.
The beginning went a little bit slow for me, but when I was about halfway through, I could not put it down. The turns and twists in this novel left me very surprised and pleasantly baffled. I really enjoyed A. Brodie’s sense of humour, and I was laughing out loud while reading this novel.
The writing style of this book was very creative, I liked that Zenka’s thoughts were written through the letters to her friend Olga, using a different accent. That accent, as well as the slang used, made this book more lively and believable. I am grateful, that author gave a slang explanation page at the beginning, for me it was really helpful. The chapters were a decent length and it did not drag to me. I really really enjoyed the ending, it rounded up the whole story very nicely and at the same time gave a tight slap of surprise. Great way to finish the story! So to conclude, it is a very funny comedy with a dash of romance, crime and Christmas spirit, filled with very statuesque, charming and charismatic characters, which won’t leave u bored. I do strongly recommend to read this book, and like always, don’t forget to Enjoy!
Kristy H (1252 KP) Aug 3, 2020