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Beatrix Potter is checking out the property she just bought in the Lake District of England. But figuring out what to do with her tenants is the least of the problems. There have been a rash of burglaries and a woman died under mysterious circumstances. The book was cute but very slow.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-tale-of-hill-top-farm-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-tale-of-hill-top-farm-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Michael Korda recommended Brief Encounter (1974) in Movies (curated)
The Craggus (360 KP) rated The Kid Who Would Be King (2019) in Movies
Mar 5, 2019
The Kid Who Would Be King (2019) pulls contemporary adventure from the stone of legend.
Opening with exactly the same set-up and opening thematic point as “Justice League”, Joe Cornish takes the idea of a country and a world which has lost hope and, with a keen eye for contemporary resonance, weaves a wonderfully affirmative and inspirational tale from the ancient cloth of legend and the modern social fabric of present-day England...
FULL REVIEW: http://bit.ly/CraggusTKWWBK
FULL REVIEW: http://bit.ly/CraggusTKWWBK
Gemma (572 KP) rated The Watchmaker of Filigree Street in Books
Jun 30, 2018
Awesome
I absolutely loved this book. I found the characters fascinating, complex and believable. I genuinely couldn't predict which way the story was going to go and I love the fact that it was set in a kind of steampunk Victorian England setting. I especially enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Mori's clockwork. I get that this probably isn't everyone's cup of tea, I think it's a 'love it or hate it' kind of novel but I definitely loved it.
Emma (519 KP) rated The Deceit in Books
Dec 29, 2019
I chose this book because of its links to Egypt, my brother is an Egyptologist so it tweaked my interest.
I quite enjoyed the back and forth of the story from Egypt to England and vice versa. And I enjoyed the writing style, I found it quite Dan Brownesq.
All in all a good book, and a good story,which is quite exciting at times.
My only criticism would be that he seems to go off track sometimes .
I quite enjoyed the back and forth of the story from Egypt to England and vice versa. And I enjoyed the writing style, I found it quite Dan Brownesq.
All in all a good book, and a good story,which is quite exciting at times.
My only criticism would be that he seems to go off track sometimes .
Lily Collins recommended Love Actually (2003) in Movies (curated)
David Bowie recommended 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) in Movies (curated)
David McK (3207 KP) rated This One's on Me (The Bandy Papers, #6) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
This is the 6th entry in Donald Jack's 'Bandy Papers', and is set during the 1920s rather than the Great War period of the earlier entries.
As this start, Bandy is down on his luck, travelling back to England from Canada after the events of [b:Me Too|897972|Me Too (The Bandy Papers, #5)|Donald Jack|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1179282725s/897972.jpg|883159]: a trip that sees him stop in Iceland on the way and meet the next great love-of-his-life.
Travelling on to England, he then saves the life of a downed pilot who later proves to be the son of the second richest man in the world, who hires him to create an airforce for his Indian state.
While this does have its comedic elements, I have to say that I've found these books to run out of steam somewhat the further we move away from the earlier entries: for my money, those set during the era of World War oNe (and slightly after) are actually more laugh-out-loud funny than these later entries.
As this start, Bandy is down on his luck, travelling back to England from Canada after the events of [b:Me Too|897972|Me Too (The Bandy Papers, #5)|Donald Jack|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1179282725s/897972.jpg|883159]: a trip that sees him stop in Iceland on the way and meet the next great love-of-his-life.
Travelling on to England, he then saves the life of a downed pilot who later proves to be the son of the second richest man in the world, who hires him to create an airforce for his Indian state.
While this does have its comedic elements, I have to say that I've found these books to run out of steam somewhat the further we move away from the earlier entries: for my money, those set during the era of World War oNe (and slightly after) are actually more laugh-out-loud funny than these later entries.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Playing the Palace in Books
Jul 29, 2021
Funny and sweet romantic comedy
Carter Ogden fantasized about the Prince of England growing up--who didn't? Openly gay Prince Edgar is handsome and easy to adore. When Carter meets Edgar through a work event, sparks fly. Before he knows it, it seems like the two are dating. But their relationship receives intense media scrutiny--and the disapproval of the Queen of England. Can they find a happily ever after when it seems like everything--and everyone--are against them?
"He was destined to become the king of England, and I was a nice Jewish boy from New Jersey; we both knew what we were supposed to be doing, but we were fighting it. When it came to emotional stability, neither of us had a prayer."
This is a cute and funny story overall. We have Carter, who is reeling from a breakup and does not feel worthy of love and then Edgar, who is scared to trust. It's not easy to be in a relationship when you're the Prince of England. As Edgar states, he's "a symbol and an institution." The two meet at the United Nations and there's definitely some insta-chemistry, but they are also pretty sweet together. You can't help but root for this pair.
"Because ever since I can remember, there's been only one unthinkable sin, and that was disgracing my family and my country, in any way. I was being held to a different standard, which I agreed with. I had one job: to represent the royal household and to make England proud, and I was a calamity."
The book is a little ping pong-ish in its highs and lows. Everything is good... and then it's not. Rinse and repeat. At times, it seems a little insane that Edgar and his family cannot trust Carter, yet you can understand how utterly crazy and invasive the British media is--we see it all the time. I would have liked to see the two communicate a bit more, but new relationships are hard.
The cast of characters in PALACE are wonderful--completely engaging. Carter's family and friends are adorable, especially his sister and aunt Miriam. They make you laugh and cry. There's an excellent vomiting scene with poor Carter that will have you cringing and chuckling. Parts of this story are just plain hilarious. But it's also serious in its look at finding love after loss, insight into homophobia, and seeking acceptance for yourself and your partner, no matter what kind of relationship you may be in.
Overall, this is a fast and fluffy romantic read that also offers a good take on acceptance. 3.5 stars.
"He was destined to become the king of England, and I was a nice Jewish boy from New Jersey; we both knew what we were supposed to be doing, but we were fighting it. When it came to emotional stability, neither of us had a prayer."
This is a cute and funny story overall. We have Carter, who is reeling from a breakup and does not feel worthy of love and then Edgar, who is scared to trust. It's not easy to be in a relationship when you're the Prince of England. As Edgar states, he's "a symbol and an institution." The two meet at the United Nations and there's definitely some insta-chemistry, but they are also pretty sweet together. You can't help but root for this pair.
"Because ever since I can remember, there's been only one unthinkable sin, and that was disgracing my family and my country, in any way. I was being held to a different standard, which I agreed with. I had one job: to represent the royal household and to make England proud, and I was a calamity."
The book is a little ping pong-ish in its highs and lows. Everything is good... and then it's not. Rinse and repeat. At times, it seems a little insane that Edgar and his family cannot trust Carter, yet you can understand how utterly crazy and invasive the British media is--we see it all the time. I would have liked to see the two communicate a bit more, but new relationships are hard.
The cast of characters in PALACE are wonderful--completely engaging. Carter's family and friends are adorable, especially his sister and aunt Miriam. They make you laugh and cry. There's an excellent vomiting scene with poor Carter that will have you cringing and chuckling. Parts of this story are just plain hilarious. But it's also serious in its look at finding love after loss, insight into homophobia, and seeking acceptance for yourself and your partner, no matter what kind of relationship you may be in.
Overall, this is a fast and fluffy romantic read that also offers a good take on acceptance. 3.5 stars.
Emma (229 KP) rated Black Beauty in Books
Apr 26, 2021
This was one of my favourite books when I was younger.
And reading it while I'm older, its still a brilliant book.
I love the writing style with the P.O.V coming from black beauty. You feel like you're watching his life unfold from the side lines. While reading I was transported to 19th century England, and while it's just a story, its horrible to know the horrors that some horses went through.
This book will always remain one of my favourites.
And reading it while I'm older, its still a brilliant book.
I love the writing style with the P.O.V coming from black beauty. You feel like you're watching his life unfold from the side lines. While reading I was transported to 19th century England, and while it's just a story, its horrible to know the horrors that some horses went through.
This book will always remain one of my favourites.