In Defense of the Princess: How Plastic Tiaras and Fairytale Dreams Can Inspire Smart, Strong Women
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It's no secret that most girls, at some point, love all things princess: the poofy dresses, the...
Beholden (The Fairest Maiden #1)
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In a land where being the fairest maiden is a curse . . . A beautiful noblewoman with a terrible...
Teens Young adult Medevial era Knights Princes Queen
The Stepsister Scheme (Princess #1)
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You know how all those old fairy talea take you through lots of scary adventures till you finally...
Ash and Bramble
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The tale of Cinderella has been retold countless times. But what you know is not the true story....
Of Glass And Ashes
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They say a dream is a wish your heart makes, but what happens when you’re trapped in nightmares? ...
Merissa (12511 KP) rated The Prince's Runaway Lover (Men of the Zodiac #7) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
This book is delightful, a modern-day fairy tale. I love the references to Cinderella and midnight coming. If you want a book that is full of romance, enough to satisfy my sappy heart, then I can definitely recommend this one. It is well-written and has a smooth-flowing plot. You hope they will get their HEA but you're kept guessing right to the end. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
* 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 14, 2015
Merissa (12511 KP) rated The Castle of Thorns in Books
Nov 1, 2021
This is a sometimes dark story with plenty of death before Knorren realises the error of his ways. Gisela also has a couple of sisters that really should be in Cinderella rather than this story! Jana is sweet with her, but she still coddles Gisela, making her think she is weaker than she is.
Some of the supporting characters didn't do anything for me and actually left me wondering what their purpose was. It is fast-paced, especially near the end when it wraps up with a hop, skip, and a jump.
This was an enjoyable read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Selection in Books
Aug 10, 2022
Kindle
The Selection ( Book 1)
By Kiera Cass
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
I absolutely loved it!! I can’t begin to describe how much I loved this book. The world building and social standings were well written. The characters are all interesting. The story is so good it kept me wanting to read more. This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be reading more! A real Cinderella feel!
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Cinderella Man (2005) in Movies
Aug 14, 2019
In the new film Cinderella Man Academy Award winner Russell Crowe stars as Jim Braddock in one of the most satisfying films in recent memory. Down and almost out, Braddock struggles to provide for his wife Mae (Renee Zellweger), and his three children. A series of hand injuries has forced Jim to resort to fighting in pick up fights, as he is unable to find work as a laborer.
Things go from bad to worse for Jim when he breaks a bone in his hand and is unable to provide entertainment for those in a local boxing match which results in the suspension of his boxing license. With his electricity turned off in the dead of winter, and his children coughing from the effects of the cold, Jim is forced to hide his injury and seek work as a day laborer to get by.
As Jim and Mae debate sending the kids to her sister in order to better provide for them, a ray of hope arises when Jim’s old manger Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti), says he has arranged a fight with a $250 payday.
Since Jim’s hand has healed, he takes the fight seeing it as a chance to get caught up on his bills. Fate steps in when in a shocking turnaround; Jim wins the fight via knock out, and captures the imagination of the local sports community. Before long, Jim is racking up win after win and improving his lot in life as he prepares for an unexpected title shot against the devastating and unbeaten Max Baer (Craig Bierko).
The fact that Baer has killed two men in the ring is a cause of great stress for Jim and Mae as she worries for the safety of her husband while Jim sees the fight as his chance to provide some financial security for his family.
Anyone who has seen the trailer can be sure that the big fight will take place, and that the underdog will find himself in a battle against overwhelming odds, but what makes Cinderella Man such a captivating film is the captivating human drama that propels the film. There have been many boxing films ranging from “Rocky” to “Raging Bull”, that have depicted the graphic action of the ring, but few have reached the depths of human drama that this film does. Jim is not looking for glory, he is simply looking to provide for his family the best way that he is able be it in the ring or hauling cargo at the docks.
Crowe is riveting as he is able to convey his characters plight to the audience without making it seem forced or heavy handed. Where Crowe truly shines is his ability to mix the emotional sequences of the film with the athletic and action filled ring sequences and not lose any of his character. Far too often actors fail to convince in one aspect when they try to mix drama and action, but Crowe easily transitions between the demands of the role proving again that he is the most gifted actor in Hollywood. The steady direction of Ron Howard keeps the film moving at a crisp pace, without allowing the story to become mired in sentiment.
The only real issue I had with the film is that the talented Zellweger is not given enough to do, as beyond doting for and worry about her family, she is not given much to do aside from stand by while the action occurs around her.
That being said Cinderella Man, is a triumph of film making, and should be a forced to contend with come Oscar season.
Walk Tall: The Music and Life of Julian Cannonball Adderley
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Cannonball Adderley introduces his 1967 recording of "Walk Tall", by saying, There are times when...