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The Vintage Tea Room Collection
9.0
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A collection of all three books in the Vintage Tea Room series. Ellie and her twin daughters, Marie...
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Outcast Dead (Ruth Galloway, #6) in Books
Feb 8, 2018
Ruth Galloway is busy on yet another dig - this time digging up bones of what may be the famous murderess "Mother Hook," known for caring for children and then perhaps killing them. (And oh yes, for the hook she had on her hand.) Meanwhile, Nelson is busy on a case of a woman who has lost her third child, a young baby, to what looks like SIDS, or is it? And in the shadows, lurks someone who is taking children from their parents - a sinister force calling themselves "The Childminder."
If it sounds like there's a lot going on, there is. And yet, the plot in this one is a little thinner than in a typical Ruth Galloway book, hence the 3 (3.5) star rating. Still, it's pretty much impossible not to enjoy a Ruth Galloway novel. She's a dear friend by now - I love her slightly sarcastic personality and way of presenting her life. There are always moments when I laugh out loud. In this novel, we find Ruth asked to appear on a TV program about murder and archaeology (they are doing a show on "Mother Hook"), which certainly takes Ruth out of her comfort zone, and also introduces us to some new characters, including the American actor, Frank, who seems keen on Ruth.
Some of the zig zagging cases are a little crazy, and "The Childminder" line ties itself up very quickly and neatly by the end, but it's still an interesting read from a mystery perspective. The introduction of Frank adds some tension to Ruth and Nelson's drama, as well. Further, the book has some good insights on childcare in the modern day - working motherhood and the like. I find myself identifying with Ruth in a multitude of ways, and she just remains a likable character who can carry a book, no matter the plot. To date, any Ruth Galloway book is worth a read.
If it sounds like there's a lot going on, there is. And yet, the plot in this one is a little thinner than in a typical Ruth Galloway book, hence the 3 (3.5) star rating. Still, it's pretty much impossible not to enjoy a Ruth Galloway novel. She's a dear friend by now - I love her slightly sarcastic personality and way of presenting her life. There are always moments when I laugh out loud. In this novel, we find Ruth asked to appear on a TV program about murder and archaeology (they are doing a show on "Mother Hook"), which certainly takes Ruth out of her comfort zone, and also introduces us to some new characters, including the American actor, Frank, who seems keen on Ruth.
Some of the zig zagging cases are a little crazy, and "The Childminder" line ties itself up very quickly and neatly by the end, but it's still an interesting read from a mystery perspective. The introduction of Frank adds some tension to Ruth and Nelson's drama, as well. Further, the book has some good insights on childcare in the modern day - working motherhood and the like. I find myself identifying with Ruth in a multitude of ways, and she just remains a likable character who can carry a book, no matter the plot. To date, any Ruth Galloway book is worth a read.
A Present from India
4.0
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A tragic death first plunges a family into grief, then launches a widow and her daughter on a voyage...
Naked Edge (I-Team #4)
8.0
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The day Navajo journalist Katherine James met Gabriel Rossiter, the earth literally moved beneath...
I Never Knew (Riverside Town #4)
8.0
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Ryan Hayes wasn’t looking for a distraction from the one in five chance of him being the father to...
Contemporary MM Romance
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Hopeless Romantics - Single by Lexi Scatena in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Lexi Scatena is a 20-year-old singer-songwriter based in Reno, Nevada. Not too long ago, she released a lovely debut single, entitled, “Hopeless Romantics”, produced by Toronto-based producer Vibeslow.
“‘Hopeless Romantics’ focuses on the naive, ‘honeymoon phase’ of love. Also, it brings back the sultry sound of old-school R&B while maintaining mainstream appeal. I wrote the song after traveling to New York for the first time with my boyfriend. Not only did I fall in love with the city, but I also fell in love with my boyfriend all over again. Literally, each word in the song was a part of the internal monologue I had while exploring the city.” – Lexi Scatena
‘Hopeless Romantics’ tells a passionate tale of a young woman who is head-over-heels in love with her significant other. Apparently, she wants to stay in her partner’s arms till death do them part.
Later, she admits that Cupid should get a raise for bringing them together, not only for this moment but for eternity.
‘Hopeless Romantics’ contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses soothing instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
“‘Hopeless Romantics’ is a dive into a sound that I never knew I was capable of doing, but always loved. Working with Vibeslow really opened my eyes to a genre that embodied everything I admire musically. With modern music focusing heavily on hip-hop-infused R&B, I wanted to do something different and incorporate old school RnB into my music, but with my own personal touch. I think that the current music industry is lacking valuable elements of old-school R&B, and I’m hoping to help bring those back.” – Lexi Scatena
During the day, Lexi Scatena is an ordinary college student, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Spanish at the University of Nevada, Reno.
At night, she’s serenading fans at live shows, posting covers of her favorite artists, and preparing for upcoming, original releases.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/lexi-scatena-hopeless-romantics/
“‘Hopeless Romantics’ focuses on the naive, ‘honeymoon phase’ of love. Also, it brings back the sultry sound of old-school R&B while maintaining mainstream appeal. I wrote the song after traveling to New York for the first time with my boyfriend. Not only did I fall in love with the city, but I also fell in love with my boyfriend all over again. Literally, each word in the song was a part of the internal monologue I had while exploring the city.” – Lexi Scatena
‘Hopeless Romantics’ tells a passionate tale of a young woman who is head-over-heels in love with her significant other. Apparently, she wants to stay in her partner’s arms till death do them part.
Later, she admits that Cupid should get a raise for bringing them together, not only for this moment but for eternity.
‘Hopeless Romantics’ contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses soothing instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
“‘Hopeless Romantics’ is a dive into a sound that I never knew I was capable of doing, but always loved. Working with Vibeslow really opened my eyes to a genre that embodied everything I admire musically. With modern music focusing heavily on hip-hop-infused R&B, I wanted to do something different and incorporate old school RnB into my music, but with my own personal touch. I think that the current music industry is lacking valuable elements of old-school R&B, and I’m hoping to help bring those back.” – Lexi Scatena
During the day, Lexi Scatena is an ordinary college student, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Spanish at the University of Nevada, Reno.
At night, she’s serenading fans at live shows, posting covers of her favorite artists, and preparing for upcoming, original releases.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/lexi-scatena-hopeless-romantics/
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Justice League (2017) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
The long anticipated “Justice League” has finally arrived finally combining the biggest stars of the DC universe into one film. The proposed film has faced many obstacles on the way to the big screen ranging from script issues, massive reshoots and a change of Director for said reshoots due to a family tragedy that Director Zack Snyder suffered.
The film follows Batman (Ben Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gal Godot), as they look to assemble a team of other gifted individuals to help fight off a pending invasion.
The death of Superman has left a void on the Earth, and this has paved the way for an ancient evil to return as he attempts to conquer the planet after he collects the three needed artifacts that his plan requires.
In a race against time, Batman and Wonder Woman recruit Aquaman (Jason Momoa), The Flash (Ezra Miller), and Cyborg (Ray Fisher), to battle to save the planet. Naturally they battle amongst themselves as well as their massing enemies but ultimately decide on a dangerous plan that can tip the odds in their favor and save the day.
The action in the film is good but it often plays out like a video game. With so many blatantly obvious CGI backgrounds, the movie looked like a video game. There were numerous scenes that looked like they were lifted from Injustice and Injustice 2 that I mused to myself that someone must have used their Power Up for the shot.
Affleck and Gadot are good and work well with one another, but there are some serious casting issues with the film. The biggest for me was Ezra Miller as The Flash. I did not like his effeminate, nerdy, socially awkward, and neurotic and at times cowardly take on the character. This is not the Barry Allen I grew up reading in comics or the one that has been portrayed twice in a much better fashion on television. His comic relief status grew old fast and his character really offered little to the film.
It has been well-documented that Joss Whedon not only handled the rewrites for the film but took over directing duties to complete the film. You can see elements of his humor scattered throughout and the film does move along at a steady pace without dragging.
The biggest issue is that so many of the characters are just stiff and one-dimensional. They really are not overly interesting so it is hard to really connect with them and the tasks they are facing. Unlike Marvel who have excelled with dysfunctional groups who fight amongst themselves as well as the forces of evil, this group seems to be going through the paces rather than being fully engaged with the task at hand and each other.
In the end “Justice League” is better than I expected, and the two bonus scenes in the credits show some interesting potential down the road. As it is, it is flawed entertainment that requires audiences to overlook a lot of issues.
http://sknr.net/2017/11/15/justice-league/
The film follows Batman (Ben Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gal Godot), as they look to assemble a team of other gifted individuals to help fight off a pending invasion.
The death of Superman has left a void on the Earth, and this has paved the way for an ancient evil to return as he attempts to conquer the planet after he collects the three needed artifacts that his plan requires.
In a race against time, Batman and Wonder Woman recruit Aquaman (Jason Momoa), The Flash (Ezra Miller), and Cyborg (Ray Fisher), to battle to save the planet. Naturally they battle amongst themselves as well as their massing enemies but ultimately decide on a dangerous plan that can tip the odds in their favor and save the day.
The action in the film is good but it often plays out like a video game. With so many blatantly obvious CGI backgrounds, the movie looked like a video game. There were numerous scenes that looked like they were lifted from Injustice and Injustice 2 that I mused to myself that someone must have used their Power Up for the shot.
Affleck and Gadot are good and work well with one another, but there are some serious casting issues with the film. The biggest for me was Ezra Miller as The Flash. I did not like his effeminate, nerdy, socially awkward, and neurotic and at times cowardly take on the character. This is not the Barry Allen I grew up reading in comics or the one that has been portrayed twice in a much better fashion on television. His comic relief status grew old fast and his character really offered little to the film.
It has been well-documented that Joss Whedon not only handled the rewrites for the film but took over directing duties to complete the film. You can see elements of his humor scattered throughout and the film does move along at a steady pace without dragging.
The biggest issue is that so many of the characters are just stiff and one-dimensional. They really are not overly interesting so it is hard to really connect with them and the tasks they are facing. Unlike Marvel who have excelled with dysfunctional groups who fight amongst themselves as well as the forces of evil, this group seems to be going through the paces rather than being fully engaged with the task at hand and each other.
In the end “Justice League” is better than I expected, and the two bonus scenes in the credits show some interesting potential down the road. As it is, it is flawed entertainment that requires audiences to overlook a lot of issues.
http://sknr.net/2017/11/15/justice-league/
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2017) in Movies
Jan 6, 2021 (Updated Jan 6, 2021)
Contains spoilers, click to show
Well here we have it - a messy and underwhelming finale, to a messy and underwhelming franchise.
Where to begin with this - even though it was silly and impractical, the previous film in the series ends on a cliffhanger (?), setting up a big ass battle between an army of undead, and a line up of heroes mainly made up of characters from the games (stood on top of the white house of course because Paul W.S. Anderson). This film opens in the aftermath, meaning that we don't even see the ensuing battle, but all these characters are un-ceremoniously killed off screen between movies. Alice is alive though....yaaay.
You know what comes next by now, an opening Milla Jovovich speech about who she is, edgy soldier characters saying edgy shit all the damn time (with added Ruby Rose for a little extra edginess), wire frame blue print segments of whatever facility they're in this time. Anderson mercifully cuts out all the gratuitous slow motion for his final bow, but unfortunately replaces it with seizure inducing quick edits. Like, it's fucking ludicrous how many edits there are whenever a fight starts and it just sucks. It's unexciting and difficult to sit through at times.
Then there's the ret-conning. Jesus Christ, Iain Glen is back for no reason other than the fact he became more of a household name thanks to Game of Thrones, plot be damned. Wesker is a villain again and the Red Queen is now a good guy, the origins of the T-Virus is different, and Milla Jovovich is actually an old woman (complete with Jackass quality aesthetics). These movies stopped making sense a while back but they just went full ham on this one. You know when you're on your last day of work before leaving a job and you just don't really give a fuck about your final shift? Yeah it's that, but a multi million dollar film.
I'm extremely happy that Resident Evil is finally being rebooted, into hopefully something that resembles the source material a bit more, and is actually scary. And good. Maybe. This franchise has given me trust issues.
Where to begin with this - even though it was silly and impractical, the previous film in the series ends on a cliffhanger (?), setting up a big ass battle between an army of undead, and a line up of heroes mainly made up of characters from the games (stood on top of the white house of course because Paul W.S. Anderson). This film opens in the aftermath, meaning that we don't even see the ensuing battle, but all these characters are un-ceremoniously killed off screen between movies. Alice is alive though....yaaay.
You know what comes next by now, an opening Milla Jovovich speech about who she is, edgy soldier characters saying edgy shit all the damn time (with added Ruby Rose for a little extra edginess), wire frame blue print segments of whatever facility they're in this time. Anderson mercifully cuts out all the gratuitous slow motion for his final bow, but unfortunately replaces it with seizure inducing quick edits. Like, it's fucking ludicrous how many edits there are whenever a fight starts and it just sucks. It's unexciting and difficult to sit through at times.
Then there's the ret-conning. Jesus Christ, Iain Glen is back for no reason other than the fact he became more of a household name thanks to Game of Thrones, plot be damned. Wesker is a villain again and the Red Queen is now a good guy, the origins of the T-Virus is different, and Milla Jovovich is actually an old woman (complete with Jackass quality aesthetics). These movies stopped making sense a while back but they just went full ham on this one. You know when you're on your last day of work before leaving a job and you just don't really give a fuck about your final shift? Yeah it's that, but a multi million dollar film.
I'm extremely happy that Resident Evil is finally being rebooted, into hopefully something that resembles the source material a bit more, and is actually scary. And good. Maybe. This franchise has given me trust issues.
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
The Born Again Runner by Pete Magill is about motivating people to get out there and run. The book is simple, has a clear structure. It has three sections which are before, during, and after the process of becoming a runner, each with four chapters. Each chapter begins with an introduction and ends with a summary to reinforce the lesson. My favorite part of each chapter is the "becoming a runner" profile, which is a story of a man or woman who one day decided to start running. Some are now record holders, some are ordinary people who like to run. They are all inspirational.
I like the persistent focus on starting easy and slow, which is something a lot of beginners do not realize or simply forget. The biggest mistake for any runner is in the actual training itself. In the book Magill talks about how in the beginning programs people should spend the first three weeks walking. I think this makes sense for those who are "couch potatoes" and are just getting out and being active. This; however, will be extremely frustrating to active people who want to start running. The training schedules focuses on time rather than mileage. This makes sense for those who are beginning. I like that he recommends strides and hill sprints for speed workouts.
The sections on "mythbusting" and on running and racing etiquette are nothing an experienced runner does not know, but useful for the real beginner. The section on "mistakes" is something even experienced runners could use a reminder on, and the injury prevention exercises would be useful to all runners.
I received this book from The Experiment via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Born Again Runner by Pete Magill is about motivating people to get out there and run. The book is simple, has a clear structure. It has three sections which are before, during, and after the process of becoming a runner, each with four chapters. Each chapter begins with an introduction and ends with a summary to reinforce the lesson. My favorite part of each chapter is the "becoming a runner" profile, which is a story of a man or woman who one day decided to start running. Some are now record holders, some are ordinary people who like to run. They are all inspirational.
I like the persistent focus on starting easy and slow, which is something a lot of beginners do not realize or simply forget. The biggest mistake for any runner is in the actual training itself. In the book Magill talks about how in the beginning programs people should spend the first three weeks walking. I think this makes sense for those who are "couch potatoes" and are just getting out and being active. This; however, will be extremely frustrating to active people who want to start running. The training schedules focuses on time rather than mileage. This makes sense for those who are beginning. I like that he recommends strides and hill sprints for speed workouts.
The sections on "mythbusting" and on running and racing etiquette are nothing an experienced runner does not know, but useful for the real beginner. The section on "mistakes" is something even experienced runners could use a reminder on, and the injury prevention exercises would be useful to all runners.
I received this book from The Experiment via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated When the Men Were Gone in Books
May 20, 2019
There was something about the synopsis of When the Men Were Gone by Marjorie Herrera Lewis that really reeled me in. Perhaps it's because this story takes place in Brownwood, Texas which is a place I've visited and loved. Perhaps it was because it was based on a true story and about a woman rising up to a challenge to take on a man's role back in the day when things like that were unheard of. Either way, I must say that I really enjoyed this book.
Tylene Wilson loves football. In fact, football is all she's ever really known since she was a very little girl thanks to her father. When both male football coaches for the high school she works at go off to war in the Autumn of 1944, she desperately tries to find another male coach to take the job. If she doesn't, the Brownwood Lions football season will be over before it even began, and all the senior boys will more than likely end up enlisted fighting in World War II. After struggling to find a suitable coach, Tylene decides to coach the football team herself. When word gets out that a woman will be coaching a football team, people in and around Brownwood let it be known that they are very opposed to the idea. Even Tylene's close friends snub their nose at the idea. People try to get the Brownood Lions' football season cancelled, but Tylene will not let that happen if she can help it. Will Tylene be able to convince everyone that a woman can coach football just as good as a man?
I found the plot for When the Men Were Gone to be solid. As I've stated previously, this book is based on a true story. I had never heard of Tylene Wilson until I read Marjorie Herrera Lewis' book. I found it extremely interesting to have a glimpse into what Tylene Wilson may have had to go through. Lewis does a fantastic job at imagining what Tylene's life was like and what life in the small town of Brownwood would have been like around 1944. I could not find any fault with the story telling. In fact, I felt like I was transported into the book and was amidst all the action watching the story unfold. I will admit that I did not understand most of the football jargon though, but that didn't really take too much away from the story. As with most historical fiction novels, there were no major plot twists, but all my questions were answered. There was not cliffhanger ending.
I enjoyed the character of Tylene. Lewis did an amazing job at making me feel as if I knew Tylene. At times, I felt like I was Tylene. I could feel how stressed she was at times and how much her students and football meant to her. Tylene was such a strong female character. I just loved her and her determination! Moose was another character I loved. I admired his loyalty even though he was aware of the backlash. Jimmy was another interesting character to read about. I was intrigued to read about his struggles to play football for a "lady coach." On one hand, he admired Tylene and knew that she knew her stuff when it came to football. On the other hand, he was still a teenage boy open to peer pressure living in a time when woman were doing the traditional roles.
The pacing for When the Men Were Gone starts out a bit slow. There were a bunch of character names thrown out in the first few chapters which left me feeling confused about who was who. However, I quickly caught on, and the pacing picked up decently.
Trigger warnings for When the Men Were Gone include sexism, bigotry, misogyny, drunkenness, and some war violence.
All in all, When the Men Were Gone is a short read that packs a huge punch! Based on a true story, this novel has a fantastically strong female lead and plenty of drama that will definitely keep its reader hooked. I would definitely recommend When the Men Were Gone by Marjorie Herrera Lewis to those aged 15+ who enjoy football and love a story with a very strong female lead. I would give this book a 4 out of 5.
--
(Thanks to the Marjorie Herrera Lewis for providing me with a paperback of When the Men Were Gone in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
Tylene Wilson loves football. In fact, football is all she's ever really known since she was a very little girl thanks to her father. When both male football coaches for the high school she works at go off to war in the Autumn of 1944, she desperately tries to find another male coach to take the job. If she doesn't, the Brownwood Lions football season will be over before it even began, and all the senior boys will more than likely end up enlisted fighting in World War II. After struggling to find a suitable coach, Tylene decides to coach the football team herself. When word gets out that a woman will be coaching a football team, people in and around Brownwood let it be known that they are very opposed to the idea. Even Tylene's close friends snub their nose at the idea. People try to get the Brownood Lions' football season cancelled, but Tylene will not let that happen if she can help it. Will Tylene be able to convince everyone that a woman can coach football just as good as a man?
I found the plot for When the Men Were Gone to be solid. As I've stated previously, this book is based on a true story. I had never heard of Tylene Wilson until I read Marjorie Herrera Lewis' book. I found it extremely interesting to have a glimpse into what Tylene Wilson may have had to go through. Lewis does a fantastic job at imagining what Tylene's life was like and what life in the small town of Brownwood would have been like around 1944. I could not find any fault with the story telling. In fact, I felt like I was transported into the book and was amidst all the action watching the story unfold. I will admit that I did not understand most of the football jargon though, but that didn't really take too much away from the story. As with most historical fiction novels, there were no major plot twists, but all my questions were answered. There was not cliffhanger ending.
I enjoyed the character of Tylene. Lewis did an amazing job at making me feel as if I knew Tylene. At times, I felt like I was Tylene. I could feel how stressed she was at times and how much her students and football meant to her. Tylene was such a strong female character. I just loved her and her determination! Moose was another character I loved. I admired his loyalty even though he was aware of the backlash. Jimmy was another interesting character to read about. I was intrigued to read about his struggles to play football for a "lady coach." On one hand, he admired Tylene and knew that she knew her stuff when it came to football. On the other hand, he was still a teenage boy open to peer pressure living in a time when woman were doing the traditional roles.
The pacing for When the Men Were Gone starts out a bit slow. There were a bunch of character names thrown out in the first few chapters which left me feeling confused about who was who. However, I quickly caught on, and the pacing picked up decently.
Trigger warnings for When the Men Were Gone include sexism, bigotry, misogyny, drunkenness, and some war violence.
All in all, When the Men Were Gone is a short read that packs a huge punch! Based on a true story, this novel has a fantastically strong female lead and plenty of drama that will definitely keep its reader hooked. I would definitely recommend When the Men Were Gone by Marjorie Herrera Lewis to those aged 15+ who enjoy football and love a story with a very strong female lead. I would give this book a 4 out of 5.
--
(Thanks to the Marjorie Herrera Lewis for providing me with a paperback of When the Men Were Gone in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)