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This book Legacy of Honor was fantastic. I read it in one sitting because I could not put it down. Renae Brumbaugh Green did a great job with the lay out and characters in this book. It is the first book in her Stratton Legacy Series, and boy am I looking forward to reading more books from her!

Emma Monroe was a strong female character that was easy to like, she showed good growth through the book, and I loved her caring nature. She shows the true light of Christ to those around her even during her own sorrows. The other main character Riley Stratton was a good example of the prodigal son. I also enjoyed the banter between Riley and Emma as well as the sweet edition of Skye.

The plot was very engaging and had ups and downs that kept me interested and eager to see what would happen next. What I really enjoyed though was Renae Brumbaugh Green’s consistent pointing towards God being the answer to our problems and that we need a personal relationship with Him. It was realistic and a great addition that was weaved seamlessly into the story.

Overall, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the smile worthy movements, the well written characters plots, and for pointing us all back to Jesus.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
To Steal a Heart was my first time reading a book by Jen Turano and it was a very enjoyable experience. I have heard from friends that her books were good for a long time but just never picked one up, however, the synopsis on this one just sounded too good to not read it. It is the first book in a series.

Gabriella and Nicholas had great character interaction right from the start. Their easy comradery was fun to read and made me smile. I thought both characters had good character growth through the story, and I felt like I really got to know them as characters by the time the story was over (I do hope we get to see glimpses of them in future books too!). The secondary characters added some interesting layers and comedic relief in certain areas that were a perfect addition to the story.

Overall, I loved the setting of this book, the time period is always fascinating. I loved the mystery/intrigue interwoven with this story. I also enjoyed Jen Turano's vivid scene descriptions they really helped me to envision the scene as the characters saw it. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the great characters, fantastic humor, and for sucking me onto the story.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
Blood Red Sky (2021)
Blood Red Sky (2021)
2021 | Action, Horror, Thriller
6
6.6 (7 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Blood Red Sky is a movie that has some decent ideas, and some great performances, but is sadly bogged down by a whole lot of waff.
Honestly, it's a shame that the marketing for this gave away the whole vampire aspect. Had it been advertised as a airborne hijack thriller with hints of a supernatural element, then the twist could have hit the same way that it did back in the 90s, when I was but a young boy innocently watching From Dusk Till Dawn, blissfully unaware of what was about to happen.
The pacing is so so. The narrative premise is a good and straightforward one, but it's dragged down by constant flashbacks that feel unnecessary and like padding. Whenever things get interesting, another flashback is thrown in. It's frustrating, mainly because everything surrounding these negatives are solid! The vampires themselves are brutal, and reminiscent of the creatures seen in 30 Days of Night. Lead actor Peri Baumeister puts in a fantastic performance, as does her onscreen son, Carl Anton Koch. The two of them make proceedings relatively impactful, especially during the closing moments. The whole climactic scene is pretty entertaining to be fair, and goes some way to making up for all of the faffing about.

Blood Red Sky isn't half bad overall, but it's could have done with dropping all of the unnecessary exposition and ultimately achieving a shorter runtime.
  
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Rob Halford recommended Holy Diver by Dio in Music (curated)

 
Holy Diver by Dio
Holy Diver by Dio
1983 | Rock
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"Again, I love absolute everything that Ronnie did, from Elf to Sabbath, but it's his voice that drew me to this record because it's so magical and so unique. He was a very accomplished all-round musician though. When you look at his body of work it's just tremendous, but this is certainly one of his best. I love singers that mean what they're singing and have power behind them, and Ronnie meant it. This album is proof that you don't always need to just scream your tits off to make a point. The title track is the standout song on this album for me. If you look at any artist who has had the grace and fortune to be successful for a long period of time there are certain songs that stand out even on greatest hits compilations, but I own a Dio compilation and every song on it is as good as the last. I was involved in a tribute record after Ronnie's death to raise money for his charity. It was a great thing to do, and there were so many talented people involved in it. It just proved that everybody loved Ronnie. Not only did he create some amazing music, but he was a fantastic human being. People were lining up to do that record and by the time I agreed there weren't that many songs left to choose from."

Source
  
Journey in Satchidananda by Alice Coltrane
Journey in Satchidananda by Alice Coltrane
1971 | Rock
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"I can't pronounce it either! It's a fantastic record. It's got such a gorgeous mellow vibe to it. It's kind of accessible to people who aren't familiar with jazz, but it also has kind of this free, loose thing. It's not free jazz, it's definitely modal. It's got Pharoah Sanders on it. It's lush and gorgeous and kind of takes you to a different place. Sometimes Alice Coltrane plays the harp, which sounds dreamy. It's one of my go-to's in the morning at work (in Sub Pop) I just kind of put it on to get me going. I probably drive some of my co-workers crazy playing it. You know, there's not a really obvious influence in our music that comes from jazz. I know I'm influenced by it, but I'm not sure how. I don't like all jazz, but certain things I love to death. That's the problem with this list: I can't stick Charles Mingus on it, or Andrew Hill, or Ornette Coleman, or Albert Ayler. One of the things I feel lucky about, my high school friends and I who formed Mr. Epp, we would go to our little record store in our suburban town and the guys there turned us onto The New York Dolls and Ornette Coleman and Ayler and The Velvet Underground, Brian Eno. I feel really lucky to have stumbled into that, at that time."

Source
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated Evil for Evil in Books

Jun 7, 2021 (Updated Jun 7, 2021)  
Evil for Evil
Evil for Evil
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Billy’s Trip to Ireland Isn’t What He Expected
Billy Boyle has been asked to find fifty stolen Browning Automatic Rifles. He’s less than thrilled, however, because it appears that the thieves are the IRA, and Billy and his family have always supported the IRA in their quest to unite Ireland. Still, if the IRA is planning to give the guns to the Germans, he knows he needs to find them. His investigation makes him question what he has always thought about the people of Ireland. But as the bodies pile up, can Billy find the guns before it is too late?

I’m really torn with this series. On the one hand, I enjoy the history we get as we delve into another aspect of World War II. It really makes the World War part come into focus. The mystery is good, with plenty of twists and action without being too over the top. Billy is a fantastic main character who matures a little here once again. We don’t see much of the supporting characters, but the new characters are strong and help pull us into the story. Unfortunately, I feel like the story and characters are drowning in too much detail. It might be me since these books take me longer to read than I am used to. But I can’t help but think a little editing would make me enjoy these books more because there are definitely parts I do enjoy.
  
Traitor's Moon (Gladstone Shifters #2)
Traitor's Moon (Gladstone Shifters #2)
Alexander Elliott | 2019 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
TRAITOR'S MOON is the second book in the Gladstone Shifters series and it does follow on from book one so I definitely recommend you read that book just to get the full picture.

Ben and Evan are still trying to make their Pack a safe home but Wilburn still has other plans. Jack and William are 'on tour' trying to bring the reality of True Elders to other packs.

There is so much intrigue in this book, making it fast-paced and full of action without it being rushed. As a reader, you daren't blink in case you miss anything. And yet, there is still time for romance, for love, for hope. And not just for MM couples either. Personally, I think this is one of the best parts of these books - instead of just one romance, you get a couple or more!

The world-building is excellent and you also get the political structure and problems too. Although there are a host of characters, each one is fully fleshed out, making every single one of them completely believable.

This is a fantastic addition to the series and I look forward to carrying on with their stories. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Jonah!

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!