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10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Hold on just one moment, please. *Reflects* Ahem. Okay. Now, I can review this book. This book. What can say about this poignant, stunning novel of epic proportions? I can tell you that this book will pull you in and twist you up inside, as you get to know Hephzibah, or Ishma as she's first known. The pages within this book come to life, the characters moving before you like you are really there, learning of Isaiah, Hephzibah,Yaira,Hezekiah and all the happenings of Jerusalem.

Seeing all that young Ishma went through, really tugged at my heart. Watching her grow with Hezekiah was an experience I won't soon forget. I felt all of Zibah's feelings, all her pain and love for the Father. I cried when Isaiah and his wife adopted Zibah, I cried when Hezekiah and Zibah fell in love, I cried when I reached the end of this amazing novel.

This book is a book of true love. Of sacrificial love. Of a love that will never end, both within family, even if it's not blood family, and the never ending love of our amazing Father above. This story is utterly heartbreaking, yet it's heart-reviving. It is rich in detail, it is throroughly researched, and it's stitched perfectly together like that of a beautiful handmade quilt.

Ms. Andrews has gone beyond 5 stars with this book. This book is so much more than just that. If you want a book that will carry you away to a land, and a time, that we've only read about in the Bible and imagined with our minds and hearts, then this is a book for you. If you want a book that steals your mind, and soul long after you've shut the book, then this is for you. If you want a book that will leave you contemplating all you've learned in Bible study, then please, look no further than the first book in a Biblical series that is sure to be a best seller.
 
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
The Art Therapy Colouring Book
The Art Therapy Colouring Book
Hannah Davies | 2014 | Art, Photography & Fashion
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Doodle and colour your stress away!

See <a href="https://hazelstainer.wordpress.com/2016/02/12/art-therapy-an-anti-stress-colouring-book/">here</a>; and <a href="https://hazelstainer.wordpress.com/2016/04/01/a-middle-fingers-perspective/">here</a>; for image examples:

I was given a copy of this colouring book, Art Therapy, for Christmas a couple of years ago, before they became the latest craze. It was not until during the past half a year that I seriously got into colouring. Some people scoff and ridicule the idea that colouring can relieve stress, however, in my experience, it really can!

This particular book contains drawings from three different illustrators: Hannah Davies, Richard Merritt and Cindy Wilde; however you would not know it as all the pages are a similar style. The images range from animals, flowers and objects, to basic and complicated patterns.

With hundreds of colouring books to choose from, what makes Art Therapy, and others from the same series, different from the rest? Firstly, most of the patterns have been started for you. Some people may argue this is a negative point, yet I find it quite useful. I use the starting colours as a theme to stick to throughout the page (see above for examples). I like structure and rule following therefore this is a great book for me. Secondly, the book is split into to halves: images and patterns to colour in, and unfinished images and patterns. The second part of the book allows the owner of the book to finish the outlines of the colouring pages however they wish before colouring them in. This helps to nurture and develop illustration skills. I have not attempted these pages yet as I am moving through the book methodically (I did say I like structure and rule following!), I will post examples at a later date.

The paper quality is extremely good, a lot better than many other colouring books I have come across. Even though I do not use them (I only use pencils), this book should be suitable for felt tip pens – although I would avoid Sharpies, they go through everything!

Now the downside… it is a hardback. Not the easiest to colour in with it on your lap whilst watching television (although I manage some how). I have only completed 21 pages so far and I am already worried that it is going to fall apart. Having said that, the other day I noticed that The Works were selling a paper back version! Perhaps invest in that format if you are thinking of buying this book.
  
The Vampire went to Georgia
The Vampire went to Georgia
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I really have to say that as much as I loved this book and this series, that I found the final battle a little anticlimactic. I was really hoping for more, and even though I did hope for more, I wasn't entirely disappointed. In this 216 page book, I think I cried for a third of it. I have to say that even with a few things I would have loved to see differently, that the overall book was amazing.



First, to see everything that we only got glimpses at before to unfold, was amazing. To learn how some of the characters who seemed to just be filler to hold such an important role in saving the world was truly inspiring. I think my favorite part was learning how Death himself had changed because of Pandora and her lover, as well as how Scarlett and Tenebris were stronger in this world together than Tenebris had been in other worlds by herself. I have to say that the love that Death had for his daughters Scarlett and Tenebris. had been touching and surprisingly difficult to understand when he was asking so much from them. But it wasn't just his love that made you smile and feel all warm and fuzzy, it was the love of all those around them as well. To willingly sacrifice yourself for someone is a huge deal and there were plenty of sacrificing in this book that kept your heart bleeding. However, I have to say, it was what definitely made me not want to stop reading.



This kind of thing reminds me of a saying that states if you love someone truly, then you have to be willing to let go of them. Everyone in this book had loved Scarlett so much, they were willing to do whatever it took, even if it broke her down to nothing. I hated seeing her hurt that way but the strength while dealing with it all and how she was determined to be strong and prove what everyone was saying in times to be false, was just truly amazing. Even though I felt like my own heart was being ripped out, I could see how all the betrayals and pains of the previous books helped her cope and deal with the impending battle, whether or not that I felt she deserved any of it.



Even though love and romance was spread through the series, the romance was heavily lacked in this book. Which made is extremely serious. Though you knew who loved who and it was stated in their appropriate times, the book just didn't have all the romantic drama the others had. It seemed to be too serious at times and I would have loved some comedy or that romantic air to it to help break up all the seriousness that the book seemed to drag on about. Not saying the seriousness ruined the book. It just seemed to end slightly anticlimactic compared to what you were being led to believe would happen. Which would have to be the biggest complaint I had. This next part WILL have spoilers and I apologize for that, but it may save you from feeling let down. If you don't wish to read the spoilers, you can skip to the final paragraph.



When you first learn of how War and Scarlett and Tenebris are connected and how there will be a battle between War nd Scarlett, who is the shell that holds Tenebris and ground the chaotic being, you find yourself excited for the battle. However, at the end, during the face off, Death grants the girls one last gift and suddenly War just pretty much gives up. Don't get me wrong, if I had to fight the dragon Scarlett and Tenebris transformed into, I would be ready to throw in the towel, but still, Tenebris was supposed to be War's right hand woman and to see her standing by Death should have been the rage enough to lead that woman into battle. This is War after all. But no the Horseman pretty much just gives up and allows herself to die. To me, not having the battle and making it end in such a way was disheartening and I am quite upset over it. I was moved to tears all the way up until this point and now I can't even get the action I felt I needed to be okay with the prior actions of characters. Needless to say, the fight scene wasn't all that it could have been.



I would rate this book 3 stars out of 5 stars because as much as I loved crying at certain parts and we were able to learn more about a few of the beloved characters and so on, the ending wasn't all that it was chalked up to be. It was a huge let down, in my opinion. The series overall was amazing and besides the ending I would just make a few changes, like maybe adding the novellas into the books that they belong before or after, instead of leaving a note before a book about a novella being needed for that book. And maybe making the ending have slightly more action. I would rate the series overall, 4 stars out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone into the paranormal romance and adventure scene with a bit of mystery in it.
  
The Prisoner of Second Avenue (1975)
The Prisoner of Second Avenue (1975)
1975 | Classics, Comedy
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
This is a comedy?
Okay, let me start by saying I love Neil Simon movies.The Odd Couple ranks up there in my top 10. I love the Out-of-Towners, love Murder By Death, the Sunshine Boys & many of his other films. In fact, I can say I liked every one of his movies I have ever seen. This being said, I went into watching Prisoner thinking it would be a laugh-out-loud comedy. Instead, the movie borders on full-blown drama. Sure, there are quick one-liners thrown out from Jack Lemmon towards Anne Bancroft, but these seem more like insults than zingers. Throughout the film, every line I knew was supposed to be funny made me crack a smile, but there are no burst out laughing jokes.

I guess we're supposed to feel sorry for Mel Edison & his wife. But, instead I find him to over-react at every little thing. He's a weak little man who probably deserves a lot more than he got. You feel more sorry for his wife for having to put up with him. Then later on, when the roles are reversed, you could care less about either character. The funniest parts of the movie have to do with the radio announcements made throughout the film. But 5 or 6 of these cannot hold this film together as a comedy.

It's not a bad film, & it was somewhat enjoyable to watch. The acting by Lemmon & Bancroft is top notch. But it's just not funny enough.
  
BlacKkKlansman (2018)
BlacKkKlansman (2018)
2018 | Biography, Comedy, Crime
A little bit late to the party on this one because of the staggered release, but I just managed to squeeze it into August.

Firstly I want to say that it's a very interesting story. But the 2 hour 15 minute-ish runtime felt like every second of it. With it being so interesting I'm not really sure how the time didn't go faster.

I don't know all the technical things about filming choices, but it didn't feel very consistent to me and I'm not really sure why. During Ture's speech there were several cuts to silhouetted faces from the crowd. I can see the choice to have the reactions from the crowd, but this style was completely different to the rest of the film and didn't feel like it fit in at all.

You really get the sense of contrast as the two groups hold their meetings. Listening to them chanting together, and yet on opposite ends of the spectrum, was a very powerful moment in the movie.

Before going into a movie I head over to Twitter to confirm to everyone that I don't have a life and that I am indeed at the cinema again. I search for the hashtag, tweet and then get back to the ads and trailers I've seen a million times. This time though I accidentally read that the ending would leave me reeling. The movie will make you think, but there's no way to describe how the news footage at the end will effect you.
  
Coming To Colorado (Colorado Protectors #4)
Coming To Colorado (Colorado Protectors #4)
Sara York | 2015 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I can quite honestly say, right from the start, that this is my favourite book so far in the series.

Some things are dealt with and finished, some things are starting new, stories are changing and so are circumstances. There are the usual miscommunications that happen but, refreshingly, they aren't between the two main characters. Instead, it is one of the main characters and his dad. Both of them are trying to protect the other, absolutely positive that the other one just wouldn't agree with what they are doing.

This is an action-packed and intense storyline and I loved how Davis and Ryan come together. They both admit they feel something but it's not insta-love. They are prepared to take their time and find out about each, once circumstances have slowed down some, although they are both sure that this is IT. This made for such an excellent change, I loved it! And I also have to agree with Marshall when he says "See what I mean?" Marshal said. "You all see that, right? Hell, you two - f**k, I need some water."

I loved this book and how you spend time with each of them at the beginning. Fast-paced and full of action, definitely the best in my opinion.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 10, 2015
  
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Merissa (13765 KP) rated The Stone God (Indulgence #1) in Books

May 26, 2021 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)  
The Stone God (Indulgence #1)
The Stone God (Indulgence #1)
Erin Kellison | 2021 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE STONE GOD is the first book in the Indulgence series, where Gods walk the land and play their games, but cars, trains, machine guns, mobiles, and even condoms also live!

Terah has moved to the house she inherited so she can get her life back together again. Some peace sounds very good to her. Instead, a shrine is washed up (literally) and she is charged with taking care of it. Her life changes, in ways too many to mention. Although this is in the Romance genre, at this stage I honestly don't know who is the main male (although I have my own idea) - and I love that!

The pacing is fast and there is a lot that happens. Terah grows immeasurably in this story and still remains true to herself. She is prepared to help the Gods as long as they help her and had better not get in her way. If there were any editing or grammatical errors, I have to say I missed them, being engrossed in the story as I was.

There are pieces scattered all over the board by the end, and I honestly can't wait for book two to see where they will end up. A fantastic story that had me gripped from beginning to end. Absolutely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 26, 2021
  
Perilous Cuties (Bucket List Buddies #1)
Perilous Cuties (Bucket List Buddies #1)
JP Sayle, Lisa Oliver | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
PERILOUS CUTIES is the first book in the new Bucket List Buddies series, and we get an introduction and ending from Remy and Sven, who are on the Bucket List Buddies business side of things. This time, though, it's time for Hector and Morty to meet. Hector is a warthog shifter, which a despicable sperm carrier and an under-the-thumb father, and Morty is a meerkat shifter with a found family, after his original one disowned him for being gay.

These two together? My heart! I loved them. Hector's mother had browbeaten him for years, so when he finally stood up to her, it was outstanding. There was another surprise yet to come though, and I won't say anything that might ruin it. Morty's heart is definitely in the right place and has some exceedingly wise words of wisdom for Hector about other people's opinions.

This was a fast-paced novel that I read in one sitting, simply because I couldn't put it down. I loved everything about their romance and hope we see more of them in future stories, so I can see how they're getting on.

Absolutely loved it and definitely recommend this book. I hope to return to this world very soon!

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
 
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 7, 2025
  
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Josh Burns (166 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of The Bellows in Video Games

Jun 21, 2019  
The Bellows
The Bellows
2016 | Horror
Decent scares (1 more)
Accessable to nongamers
Dated character models (0 more)
Can you handle this VR haunted house simulator?
The Bellows was an early psvr horror experience that had a mixed to negative reception. It wasn't as "gamey" as most people expected, and it's also quite short. That being said, going into knowing what it is, I liked it. It's basically a VR haunted house that you walk through. It has a creepy atmosphere and some good jump scares (which are way more fun in VR). It's not something you'll play over and over, maybe when Halloween rolls around each year, but there is another big positive to this game. Something that makes it a must have if you like horror that even my beloved Here They Lie, or the acclaimed Resident Evil 7 (aside from the demos) doesn't have. Given it's short length, simple mechanics of... pretty much just walking, anyone can play it, making it a fantastic pass the headset game with friends. You can shut off the tv so no one sees what the player sees so everyone has the same surprises. I cannot say enough how fun it is to watch others get scared in VR. And finally, it has a very cheap price tag.
  
Hello! Hometown Heroes
Hello! Hometown Heroes
Toni Armier | 2021 | Children
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
You are looking to introduce your child or children to your hometown heroes in your neighborhood. Well, “Hello! Hometown Heroes” helps to introduce these heroes that could be into your community. These heroes are just ordinary people.

This book is inclusive and represents any child or children; It could be anyone’s neighborhood. The book is a gentle rhyming book. It is suitable for young readers to enjoy and learn to read. The books are ideal for toddlers to hold as the book thickness stands made of a strong board book.

I enjoyed the pictures as they are colorful and enjoyable to look at. This book takes you on a tour of the neighborhood. Meet different heroes throughout the book. You can be heroes to be kind and friendly to your neighbors and say hello. Can your child or children tell you who are heroes in your hometown? Who do you think is a hometown hero in your neighborhood? I believe there are many. Some mentioned in this book are firefighters, teachers, and construction workers. Maybe a librarian is a hometown hero for you or your child. Toddlers can hold and look at this book as well. It is a sturdy book for all children, from toddlers to young readers.