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Kate (482 KP) rated Now You See Her in Books

Mar 21, 2020  
Now You See Her
Now You See Her
Heidi Perks | 2018 | Mystery, Thriller
8
8.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Twist I didn't see coming. (0 more)
Weirdly enough I liked the end of this book as I could never of gone guessed it. I am usually quite good at guessing 'who done it' but this one I never guessed.
The story did jump from past to present alot but it wasn't hard to follow. I enjoyed getting both sides of the story as I managed to get a feel for the characters and how they were feeling. It also made the story link together well. I felt sorry for both Charlotte and Harriett equally.
Harriett grew throughout the book and Charlotte seemed to withdraw throughout the book and was as an effect of what they were going through.
If there was a second book then I would purchase this.
  
You Got My Heart - Single by Charlotte Morris
You Got My Heart - Single by Charlotte Morris
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Charlotte Morris is a singer-songwriter based in New York. Not too long ago, she released a lovely sunshine-pop tune, entitled, “You Got My Heart”.

“I don’t always know what I wanna say when I look at you. And every time I think that I’ve made up my mind, you do something new. When I spend the whole day wondering if you’re ever gonna call, you never do. But as soon as I decide that I’m walking away, then I hear from you.” – lyrics

‘You Got My Heart’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who is head-over-heels in love with a guy who she shares a long-distance relationship with.

But she wants to know if her beau loves her the same way how she loves him. Also, the answer to that question kinda bothers her deep down to her soul.

Later, she admits that she doesn’t know if their relationship will last because she doesn’t know if she really has him as a committed partner.

‘You Got My Heart’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and guitar-driven instrumentation flavored with sentimental elements.

“‘You Got My Heart’ is a sunshine-pop take on the struggles of long-distance relationships. This isn’t your typical summer song about falling in love, but it has the upbeat, bop-along groove while expressing something that can be difficult to face. Instead of wallowing in a sad ballad, this became my pump up jam as I figured out where to go next. ‘You Got My Heart’ is a great song for summer, windows-down road trips, and anyone looking to find the silver lining in a less-than-ideal situation.” – Charlotte Morris

Charlotte Morris draws inspiration from many of her favorite artists including Delta Rae, Brandi Carlile, Christina Perri, and folk legends like Peter, Paul and Mary, and Simon & Garfunkel.

Her songs, which are mostly auto-biographical, also reflect her years in the theatre. Also, when she’s not writing and releasing music, Charlotte can be seen performing in theatrical productions across the country, playing with dogs, and eating cheese.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/charlotte-morris-you-got-my-heart/
  
Long Shot (2019)
Long Shot (2019)
2019 | Comedy
Seth Rogen is NOT a movie star
I am a little shocked this did not do better and I would like to apologize to the filmmakers for posting this review 2 weeks late and not generating word-of-mouth. Long Shot is a comedic romance (romantic comedies are love stories with comedic moments where as this is a laugh out loud comedy with a little romance) between schlub Seth Rogen and glamorous Charlize Theron.
The introductions clearly favor Charlotte who is film in a Audrey Hepburn glamour lighting as she negotiates world politics with barely a moment for herself. She can't even take a bath without compromising. Fred is shown in a dark pallette as he infiltrates a neo-Nazi organization for his boutique periodical. He is a Neil Sheehanesque investigative journalist living in Brooklyn so committed to his ideals he is impervious to physical pain along with the emotional weight he carries fot idealism. When Fred quits in protest of a media mogul buyout of his ezine, his best friend takes him tona fundraiser where Secretary of State Charlotte Field is. Twenty years ago, Charlotte lived next to Fred in Washington and babysat him. He was mesmerized by her passion and she had a tiny crush on the sweet boy next door. After their reintroduction and a focus group evaluation, Charlotte realizes she may need the writing skills Fred possesses and without a job Fred takes a position.
Long Shot takes pot shots at the pressure of a woman in politics who has to work twice as hard as a man and is judged much more harshly if she is unattached. Fred learns that compromise is not an all or nothing affair whether in politics, the boardroom, or the bedroom. Overall, a highly entertaining romance with a little bit of a Notting Hill conclusion.
  
The Witch's Kind
The Witch's Kind
Louisa Morgan | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I absolutely loved, loved, LOVED this book! The title and cover are a bit deceiving but this novel is reminiscent of Manhattan Beach. The strength and bond of the women in this book is inspiring. Aunt Charlotte might be my favorite character ever! Resilience and courage during wartime was found in many forms. This one was marvelous. One of my favorite books of the year!
  
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Erika (17788 KP) rated Kindred (2020) in Movies

Jul 10, 2021  
Kindred (2020)
Kindred (2020)
2020 | Drama, Horror, Mystery
Kindred is a psychological thriller/horror about the reluctantly pregnant Charlotte (Tamara Lawrance) after her boyfriend, Ben (Edward Holcroft), dies in a workplace accident. After this accident, Charlotte is taken in by Ben’s mother (Fiona Shaw), and creepy stepbrother, Thomas (Jack Lowden). They proceed to basically torture her and question her sanity.

Prior to the accident, Charlotte and Ben visit the decrepit family home to announce they’re moving to Australia for a new start. It obviously did not go over well. After this visit, Charlotte finds out she’s pregnant, and that news gets passed around the small town, and that's how Ben finds out. Charlotte expresses that she doesn’t necessarily want the baby, but it was pretty much brushed aside – red flag, RUN GIRL!

This is when the main portion of the film begins, and they take her in under the guise of taking care of her and the baby. It was pretty obvious the only reason they took care of her, because she was the incubator for the grandchild.

This was basically a 21st Century version of Gaslight (1940/1944). The film wasn’t necessarily unique, and the ending was as expected. As always with films now, it’s about the journey, since you already know the end. There was very heavy-handed symbolism with the crow, which for me, began to get a little tedious, but I understood why it was there.

Full disclosure, I only watched the film because Jack Lowden was in it. I figured, if it’s not good, at least there was someone pretty to look at. As I watched this, I asked myself, is Thomas just a really beautiful dummy who constantly announces he’s making lunch? Hmm.

Tamara Lawrance was great in the film, she was compelling, and you did hope that she would be successful in escaping from the creepy family, and wallpaper-peeling house. Also, I liked that she correctly portrayed the serious frustration of expressing concern to doctors and other medical personnel, and not being taken seriously because the issues are related to female reproductive organs.

My curiosity was what made me keep watching, but I wasn’t necessarily completely engaged the entire time. The tension didn’t really stay the entire time. Although I did have the issues with the predictability, I did still surprising like the film. I’m glad I didn’t let it Rest in Peace in my Hulu watchlist graveyard.
  
A Study in Charlotte (Charlotte Holmes, #1)
A Study in Charlotte (Charlotte Holmes, #1)
Brittany Cavallaro | 2016 | Mystery, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.2 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
If you’re a fan of re-tellings then you will love A Study in Charlotte, a contemporary novel that follows the lives of a new generation of Sherlock and Holmes. Jamie Watson’s life is turned upside down when he is sent to a boarding school in Connecticut that just so happens to be close to his father’s house. The same man that got remarried and Jamie hasn’t spoken to in years. Despite his protests Jamie finds himself at this new school and longing for London. The one bright spot? Charlotte Holmes, whose accent makes him feel like home and won’t give him the time of day. As the only Holmes around his age, Jamie has been dreaming about Charlotte since he learned her name. He wonders what she looks like and imagines blonde hair, creating fantastic stories in his head of their crime solving adventure and friendship reminiscent of the original Sherlock and Holmes. His dreams aren’t exactly grounded in reality and it turns out that she has dark hair, but he’s not fazed. He manages to become friendly, if not friends with Holmes.

Charlotte and Jamie are wonderful, contemporary versions of their counterparts with familiar attributes while still being their own unique characters. Charlotte has a problem with narcotics, plays the violin and can usually be found with her beakers and test tubes (hopefully not blowing anything up). Jamie wants to be a writer, is a decent rugby player (despite what his scholarship might lead you to believe) and is braver than he thinks. Their best-friendship is appealing and realistic, despite Charlotte’s unique outlook on how to treat other human beings. You fall in love with the characters, whether you relate to Charlotte, Jamie, a little of both, or maybe one of the other supporting characters – you’ll find yourself enjoying this novel.

Each character even has a well thought out backstory that we learn more about throughout the course of the novel. What events and mistakes lead to Charlotte being sent to a boarding school in Connecticut when she should be in England? If a Moriarty and narcotics are involved, then you know it’s going to be intense – especially when the famous crime family isn’t particularly forgiving. Jamie’s story is less thrilling but no less important to his character. Not everyone is as they appear, some have secrets, some don’t always make the best choices, but it all drives the story forward. The book is full of poison, explosions, spying, chases and other staples of great mysteries.

The book has a lot of nods to classic Sherlock and Watson adventures and sometimes outright mentions them. As a huge Sherlock fan, from the classic novels of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to the modern BBC creation – this book was perfection. I loved how it felt like a new story featuring some of my favourite characters and it kept you guessing until the end. The action and plot were well paced, allowing the story to unfold like a mystery should. Don’t worry, Moriarty’s were included in the writing of this story.

Highly recommended to young adult/teen fans of mystery, contemporary, or the classic Sherlock Holmes novels. I fell in love with this series and can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
  
PT
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
TV investigative reporter Charlotte "Charlie" McNally is trying to find a great story for November sweeps. And it might have just landed in her lap with a tip from the widow of an apparent suicide. The story started rather slowly, but once it got going, I couldn't put it down.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-prime-time-by-hank.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
FT
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
TV investigative reporter Charlotte "Charlie" McNally has been given the scoop of a lifetime - a woman in prison for murder is innocent, even though she confessed. But can Charlie prove it without the woman's help? The pacing was uneven, but I loved spending more time around these characters.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-face-time-by-hank-phillippi.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
My Plain Jane: The Lady Janies Book 2
My Plain Jane: The Lady Janies Book 2
Jodi Meadows, Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance
9
8.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was an entertaining riff on Jane Eyre. As with the first book in the 'Lady Janies' trilogy, there are three main characters that cycle through the chapters. I liked that Charlotte Bronte herself was one of the narrators. It followed fairly closely to the original in the beginning, with a few deviations, as would be expected. It was largely predictable, but I didn't mind because I was entertained.
  
The Last of August introduces us to even more members of the Holmes and Moriarty families. After being framed for murder, what other trouble could Charlotte and Jamie possibly get themselves into? You’d be surprised. Charlotte and Jamie decide to spend Christmas break together in Europe. First, they visit Jamie’s mom where Charlotte gets to experience a more normal family life. Then, they travel to the Holmes manor in Sussex which is much less welcoming and far more confusing. Charlotte’s father, Alistair is imposing, her mother Emma questions Jamie’s motives, and her brother Milo rarely leaves his flat in Berlin. Charlotte’s family is not particularly warm and friendly, so it’s a welcome change when Jamie meets his father’s best friend and Charlotte’s Uncle Leander Holmes. Leander is sociable and kind, more comfortable at parties than the other members of his family and frequently hired to discover art crime/forgeries.

Their uneventful break ends suddenly when Leander disappears mysteriously and Charlotte’s mother is poisoned. These events set Charlotte and Jamie on a whirlwind adventure across Europe to discover the truth. They are joined by August Moriarty, to Jamie’s dismay and a contingent of Milo’s hired grunts. August is likable even though he is a Moriarty and we’re not always sure if we can trust him. We are introduced to his brother Hadrian and his sister Philippa, but not the more ruthless Lucien. I expect he will be the “big bad” for the third book, if not his parents so the reveal and development of their characters will wait until then.

Overall, the mystery and plot of this book were just as interested as the first in the series. There isn’t much else to add without spoilers, so just go read it. Highly recommended to young adult/teen fans of mystery, contemporary, or the classic Sherlock Holmes novels. I fell in love with this series and can’t wait to see how the series is concluded.