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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...
A Furever Home: A Friends of Gaynor Beach Animal Rescue Romance
8.0
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A Furever Home Arthur When I was squeezing seven rescue dogs and a horde of cats in my small...
Contemporary MM Romance
A coming of age story
A coming of age story, set between Ghana and London, this is the story of Belinda, a housegirl, who moves to London to help the daughter of her employers friends. Amma (the friends daughter) has become withdrawn and is struggling with something in her life - not her studies though, she's a straight A student. She won't talk to her parents about it, and to begin with, it doesn't look as though she'll talk to Belinda either. Their friendship builds over a period of weeks and months. In this time, Belinda goes back to school in order to gain some qualifications. She seems to feel guilty of having left her fellow housegirl, who she refers to as sister (even though the 12 year old Mary is not her sister by blood, they have bonded over being in the same circumstances of separation from their families at young ages).
This novel explores African attitudes towards sexuality, family and responsibility. It's funny at times, but also incredibly moving. I really enjoyed it. We can see the contrast between life in a Ghanaian city and village, and the difference again between those places and London. A fascinating novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this fantastic book.
This novel explores African attitudes towards sexuality, family and responsibility. It's funny at times, but also incredibly moving. I really enjoyed it. We can see the contrast between life in a Ghanaian city and village, and the difference again between those places and London. A fascinating novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this fantastic book.
ClareR (6106 KP) rated The Sixteen Trees of the Somme in Books
Mar 2, 2019
Such a beautifully written and translated novel - I struggled to put this one down. It's another of those 'cooking one-handed' books (warning: this may result in burns of both person and food!).
Edvard has grown up with his grandfather on a remote farm in the Norwegian mountains after the mysterious death of his parents when he was a small child.
After his grandfather dies, Edvard decides to leave his solitary life on the farm and investigate what happened. His journey takes him to the northernmost Scottish Shetland Islands where his Great Uncle lived the last years of his life, and to a small woodland in the Somme, where his parents died.
The descriptions of the bleak Scottish islands, the lush woodland in the Somme, and Edvard potato farm in Norway are stunning. The Wars are described in heartbreaking terms: the loss and the grim reality of war, families torn apart and suspicions aimed at friends and family members. And at its heart, a boy without parents, orphaned with he death of his grandfather, trying to make sense of his familys past.
A truly gorgeous book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher (MacLehose Press) for my copy of this book.
Edvard has grown up with his grandfather on a remote farm in the Norwegian mountains after the mysterious death of his parents when he was a small child.
After his grandfather dies, Edvard decides to leave his solitary life on the farm and investigate what happened. His journey takes him to the northernmost Scottish Shetland Islands where his Great Uncle lived the last years of his life, and to a small woodland in the Somme, where his parents died.
The descriptions of the bleak Scottish islands, the lush woodland in the Somme, and Edvard potato farm in Norway are stunning. The Wars are described in heartbreaking terms: the loss and the grim reality of war, families torn apart and suspicions aimed at friends and family members. And at its heart, a boy without parents, orphaned with he death of his grandfather, trying to make sense of his familys past.
A truly gorgeous book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher (MacLehose Press) for my copy of this book.
Jessi Bone (48 KP) rated Never Enough Love in Books
Mar 18, 2019
John Lazano tells us the tale of John Lazano and his search for enough love. It's the story that spans fifty-four years of his life from his beginnings from a traditional New York Italian Catholic family. He lived multiple lives with multiple wives traveled the world and had hundreds of affairs. He is a talented writer who definitely does not leave anything to the imagination. The fascinating life he lived in the Navy, his traveling on cruise ships and his uncanny ability to get himself tangled up with women of all kinds from his second wife a madam in San Diego to his traditional third wife who came from a traditional Italian home who followed behind him between New York, New Jersey, Minnesota and Florida. He was even unwitting married to a fellow Navy midshipman who was a bi-sexual who almost ruined his career in the Navy. John has a way to take you on the travels and you wander along the way when will love that he is receiving. It can not seem to Never Enough Love. I feel for this man who seems that even when he loses it all throughout the story that regardless of all his travels and pursuits he is still searching with no boundaries.
Madbatdan82 (341 KP) rated Santa Clarita Diet - Season 1 in TV
Apr 14, 2019
A comedy with bite
My wife watched this when it first came out and I didn't bother. Kinda looked like a lame rom com. That was until I caught the end of a season 3 episode she was watching and laughed my arse off. So I went and watched season 1 in 2 days - its soooooo good. IRS the story of a nice suburban family Drew Barrymore & Timothy Olyphant with their teenage daughter. They are real estate agents and have a good if simple life. This all changes when Barrymore, after feeling a bit unwell, vomits (A Lot) during a house viewing. So much so she dies however then comes back to life - except shes now undead and can only eat human flesh. The star of the show is Olyphant. He has never really been a comedic actor but he is hilarious as Joel coming to terms with his wife's new condition and (trying) to help her find food is brilliant. Also there is a lot of really good gore. Like REALLY good and is often unexpected which adds to the comedy. At 30 mins an episode this is perfect for binge watching and will leave you hungry for more!!
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated In the Mouth of the Wolf in Books
Jun 5, 2019
In this short book, “In the Mouth of the Wolf” , we’re privy to fascinating insights into the life of children’s fiction author Michael Morpurgo’s Uncle Francis who narrates in the first person at the age of ninety years, reminiscing about his life. It is a heartfelt TRUE story (hence the reason why this has made into my non-fiction category over at Goodreads) and one that is aimed at kids and young adults, but adults will get plenty from this, too.
The artwork within is tremendously well-done by award-winning artist Barroux, and set against a backdrop of World War Two. You’ll find it packs an emotion punch, whilst being a fast-paced read filled with outstanding wartime courage and love. Brotherly love, too.
What a treat this was to discover, since it reads like an fictional story, yet has some intriguing, real people pictures at the back of the book, so you can meet the real characters of these true events. It’s no wonder Morpurgo is such a talented storyteller if he’s heard family stories like this.
In fact, this is such a lovely story, it brought tears to my eyes on more than on occasion. Damn you, Micheal Morpurgo and your wonderfully tear-inducing story-telling skills!
The artwork within is tremendously well-done by award-winning artist Barroux, and set against a backdrop of World War Two. You’ll find it packs an emotion punch, whilst being a fast-paced read filled with outstanding wartime courage and love. Brotherly love, too.
What a treat this was to discover, since it reads like an fictional story, yet has some intriguing, real people pictures at the back of the book, so you can meet the real characters of these true events. It’s no wonder Morpurgo is such a talented storyteller if he’s heard family stories like this.
In fact, this is such a lovely story, it brought tears to my eyes on more than on occasion. Damn you, Micheal Morpurgo and your wonderfully tear-inducing story-telling skills!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2504 KP) rated Just Killing Time (Clock Shop Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Ruth Clagan is devastated to learn that her grandfather has passed away. While they had been estranged recently, she had hoped to reconnect with the man who had been very important to her earlier in her life. Since she has inherited the family clock shop, she returns to Orchard, Massachusetts, to figure out what to do with the business. As she reconnects with old friends and makes new ones, she begins to question what happened to her grandfather. Was his death related to the recent burglary in the shop? Or maybe his work in town? Or is something else happening?
I loved Ruth from page one, and that didn’t diminish as the book progressed. Her friends are just as strong and likeable, and her connection to her grandfather adds a nice layer to the book. The mystery was a little weak, and Ruth reconnecting with this part of her life was interesting and kept the pages flying. I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-just-killing-time-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I loved Ruth from page one, and that didn’t diminish as the book progressed. Her friends are just as strong and likeable, and her connection to her grandfather adds a nice layer to the book. The mystery was a little weak, and Ruth reconnecting with this part of her life was interesting and kept the pages flying. I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-just-killing-time-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Kristin (149 KP) rated The Day The Tigers Broke Free in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Charlie is a journalist; he makes it his goal in life to dig up all the dirt, to get whatever information he can in any way possible. However, this time, the story's personal: His nephew is dead, supposedly by his own hand. Charlie's not buying that for one bit, though. His new goal? Bring justice for his family and drag as many people down as possible.
I found this story incredibly interesting from the start. The opening just pulls you in, and from that point, you're totally invested in what's happened to this young man. Was it suicide? Was it murder? The town says it's the former, but Charlie's on a vendetta, and he's not going to let it go. Quite a few of the characters he meets along the way are hideous, and their portrayal is perfect. Growing up in a small town, I know what it's like when an "outsider" comes in, questioning how you do things, stirring up trouble. This story is en embodiment of small-town life: the closed ranks, the suspicion of someone different, the racism and prejudice, etc. What's the final verdict on David's death? You'll have to read that for yourself.
4 stars
Charlie is a journalist; he makes it his goal in life to dig up all the dirt, to get whatever information he can in any way possible. However, this time, the story's personal: His nephew is dead, supposedly by his own hand. Charlie's not buying that for one bit, though. His new goal? Bring justice for his family and drag as many people down as possible.
I found this story incredibly interesting from the start. The opening just pulls you in, and from that point, you're totally invested in what's happened to this young man. Was it suicide? Was it murder? The town says it's the former, but Charlie's on a vendetta, and he's not going to let it go. Quite a few of the characters he meets along the way are hideous, and their portrayal is perfect. Growing up in a small town, I know what it's like when an "outsider" comes in, questioning how you do things, stirring up trouble. This story is en embodiment of small-town life: the closed ranks, the suspicion of someone different, the racism and prejudice, etc. What's the final verdict on David's death? You'll have to read that for yourself.
4 stars
Manda (5 KP) rated Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse, #1) in Books
Jul 11, 2018 (Updated Jul 11, 2018)
Omg omg omg
Ok ok, so it’s been a few years since I devoured this series, yes I said devoured. Charlaine Harris became one of my favorite authors upon reading this book and the next thing I knew the series had been read and my life was never the same.
Say hello to Sookie, a good hearted, beautiful blonde belle that can hear the thoughts of others. The world she lives in is one where vampires are real and omg walk amount us “normal” folk! This first novel introduces us to Sookie and her family, her grandmother who we all end up loving and her brother who is a dumbass but a cute one, so I guess that equals out. Things get crazy for Sookie and her life and friends when their small little town gets their first vampire. Bill. Ahh Bill. Bill frustrated me but whatever. In attempts to not contain spoilers I’m just going say, if you enjoy crazy supernatural reads with gore and lust and magic with a dash of murder mystery and crazy turns this book (this series) is for you.
Say hello to Sookie, a good hearted, beautiful blonde belle that can hear the thoughts of others. The world she lives in is one where vampires are real and omg walk amount us “normal” folk! This first novel introduces us to Sookie and her family, her grandmother who we all end up loving and her brother who is a dumbass but a cute one, so I guess that equals out. Things get crazy for Sookie and her life and friends when their small little town gets their first vampire. Bill. Ahh Bill. Bill frustrated me but whatever. In attempts to not contain spoilers I’m just going say, if you enjoy crazy supernatural reads with gore and lust and magic with a dash of murder mystery and crazy turns this book (this series) is for you.