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Sand & Mistletoe
Sand & Mistletoe
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sand and Mistletoe… two things that ordinarily do not go together but in signature Chautona Havig style they somehow go together perfectly. This book is a stand-alone that does have a Christmas theme; however, I think it can be enjoyed year-round.

From the beginning, I was sucked into Porta and Reece’s story. It was realistic, filled with sarcasm, wit, and self-reflection. I felt like I got to really know the characters and their personalities throughout the book and I got to watch them grow. Which is a big plus in my book. I also enjoyed how Chautona Havig incorporated so much about the deaf culture and how she conveyed ASL conversations seamlessly into the storyline it was interesting to read. Reese’s son Duncan was fun and a great addition to the array of characters in this book. I loved the big family atmosphere and enjoyed the typical family arguments/emotions through the book, as they added a very realistic bent to the book.

Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creative storyline, fun twists, and great characters. Now I am ready to go to the beach for Christmas too! Thanks, Chautona Having
  
Trouble Blows West by Monique Bucheger grabbed my attention from the very first chapter (just read it and you will find out why!) and kept me hooked throughout the story. This story is geared toward 4th-6th grade age persons, yet it still was fun for me to read. I liked the simple dialogue mixed with the tough issues. It reminded me of the Christy Miller series by Robin Jones Gunn only geared towards a younger audience. The main topic of bullying was covered gracefully; although I do wish the dad or teachers had more formally explained why counteracting bullying physically is not really the way to handle the situation, as this book is geared towards an impressionable audience. Otherwise, it was all very interesting, and I really enjoyed the overall storyline and I am looking forward to reading more about Ginny’s adventures!

I definitely recommend this book to kids (or young adults) looking for something light and fun to read. 4 out of 5 stars for the creative characters, the relevant themes, and for keeping me interested until the end.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
The Haunting (1999)
The Haunting (1999)
1999 | Horror, Mystery
5
5.8 (16 Ratings)
Movie Rating
The CGI (0 more)
Hill House
The Haunting- doesnt live up to the oringal, now thats with most horror remakes, and this is one of them. Liam Neeson and Lili Taylor did a good job. Why cast owen wilson, he does nothing in the film but just say "wow". Catherine Zeta-Jones was just there.

The plot: This horror tale focuses on visitors to the secluded mansion of Hill House who have been called to the isolated location by Dr. David Marrow (Liam Neeson) as part of a study on insomnia. However, Marrow is really investigating fear, and he plans to scare the subjects, including the introverted Nell (Lili Taylor) and the seductive Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones). Unfortunately for Marrow and everyone staying at Hill House, the manor is actually haunted by an evil spirit out to torment its guests.

Steven Spielberg talked to Stephen King about doing a haunted house movie, and the two agreed that Robert Wise's 1963 film "The Haunting" was a benchmark of cinematic house horror, but after they started writing, the two had creative differences. Spielberg agreed with King's idea to use the real-life Winchester Mystery House, in San Jose, California, as a source of inspiration.

Just watch the oringal.
  
Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
2021 | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Steppenwolf and Darkseid are cool as hell (2 more)
Cyborg's story is the most worthwhile
Outstanding special effects
The film is way too long for its own good (2 more)
Moments feel excruciatingly slow between action sequences
The film teases what will likely never come to fruition
Zack Snyder’s Justice League Review: A Visually Compelling Drag Of A Director’s Cut
Zack Snyder’s version of Justice League feels like too much of a good thing. He has creative control here, but its execution is this fan devoted emptiness with no real destination in mind. The superhero film is a slow three hour slog to its final fourth hour where all of its best and most entertaining action sequences lie. Cyborg redeems himself as a character, but everyone else fails to really establish their own identity. At least Aquaman gets to surf on a Parademon during a free fall though, right? Justice League is now darker, more adult, and longer with better special effects. Whether it’s a worthwhile experience that can be viewed in one sitting is something each and every viewer will have to decide for him or herself.

Full review here: https://boundingintocomics.com/2021/03/18/zack-snyders-justice-league-review-a-visually-compelling-drag-of-a-directors-cut/
  
Thick Skin by Tia Gostelow
Thick Skin by Tia Gostelow
2019 | Indie
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Album Rating
2018 was a tremendous year for Tia Gostelow as her debut album Thick Skin was received with incredible warmth all over the globe - including a Triple J album feature, serious global play-listing, sold-out shows, and invitations to perform at music festivals all over the world. Her single Strangers also just clicked over 2 million streams on Spotify.

Tia wrote her debut single State Of Art in 2015 when she was only 16 years old. The song caught the attention of producer Konstantin Kersting and they recorded it together at Airlock Studios in Brisbane - this was the start of a creative relationship that has carried through to the recording process for Thick Skin. Tia describes her new song Get To It as representing a new mindset for her, where she no longer allows fear to hold her back. With a dedicated band behind her, she is ready to write the next chapter in the story of her success, as their songs continue to resonate with fans in Australia, and around the world. Get To It, the latest from Tia Gostelow, is a wistful look back at life, as we look for which memories are worth keeping and which way to go now.
  
American Homemaker
American Homemaker
John Kaine | 2018 | Mystery, Thriller
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Desperate Housewives meets American Horror Story!
Kim Loomis: American homemaker, social media star, and mortician (alongside her husband, Norman). Unfortunately for Kim, people in her small town just aren't dying quickly enough, so she needs to get...creative.

Melody Morgan: Contract killer on the brink of retirement, or so she thinks. She mistakenly kills a cartel's money man (oops) and is dealing with the fallout.

These are very broad strokes, so as not to spoil anything. There's SO much more going on throughout the story. The other members of the Homemakers Association of Vermont (Brooke, Paige, and Megan) all have their own...issues, let's call them. Are any of these women particularly likable? No, not at all, but for me at least, that didn't take away from the story.
I got an absolute kick out of this book!
(Side note: This may be because I've been watching Why Women Kill (CBS All Access) - although there is WAY more killing happening in this book than on that show. Also, if you're not watching it, why not?)

Fun, smart, and sharply written, American Homemaker has definitely earned its place among my favorite books of the year.

Thank you to the author and BookishFirst for the free copy!