Search
Search results
Midge (525 KP) rated A Case of Bier in Books
Feb 14, 2019
An Enjoyable Cozy Mystery
An enjoyable, cute cozy mystery! This is the first book I have read by Mary Daheim and it won't be my last.
After a busy summer, Judith McMonigle Flynn desperately needs a holiday. Her thoughtful husband, Joe, surprises her with a trip to the Canadian Rockies. Thrilled to be getting away, Judith’s overjoyed when Cousin Renie and Bill agree to join them. Though the husbands have made the arrangements, how bad can a short time away in the beautiful mountains be? Judith and Renie are about to find out!
However, the other guests who are camping nearby, are rather strange and peculiar. They’ve gathered on the mountainside to give a relative a proper and permanent send-off, but Judith realises that paying their respects might be a little premature. It’s up to her and Renie to save a would-be corpse from an early date with death.
I really enjoyed the main character and her husband. There was a lot of good humour in this book, which helped with the cozy atmosphere and I loved the random approach they had when trying to solve the case.
A CASE OF BIER is entertaining and a fairly fast read, with a quick pace. I was able to follow the characters and their backgrounds without any problem, even though I haven't read any of the previous books in this series. I would like to read the other books since I enjoyed this one.
Thank you to Edelweiss, William Morrow and Mary Daheim for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.
After a busy summer, Judith McMonigle Flynn desperately needs a holiday. Her thoughtful husband, Joe, surprises her with a trip to the Canadian Rockies. Thrilled to be getting away, Judith’s overjoyed when Cousin Renie and Bill agree to join them. Though the husbands have made the arrangements, how bad can a short time away in the beautiful mountains be? Judith and Renie are about to find out!
However, the other guests who are camping nearby, are rather strange and peculiar. They’ve gathered on the mountainside to give a relative a proper and permanent send-off, but Judith realises that paying their respects might be a little premature. It’s up to her and Renie to save a would-be corpse from an early date with death.
I really enjoyed the main character and her husband. There was a lot of good humour in this book, which helped with the cozy atmosphere and I loved the random approach they had when trying to solve the case.
A CASE OF BIER is entertaining and a fairly fast read, with a quick pace. I was able to follow the characters and their backgrounds without any problem, even though I haven't read any of the previous books in this series. I would like to read the other books since I enjoyed this one.
Thank you to Edelweiss, William Morrow and Mary Daheim for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Eleanor & Park in Books
Feb 8, 2018
When Park first sees Eleanor get on the school bus, he cringes. Everything about her is wrong - her size, her hair, her clothes. He knows the other kids will pick on her immediately. But for some reason, he tells her to sit down next to him, despite knowing it will attract attention -- exactly what Park doesn't want. However, over time, Park and Eleanor forge an unlikely friendship-- attention be damned.
I feel like reviewing this book can't do it justice. This was a lovely, amazing, heartwarming, heartbreaking novel. Rowell does an unbelievable job of capturing adolescent love, relationships, and high school life. And not your typical YA cool kids, easy romance, where the protagonists "meet cute" and fall in love on Day 1. Park and Eleanor's friendship isn't easy, their relationship isn't easy: their lives aren't easy. Rowell portrays all of this beautifully, even if it's agonizing to read, without making it seem trite. Park and Eleanor are two of the most developed characters I've read about in ages. They leap off the pages, to the point where I wanted to adopt Eleanor and hug and befriend Park.
The book slowed a bit for me in the middle -- the creep of an adolescent relationship can be a bit rough -- but it's worth it. The ending is crushing, in many ways, and I would just about kill for a sequel, even though I can grudgingly probably admit it's best the way it ended. No matter what, a beautiful read-- so worth your time-- and one I'll be recommending to anyone I can find who hasn't read it yet.
I feel like reviewing this book can't do it justice. This was a lovely, amazing, heartwarming, heartbreaking novel. Rowell does an unbelievable job of capturing adolescent love, relationships, and high school life. And not your typical YA cool kids, easy romance, where the protagonists "meet cute" and fall in love on Day 1. Park and Eleanor's friendship isn't easy, their relationship isn't easy: their lives aren't easy. Rowell portrays all of this beautifully, even if it's agonizing to read, without making it seem trite. Park and Eleanor are two of the most developed characters I've read about in ages. They leap off the pages, to the point where I wanted to adopt Eleanor and hug and befriend Park.
The book slowed a bit for me in the middle -- the creep of an adolescent relationship can be a bit rough -- but it's worth it. The ending is crushing, in many ways, and I would just about kill for a sequel, even though I can grudgingly probably admit it's best the way it ended. No matter what, a beautiful read-- so worth your time-- and one I'll be recommending to anyone I can find who hasn't read it yet.
Dana (24 KP) rated Saga, Vol. 2 in Books
Mar 23, 2018
Here's another review that is 4.5 stars.
I love Alana's obsession with that book. I feel like that is me on the page because I do the same thing: push a book at people until they begrudgingly read it and then tell me to piss off. Well, except for Marco, he liked it, but everyone else was so exasperated with her, it was too real. I died laughing at the parts where she got over excited about it! And the backstory of how Marco and Alana met: so freaking cute, but still kinda scary in the fact that it's illegal as hell.
We get Marco's origin story! I loved seeing him as a wee little bab. SO adorable! I enjoyed getting to know Marco's past and his parents. They are very interesting because they show a lot more of the issues that are going on between the races in the war. It gives more insight into why the war is going on itself.
I also love Izabel. She is so sweet and sassy and cares about the trio. It was really cool that she got a lot more page time in this issue, which I appreciated.
I do like reading the other characters' story lines, but I'm not going to lie, I will always be more interested in the main characters, at least in this series. While everyone else is very compelling and have interesting aspects to their story, I felt like I was just trying to rush through their parts to be able to get to Hazel, Alana, and Marco.
I am still really excited to read more of the series!
I love Alana's obsession with that book. I feel like that is me on the page because I do the same thing: push a book at people until they begrudgingly read it and then tell me to piss off. Well, except for Marco, he liked it, but everyone else was so exasperated with her, it was too real. I died laughing at the parts where she got over excited about it! And the backstory of how Marco and Alana met: so freaking cute, but still kinda scary in the fact that it's illegal as hell.
We get Marco's origin story! I loved seeing him as a wee little bab. SO adorable! I enjoyed getting to know Marco's past and his parents. They are very interesting because they show a lot more of the issues that are going on between the races in the war. It gives more insight into why the war is going on itself.
I also love Izabel. She is so sweet and sassy and cares about the trio. It was really cool that she got a lot more page time in this issue, which I appreciated.
I do like reading the other characters' story lines, but I'm not going to lie, I will always be more interested in the main characters, at least in this series. While everyone else is very compelling and have interesting aspects to their story, I felt like I was just trying to rush through their parts to be able to get to Hazel, Alana, and Marco.
I am still really excited to read more of the series!
Gail (4 KP) rated Fever Pitch (Heavy Influence, #1.5) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
When Jake and Alyssa's virtual affair peaks while his band tours Europe, Alyssa decides it's Jake that she wants for her 18th birthday. She surprises everyone, including Jake, with a planned trip to London. After three years apart will it be everything they've both dreamed of? Alyssa is soon thrown into Jake's stardom, delicate family matters and a potential repeat of the past. I wanted to see them get back together and read how they continued to love each other no matter how hard everybody else was trying to keep them apart.
Though these two are older and mature. They seem to make some bad choices. Aly is able to make the decision to find Jake and renew their connection after three years of separation. The emotions are high and the love intense. This couple comes clashing together with so many emotions and ups and downs that your world spins. Aly may have grown but Jake hasn’t he is still so immature and dishonest. This story just gives us an update on how things are going with our couple. With them being separated. I don’t like Jake in this story he seems to love Aly strongly but doesn’t give her what she deserves.
Don’t come looking for a cute love story in this series. It will leave you hurting and wanting more. This is a preview of Broken Notes. It gives us something to look forward to while we wait for the next book. If you haven’t picked up any of these books you're missing out. The author gives so much in this series and I enjoyed every moment.
Though these two are older and mature. They seem to make some bad choices. Aly is able to make the decision to find Jake and renew their connection after three years of separation. The emotions are high and the love intense. This couple comes clashing together with so many emotions and ups and downs that your world spins. Aly may have grown but Jake hasn’t he is still so immature and dishonest. This story just gives us an update on how things are going with our couple. With them being separated. I don’t like Jake in this story he seems to love Aly strongly but doesn’t give her what she deserves.
Don’t come looking for a cute love story in this series. It will leave you hurting and wanting more. This is a preview of Broken Notes. It gives us something to look forward to while we wait for the next book. If you haven’t picked up any of these books you're missing out. The author gives so much in this series and I enjoyed every moment.
Gail (4 KP) rated The Game (Carolina Connections, #4) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
The Game by Sylvie Stewart
Four Stars
I liked this story a lot. Gavin was too cute with his boyish charm and looks. I thought it was really funny that he was the youngest in his group and that they called him Junior. I admired the way that he putted himself up after drowning in self pity for two years. He was doing everything he could to better himself. He wasn’t big headed or egotistical. He was so patient through it all and I know I wouldn’t have done the same. I would’ve blew up at Emmy for the things she did. Emmy was so hard working and hard so much strength. I didn’t understand how her dad couldn’t be proud of her. It sucks because even in 2017 we still have people like Emmy's dad. They only see people in status and careers. They don’t see that these people work just as hard and most times harder then themselves. Judging them by their background not by their actions. It’s a very sad thing when a daughter can’t be proud to take her man in front of her dad and receive his approval. I did think Emmy tried to hard to please her father. She put so much in getting his smiles and approval that she lacked a life and knowledge of relationships. Through some of the earlier chapters I didn’t really like her. She was so indecisive not really knowing what she wanted but having Gavin along anyway. Je was very mature in handling her doubts and rejections. The author did a really good job on this story and I cant wait to get the next one.
Four Stars
I liked this story a lot. Gavin was too cute with his boyish charm and looks. I thought it was really funny that he was the youngest in his group and that they called him Junior. I admired the way that he putted himself up after drowning in self pity for two years. He was doing everything he could to better himself. He wasn’t big headed or egotistical. He was so patient through it all and I know I wouldn’t have done the same. I would’ve blew up at Emmy for the things she did. Emmy was so hard working and hard so much strength. I didn’t understand how her dad couldn’t be proud of her. It sucks because even in 2017 we still have people like Emmy's dad. They only see people in status and careers. They don’t see that these people work just as hard and most times harder then themselves. Judging them by their background not by their actions. It’s a very sad thing when a daughter can’t be proud to take her man in front of her dad and receive his approval. I did think Emmy tried to hard to please her father. She put so much in getting his smiles and approval that she lacked a life and knowledge of relationships. Through some of the earlier chapters I didn’t really like her. She was so indecisive not really knowing what she wanted but having Gavin along anyway. Je was very mature in handling her doubts and rejections. The author did a really good job on this story and I cant wait to get the next one.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated The Frightened Little Flower Bud in Books
Jul 10, 2018
I don’t usually read Children’s Books. I used to love them when I was a kid, and of course, those were the books on which I learned how to read. Those are the stories that I will always remember with happiness in my heart and they will always have a special place in my heart.
I was lucky enough to win The Frightened Little Flower Bud on a giveaway from Booklikes, and I couldn’t be happier! This is a short, cute story about one flower, and the process of how it blooms.
Before it blooms, it has many fears as to what is going to happen, it fears that the sun will dry it, and the rain will drown it, and that it won’t be as beautiful as the other flowers out there.
It reminds me of the fears that us people have every day before we go out of the door. We fear this and that, without realising to enjoy our lives, and live them like they are our last. A perfect description of how fear and doubt can let us down, but also a perfect example of what happens when you actually get the courage and go out there, and realise that yes - you can be the prettiest flower out there.
I liked how there are questions at the end of the books, to engage the little readers after reading it. However, in all honesty, I believe that the images inside the books won’t keep a kid there for very long, and they might not be the most exiting this in the world.
I was lucky enough to win The Frightened Little Flower Bud on a giveaway from Booklikes, and I couldn’t be happier! This is a short, cute story about one flower, and the process of how it blooms.
Before it blooms, it has many fears as to what is going to happen, it fears that the sun will dry it, and the rain will drown it, and that it won’t be as beautiful as the other flowers out there.
It reminds me of the fears that us people have every day before we go out of the door. We fear this and that, without realising to enjoy our lives, and live them like they are our last. A perfect description of how fear and doubt can let us down, but also a perfect example of what happens when you actually get the courage and go out there, and realise that yes - you can be the prettiest flower out there.
I liked how there are questions at the end of the books, to engage the little readers after reading it. However, in all honesty, I believe that the images inside the books won’t keep a kid there for very long, and they might not be the most exiting this in the world.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Bonds of Fire in Books
Nov 14, 2018
I must say that I very much enjoyed this short story...as that's what it is...a short story, a VERY short story. There was so much packed into this novella that it definitely had the potential to be a full length novel. Even though things were a little crammed in I didn't feel that the romance elements were rushed in any way just that they weren't explored in very much depth. This is a M/M romance novella, however, it is very tame compared to a lot of other stories out there, especially when compared to some of the ones I have read before *blush*. There is no sex, nothing graphic or explicit, just a bit of flirting...perhaps a little kissing, but that's about it. The attraction between the male characters is very obvious and so if a man lusting after another man makes you feel a little queasy then definitely stay away from this one.
I enjoyed this story so much that I would not hesitate reading a sequel if it were to become available, perhaps even three installments that could be put together to make into a full length novel...just some suggestions there *hint* *hint*.
The story itself takes you, the reader, on a wonderful fantasy filled adventure...where there be DRAGONS! I love Dragons...any mystical creature fascinates me and this story has the 'cute' factor, little baby dragons, families made where humans and dragons are combined, love, friendship, compassion and an invitation to brand new, exciting worlds.
Highly recommended from me...I just wish it was longer.
I enjoyed this story so much that I would not hesitate reading a sequel if it were to become available, perhaps even three installments that could be put together to make into a full length novel...just some suggestions there *hint* *hint*.
The story itself takes you, the reader, on a wonderful fantasy filled adventure...where there be DRAGONS! I love Dragons...any mystical creature fascinates me and this story has the 'cute' factor, little baby dragons, families made where humans and dragons are combined, love, friendship, compassion and an invitation to brand new, exciting worlds.
Highly recommended from me...I just wish it was longer.
Great ideas for Christmas presents. Maybe I will be able to get ahead for next year!
There is nothing worse than starting a project and realising that you need 2 or 3 (or 4) skeins for that adorable baby blanket, or the cardigan that would be perfect for your nephew. One-Skein Wonders® solves that problem! One skein (granted some of the skeins are rather large) and that is all you need. From toys and blankets, to caps and sweaters. You are sure to love the adorable project bursting with color and creativity on every page!
If you are anything like me, you will be scrambling for the next few weeks crocheting like mad in order to get all of your projects done before Christmas Eve! Let me tell you, this book has 101 fun projects requiring only one skein. Mommy and Me Legwarmers and Tiny Tango Vest are a couple of my favorites. This will be the perfect pattern book to start your presents early for next year. This wonderful collection of patterns is put together very well! I wish had more time, because I would love to make a lot of the items in this book. The projects are very cute and the pictures depict them very well. The symbol key, abbreviations and glossary were very helpful and easy to understand. The patterns themselves have been designed with a lot of thought and are easy to understand.
I received a free digital copy of Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies from Storey Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
There is nothing worse than starting a project and realising that you need 2 or 3 (or 4) skeins for that adorable baby blanket, or the cardigan that would be perfect for your nephew. One-Skein Wonders® solves that problem! One skein (granted some of the skeins are rather large) and that is all you need. From toys and blankets, to caps and sweaters. You are sure to love the adorable project bursting with color and creativity on every page!
If you are anything like me, you will be scrambling for the next few weeks crocheting like mad in order to get all of your projects done before Christmas Eve! Let me tell you, this book has 101 fun projects requiring only one skein. Mommy and Me Legwarmers and Tiny Tango Vest are a couple of my favorites. This will be the perfect pattern book to start your presents early for next year. This wonderful collection of patterns is put together very well! I wish had more time, because I would love to make a lot of the items in this book. The projects are very cute and the pictures depict them very well. The symbol key, abbreviations and glossary were very helpful and easy to understand. The patterns themselves have been designed with a lot of thought and are easy to understand.
I received a free digital copy of Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies from Storey Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Melika Jeddi (1145 KP) rated The Brave Little Toaster (1987) in Movies
Nov 8, 2019
Adorable storyline (4 more)
Engaging characters
Surprisingly believable plot given the basic premise
Cute friendships
A strong message to children about loyalty and bravery
Animation style doesn't hold up to time (1 more)
Can be a bit boring and slow paced in places
Nostalgia For Dayssss
I want to give this a higher rating, I really do. If I was going on nostalgia alone then I would give it a 10 as I absolutely LOVED this movie as a kid, but rewatching as an adult just doesn't pack quite the same punch, as is the case with most of my childhood movies.
Having said that, I still think this is a really fun movie, and while I probably wouldn't stick on the DVD, I would definitely watch it if I saw it whilst flicking through channels.
The basic premise is that the old appliances left behind after the owners move house decide to travel across the country to find their 'master'. This means that we get an odd assortment of characters including a vacuum, an electric blanket, and of course the titular toaster. However, this movie animates them in such a way that you find yourself emotionally attached to the usually inanimate objects, and you fall in love with their unique personalities.
I won't put any spoilers, but the plot is pretty solid with plenty of obstacles for them to overcome, and the 'junkyard scene' is still one of the most powerful scenes of any cartoon in my opinion.
All in all, this is a great fun kids movie, and definitely worth a watch if you have the time.
Having said that, I still think this is a really fun movie, and while I probably wouldn't stick on the DVD, I would definitely watch it if I saw it whilst flicking through channels.
The basic premise is that the old appliances left behind after the owners move house decide to travel across the country to find their 'master'. This means that we get an odd assortment of characters including a vacuum, an electric blanket, and of course the titular toaster. However, this movie animates them in such a way that you find yourself emotionally attached to the usually inanimate objects, and you fall in love with their unique personalities.
I won't put any spoilers, but the plot is pretty solid with plenty of obstacles for them to overcome, and the 'junkyard scene' is still one of the most powerful scenes of any cartoon in my opinion.
All in all, this is a great fun kids movie, and definitely worth a watch if you have the time.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Five Feet Apart in Books
Nov 18, 2019
So we meet Stella in this, a cystic fibrosis sufferer who is entering hospital to fight a throat infection and high temperature. The hospital is like her second home after going in and out of it over the years to fight whatever illnesses are troubling her. She knows where everything is and has free movement of the hospital. In the process of having to come to the hospital for an extended stay, she is missing out on a school trip to Cabo with her friends which she helped organise.
Already at the hospital is her long time friend and fellow CF sufferer, Poe. And then there's new to the hospital Will, who's on a drug trial to stop his B. cepacia - which is a dangerous bacteria that can eventually kill CFers.
There's an instant attraction between Stella and Will but initially Stella's a little antagonistic towards Will as he seems too ready to give up on his treatment so he can travel before he dies. While Will thinks she's a teachers pet and a goody two shoes with how close she is to the nurses who've treated her since she was 6.
They eventually come to realise that they can help each other and the attraction grows - making them shrink the required 6 feet to 5 - and they fall in love.
I cried about three times during my reading of this because I had grown to like the characters and for being so young they'd all been through a lot.
I thought it was a cute story, falling in love while being poorly but did they really get their HEA?
Already at the hospital is her long time friend and fellow CF sufferer, Poe. And then there's new to the hospital Will, who's on a drug trial to stop his B. cepacia - which is a dangerous bacteria that can eventually kill CFers.
There's an instant attraction between Stella and Will but initially Stella's a little antagonistic towards Will as he seems too ready to give up on his treatment so he can travel before he dies. While Will thinks she's a teachers pet and a goody two shoes with how close she is to the nurses who've treated her since she was 6.
They eventually come to realise that they can help each other and the attraction grows - making them shrink the required 6 feet to 5 - and they fall in love.
I cried about three times during my reading of this because I had grown to like the characters and for being so young they'd all been through a lot.
I thought it was a cute story, falling in love while being poorly but did they really get their HEA?