Search

Search only in certain items:

LG
Luckiest Girl Alive (2022)
2022 |
7
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Movie Rating
A couple are shopping for registration gifts for their wedding, they appear happy. This woman named tiffany, however, seems to be hiding a dark secret as she keeps having flashbacks about her holding knives dripping with blood. Other than that, her life is good. She has a career in journalism and has hopes of a promotion.

One day a film maker approaches Tiffany to Interview her on her involvement in a school shooting, she claims she wasn't involved but a quick Google search by Tiffany shows she is being blamed for being involved, she needs to decide whether or not to do the interview.

Tiffany's past comes back to haunt her in various ways. Someone calls her a psycho on her Facebook page and she bumps into her old school teacher, who we find out in flashbacks helped her after a dramatic event at a party. It is soon evident that Tiffany has anger issues and still struggling due to what happened.

The whole movie is leading up to what happened on the day of the shooting, it keeps you guessing as to whether or not she was the shooter. It takes around an hour and 13 minutes to get to the actual event but it really did need that build up.

It's not a bad movie, the acting is superb and certain scenes are difficult to watch but executed so well. If you like dramas you are sure to enjoy this one, even if it's a one time only view.
  
Etta and Otto and Russell and James
Etta and Otto and Russell and James
Emma Hooper | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry
4
4.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Underwhelming
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Emma Hooper's novel Etta and Otto and Russell and James explores both the present and the past of three particular characters. Etta is an elderly woman suffering with Alzheimer's who decides to go for a walk and never come home. She first met her husband Otto in her late teens shortly before he enlisted in the army to fight abroad. Russell lives on the farm next to Etta and Otto and was also a childhood friend of Otto and quite close to Etta whilst Otto was away.

Etta's walk becomes public knowledge as she is observed walking through long grass in the company of a coyote whom she named James. She has very little on her, the most important being a note reading " Etta Gloria Kinnick of Deerdale Farm. 83 years old in August." This is to remind her of who she is in case she ever forgets.

The character's pasts are interesting to read about, in particularly the contrast between Etta's more comfortable upbringing and Otto's life on the farm being the seventh child in an extremely large family. The present day, however, was not as interesting. I never understood the significance of Etta's walk and the latter half of the novel became really confusing. At some points I was uncertain which character was being spoken about. Although the name Otto was used, the scene seemed more appropriate for Etta's situation. Whether this was intentional or a mistake I am unsure.

Another thing that made the story confusing to read was the lack of speech punctuation. Occasionally it was hard to determine who was speaking and who was replying; what was speech and what was not. I have read other books that use this structure and even though it's purpose may have related to the type of story being told, it does make it hard to fully comprehend.

This book gets off to a shaky start but I was always expecting it to improve. Unfortunately I was left disappointed.
  
Etta and Otto and Russell and James
Etta and Otto and Russell and James
Emma Hooper | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry
4
4.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Emma Hooper's novel Etta and Otto and Russell and James explores both the present and the past of three particular characters. Etta is an elderly woman suffering with Alzheimer's who decides to go for a walk and never come home. She first met her husband Otto in her late teens shortly before he enlisted in the army to fight abroad. Russell lives on the farm next to Etta and Otto and was also a childhood friend of Otto and quite close to Etta whilst Otto was away.

Etta's walk becomes public knowledge as she is observed walking through long grass in the company of a coyote whom she named James. She has very little on her, the most important being a note reading " Etta Gloria Kinnick of Deerdale Farm. 83 years old in August." This is to remind her of who she is in case she ever forgets.

The character's pasts are interesting to read about, in particularly the contrast between Etta's more comfortable upbringing and Otto's life on the farm being the seventh child in an extremely large family. The present day, however, was not as interesting. I never understood the significance of Etta's walk and the latter half of the novel became really confusing. At some points I was uncertain which character was being spoken about. Although the name Otto was used, the scene seemed more appropriate for Etta's situation. Whether this was intentional or a mistake I am unsure.

Another thing that made the story confusing to read was the lack of speech punctuation. Occasionally it was hard to determine who was speaking and who was replying; what was speech and what was not. I have read other books that use this structure and even though it's purpose may have related to the type of story being told, it does make it hard to fully comprehend.

This book gets off to a shaky start but I was always expecting it to improve. Unfortunately I was left disappointed.
  
UH
Undaunted Hope (Beacons of Hope, #3)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
When Tessa's hope and dreams are thwarted, she must face her deepest fears. Will she have the strength to overcome?

Tessa hopes to outrun her past by escaping to Eagle Harbor in the fall of 1871. There she becomes the new school teacher, even though the town requested a male teacher. Percival Updegraff runs the town like a king. No one dares to stand up to him for fear of what he will do. Tessa has vowed to never step foot into another lighthouse again. But then the local light keeper, Michael Bjorklund, and his assistant and brother, Alex, begin vying for her attention. Micheal's children long for a mother, and even though Alex would sacrifice anything for his brother, can he give up the woman he loves? As winter sets in and difficulties arise, will Tessa stay strong in the face of evil? Can she overcome her fears? Will she rely on God to direct her path and protect her and those she loves?

"I choose to have hope. Will you?"

Jody Hedlund has quickly become one of my absolute favorite authors! When I pick up one of her books, I know that nothing will get done until I finish! Although, this week I did manage to make Cornish Pasties. All thanks to a little inspiration from the book. Pasties has long been a family favorite recipe! Now down to business. I think it is safe to day that Undaunted Hope is my favorite book of the Beacons of Hope series. Tessa must face her fears and her past. How many times have we made a vow out of fear? Is God calling us to face that fear and overcome it? Know that He is with you every step of the way. And that you will come through it stronger. I could relate to Tessa very well! She stands up for truth and justice. Her heart aches for the people to be treated fairly and with respect. She is a brave woman. It was a pure delight to watch her discover her strength and find her true identity in Christ. This is an excellent book and one that I know I will read again.

If you have not read the first two books, I recommend you start with Out of the Storm it is the prequel to Love Unexpected. Undaunted Hope brings the story around full circle. I was also pleasantly surprised to find out that book four, Forever Safe, will be releasing later this year as well!

I received a free digital copy of Undaunted Hope from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
The Princess Bride
The Princess Bride
William Goldman | 1973 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
7
8.6 (52 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Princess Bride
By William Goldman
Review: Christina Haynes

In a place called Florin there lives a woman called Buttercup. Although I say 'lives' Buttercup actually died. She died on the day her true love Westley was killed on his ship after the Dread Pirate Roberts attacked.

So when I say lived, she is alive of course. But she cannot love another nor does she want too. In fact she doesn't really want to do anything. She doesnt even want to marry Prince Humberdink, who proposes to her, to which she only accepts because the Prince threatens her with death.

After Buttercup learns how to be a Princess, like the correct way to walk and talk, and eat and what to wear. She becomes a Princess, Princess Buttercup. Her engagement is announced to the public and the date it set. All sounds okay? Well not, because she gets kidnapped by a Sicilian, a Turk and a Spaniard.

Her kidnapping, though it's not the beginning of the book, it is the start of the story. If that makes sense? You see if she wasn't kidnapped and the Dread Pirate Roberts [SPOILER Westley] didn't rescue her, then there wouldn't be a story.

There is sword fighting, love, revenge, humor, a battle of the wits, Princesses, Princes, Kings and Queens and a Miracle Man called Max. This book is full of fun, comical writing. There are morons and fools in the book. It's a truly great and funny book to read.

I first watched the Princess Bride on the TV when I was younger (you see it's a film too) and I loved it, it quickly became one of my favourites. This book although extremely long. (It does make the film seem really short) it's really good.

In the book, each character has a background, some sad, some happy and some just okay. I loved the one about the Spaniard the best. This book has everything you would want.
Love, Christina
3.5 / 4 ☕ – NOT A BAD BOOK / BUT I REALLY LIKED IT

  
TF
Together Forever (Orphan Train, #2)
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Any time I pick up a Jody Hedlund book, I wish I could just cancel the day and binge read. Alas, life happens and children must be fed...However, there is a point in each of her books that demands that you read past your bedtime in order to finish (and that happened to me last night).

Filled with rich detail and engaging history, Together Forever will whisk you away to another era. A heartbreaking time in our history, I have learned a lot about The Children's Aid Society and the orphan trains through this series.

Marianne Neumann is a young woman riddled with guilt from past decisions. She is in a place that I am sure many of us have been. Thinking that God no longer cares, or would even bother with the likes of her. Her journey of acceptance, truth, and love is one to cherish. I LOVE the tender, fun, and passionate Andrew Brady. He too battles with forgiving himself for past mistakes...but his faith and character make him stand out among heroes.

Jody Hedlund never ceases to capture my heart and soul with her stories and Together Forever, is no exception. Faith, family, and romance are at the heart of this story. Let it sweep you away and get lost in a good book today! Together Forever is Book TWO in the Orphan Train Series, make sure to check out the prequel (An Awakened Heart) and Book One (With You Always) first.

I received a complimentary copy of Together Forever from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
Reaper (Boston Underworld, #2)
Reaper (Boston Underworld, #2)
A. Zavarelli | 2016 | Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Another FABULOUS book in the Boston Underworld Series!! I was hooked immediately reading Crow and Reaper was no different.. Once day read, didn't want to put it down!? SO much more than just a love story, this series/book is packed with everything from hardcore Mafia dealings, torture and revenge, to scenes that had me bawling in happy tears. Some people are just meant to be together and everything falls into place. That is how I would describe Ronan and Sasha... Two very "different" people who are immediately bonded on some unseen level. They calm and comfort one another like no else has or can, they understand just what the other needs, without pushing. It's beautiful really... Ronan, that quiet misunderstood man we first met in Crow, has finally shed some of his protective layers and, for lack of a better word, blossomed into the man we now see. A man with a purpose and a plan.. To do everything in his power to protect the woman he loves. This book was absolutely incredible- LOVING this series!!! I cringed at the violence, cried my happy tears and surely got a good laugh with some of these guys and their comments.. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend book / author & series!!!
  
Making It Up by Kathryn Legendre
Making It Up by Kathryn Legendre
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Kathryn Legendre is a rising singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas. Not too long ago, she released a lovely country tune, entitled, “There You Go”.

“I try to keep myself at bay, but I miss you every day. You took off when I needed you the most. All I’ve got to get me through are these memories of you. It’s easier believing in a ghost. There you go again and here I am alone.” – lyrics

‘There You Go’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who doesn’t like saying goodbye to her significant other.

Apparently, he has to travel on the road again. Therefore, he has to leave the love-of-his-life all by her lonesome.

After his emotional departure, she washes dishes in the sink, hangs with her friends, and counts the hours down to when she will see her partner’s smiling face again.

Later, she admits that it still feels like he just left, and all she has to get her through this lonely period are the memories of him.

‘There You Go’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and vibey instrumentation scented with a country fragrance.

“I have a dear friend who lost her fiancé in a car accident while he was out on tour. ‘There You Go’ is a song about the fear of your loved one leaving and the fear of them never coming back.” – Kathryn Legendre

Kathryn Legendre drives around Austin with a ‘God Bless Merle Haggard’ sticker on her bumper.

The rising country artist thrives the most when she feels that something is missing. Also, she takes pride in the ability to relate to the human condition

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/kathryn-legendre-there-you-go/