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Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated If I'm Found (If I Run #2) in Books
Feb 25, 2019
A long time fan of Ms. Blackstock, I was excited to pick up this book. I wasn't disappointed, that was for sure! From first page to last, I was on the edge of my seat, devouring the suspense long in to the night. The rush of anticipation was strong with this book!
Casey, Dylan, and all the secondary characters are complexly created and I loved that. They need to be for their roles in the plot line. Reading this story transformed me into Casey for the duration of the book. I felt all her emotions, all her fears, all her hopes as if they were my own. That was powerful! Just when I thought I knew what was coming, Ms. Blackstock twisted the story up and left me in awe, thinking about the twist.
Ms. Blackstock once again created a story that is filled with messages from God, characters that are jaw droppingly awesome, and a story line that packs an incredible punch! If you love the anticipation of finding out what happens next, the heart pounding, jaw dropping need to find the clues and reach the end, then this book is for you. However, I must warn you, you'll want the next book instantly, like I do, and you'll be deeply saddened to know it's a long wait! I am looking forward to going back and reading book 1, to see where Casey began. Definitely a fantastic 4 star worthy book.<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/booklookblogger-review-im-found-terri-blackstock-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Casey, Dylan, and all the secondary characters are complexly created and I loved that. They need to be for their roles in the plot line. Reading this story transformed me into Casey for the duration of the book. I felt all her emotions, all her fears, all her hopes as if they were my own. That was powerful! Just when I thought I knew what was coming, Ms. Blackstock twisted the story up and left me in awe, thinking about the twist.
Ms. Blackstock once again created a story that is filled with messages from God, characters that are jaw droppingly awesome, and a story line that packs an incredible punch! If you love the anticipation of finding out what happens next, the heart pounding, jaw dropping need to find the clues and reach the end, then this book is for you. However, I must warn you, you'll want the next book instantly, like I do, and you'll be deeply saddened to know it's a long wait! I am looking forward to going back and reading book 1, to see where Casey began. Definitely a fantastic 4 star worthy book.<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/booklookblogger-review-im-found-terri-blackstock-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated A Place of Peace (Kauffman Amish Bakery, #3) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Another good read from the talented hands of Mrs. Clipston. I was super excited when I read the blurb for this book. Being married to a firefighter, I'm always partial to books that include a firefighter or anything to do with rescuing. So, when I saw that this was not only another awesome Amish novel, but that it was about an Amish firefighter, I was instantly pulled to it. And, I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It was a good combination.
Meeting Jamie and Kayla was like meeting up with long ago friends. Their characters were instantly a part of me and I loved watching their story unfold. Dealing with pain and tragedy, these two hearts beat as one from their first meeting. Watching them grow in their feelings for each other was a refreshing start to a new series.
Like Kayla, when the sirens go, my heart skips a beat. I hold my breath until my husband is home safe and sound. The way Mrs. Clipston blends everyday life of firefighting with the plain, simple living of the Amish is a treat for sure!
This is definitely a 4 star, highly recommended read if you want something different. It's detailed and rich, and the characters don't stay characters for long. Each page turn brings you closer to the hearts of Kayla and Jamie, and I am excited to see what Mrs. Clipston has in store for us with book 2! Fantastic job!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Meeting Jamie and Kayla was like meeting up with long ago friends. Their characters were instantly a part of me and I loved watching their story unfold. Dealing with pain and tragedy, these two hearts beat as one from their first meeting. Watching them grow in their feelings for each other was a refreshing start to a new series.
Like Kayla, when the sirens go, my heart skips a beat. I hold my breath until my husband is home safe and sound. The way Mrs. Clipston blends everyday life of firefighting with the plain, simple living of the Amish is a treat for sure!
This is definitely a 4 star, highly recommended read if you want something different. It's detailed and rich, and the characters don't stay characters for long. Each page turn brings you closer to the hearts of Kayla and Jamie, and I am excited to see what Mrs. Clipston has in store for us with book 2! Fantastic job!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Deadly Proof (Atlanta Justice #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Holy smokes! Ms. Dylan is AH-mazing!!! I was so excited to get this book and review it. I sat down the minute I got it and DEVOURED it! I was done almost as quickly as I began it. Her writing style is just THAT good. The intensity that she creates the story with, I felt every bit of it. It was a wonderful time, reading this story!
I have always had a fascination with crime dramas and the legalities of it all, so when I had the chance to review this for the author, I jumped on it. The plot line was intruiging and the characters sounded absolutely fantastic. I was right. Kate and Landon's characters were both beautifully chiseled for their roles and instantly stole my heart. The sparks that pass between them are awesome and the suspenseful twists to the story really bring out the intensity of both of these characters as the heart pounding, page turning scenes come to life.
This book is in my top 10 favorite reads of 2017. It is a wonderful story, filled with edge of your seat, fast paced circumstances. Learning to lean on God in times of crisis, and focusing on the future and not the past really make this book beyond 5 star worthy. I can't wait to see what book 2 in this incredible new series has in store for us. Hats off and gavels down to the awesometastic author, Rachel Dylan!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers/author and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
I have always had a fascination with crime dramas and the legalities of it all, so when I had the chance to review this for the author, I jumped on it. The plot line was intruiging and the characters sounded absolutely fantastic. I was right. Kate and Landon's characters were both beautifully chiseled for their roles and instantly stole my heart. The sparks that pass between them are awesome and the suspenseful twists to the story really bring out the intensity of both of these characters as the heart pounding, page turning scenes come to life.
This book is in my top 10 favorite reads of 2017. It is a wonderful story, filled with edge of your seat, fast paced circumstances. Learning to lean on God in times of crisis, and focusing on the future and not the past really make this book beyond 5 star worthy. I can't wait to see what book 2 in this incredible new series has in store for us. Hats off and gavels down to the awesometastic author, Rachel Dylan!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers/author and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Midge (525 KP) rated The Buried Girl in Books
Mar 5, 2019
A Chilling Psychological Thriller with Gothic Elements
This book caught my eye as I loved the synopsis and I read a lot of books from this genre, although I haven’t read any of the author, Richard Montanari’s books before. “The Buried Girl” is a chilling psychological thriller with some added Gothic elements.
When the wife of a New York psychologist, Will Hardy, is murdered he moves into Godwin Hall, a dusty, shut-up mansion in the small town of Abbeville, Ohio, with his teenage daughter, Bernadette.
At the same time, Abbeville Chief of Police Ivy Holgrave is investigating the death of a local girl. She is convinced this may only be the latest in a long line of murders dating back decades, including her own long-missing sister.
But what place does Will's new home have in the story of the missing girls and why does he have past memories of Godwin Hall? Is the diary of a young woman, written over a century earlier, linked to the killings?
Richard Montanari writes a wonderfully atmospheric and compelling novel. Tense and suspenseful, the many threads of the story slowly begin to link together, central to which is Godwin Hall. Both the characterisation and the plot are superb with the three main characters damaged, but starting the process of recovery. I am hoping that there will be a sequel to this novel as it was a fantastic read which I highly recommend to lovers of thrillers and crime fiction.
{Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins UK/Witness Impulse for the free copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
When the wife of a New York psychologist, Will Hardy, is murdered he moves into Godwin Hall, a dusty, shut-up mansion in the small town of Abbeville, Ohio, with his teenage daughter, Bernadette.
At the same time, Abbeville Chief of Police Ivy Holgrave is investigating the death of a local girl. She is convinced this may only be the latest in a long line of murders dating back decades, including her own long-missing sister.
But what place does Will's new home have in the story of the missing girls and why does he have past memories of Godwin Hall? Is the diary of a young woman, written over a century earlier, linked to the killings?
Richard Montanari writes a wonderfully atmospheric and compelling novel. Tense and suspenseful, the many threads of the story slowly begin to link together, central to which is Godwin Hall. Both the characterisation and the plot are superb with the three main characters damaged, but starting the process of recovery. I am hoping that there will be a sequel to this novel as it was a fantastic read which I highly recommend to lovers of thrillers and crime fiction.
{Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins UK/Witness Impulse for the free copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
Midge (525 KP) rated The First Cut in Books
Mar 11, 2019
Nail-biting & Dark
“The First Cut” is actually the third book in a series called the ‘Doctors of Darkness’, the first book being ‘Daddy Darkest’ and the second is ‘The Hanging Tree’. I don’t think this made much difference to my immense enjoyment of the book as plenty of back-story was provided.
‘Love Doctors’ Ian and Kate Culpepper are brutally murdered in their Carmel mansion on Valentine’s Day. To Ava, its fate because Ian left her for the perfect Kate four years ago. Then they made their home close to Ava, complete with their perfect house and their perfect daughter and their matching perfect smiles. It’s no wonder that Ava can’t stop watching or that she can’t let go…
However, Ian is far from perfect, and Ava owes a debt too, for when they were together, they did an unforgivable thing - a dark deed that severed their marriage in two. Ava’s name is found inked in blood at the crime scene and someone knows what she’s hiding…
Ellery Kane has a very unique writing style that is perfect for this psychological thriller. Many of the characters, especially Ava, were so complex that, at first, it wasn’t easy to work out exactly how they contributed to the story. Eventually, as different aspects of the story were revealed, it all started to come together. This, though, is the foundation for a fantastic psychological thriller.
Overall, “The First Cut” is a sensational and thrilling read with lots of nail-biting and alarming moments that culminate in a fulfilling conclusion.
[Thanks to Hidden Gems and the author Ellery Kane for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
‘Love Doctors’ Ian and Kate Culpepper are brutally murdered in their Carmel mansion on Valentine’s Day. To Ava, its fate because Ian left her for the perfect Kate four years ago. Then they made their home close to Ava, complete with their perfect house and their perfect daughter and their matching perfect smiles. It’s no wonder that Ava can’t stop watching or that she can’t let go…
However, Ian is far from perfect, and Ava owes a debt too, for when they were together, they did an unforgivable thing - a dark deed that severed their marriage in two. Ava’s name is found inked in blood at the crime scene and someone knows what she’s hiding…
Ellery Kane has a very unique writing style that is perfect for this psychological thriller. Many of the characters, especially Ava, were so complex that, at first, it wasn’t easy to work out exactly how they contributed to the story. Eventually, as different aspects of the story were revealed, it all started to come together. This, though, is the foundation for a fantastic psychological thriller.
Overall, “The First Cut” is a sensational and thrilling read with lots of nail-biting and alarming moments that culminate in a fulfilling conclusion.
[Thanks to Hidden Gems and the author Ellery Kane for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
Jared Harper (8 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Apex Legends in Video Games
Mar 14, 2019
Apex legends is the first person shooter battle Royale game I've been waiting for. It's not the first, but it's the best in my opinion. Graphics are beautiful and smooth. Movement is quick and fluid with the ability to climb anything and to slide down any slope at a decent speed. Gun fights are always interesting because of each fighters unique but fair abilities. Gun drops are good and most games you have decent loot. Only complaint I have is to buff some of the weaker guns to keep up with the R301 and wingman combo that most people seem to want. Snipers could use some more love especially, as every shot has bullet drop, it would be useful to do more damage since the difficulty of hitting the target is higher than in games without bullet drop. Back to the positives, playing with randoms can be achieved because of the fantastic ping system! No mic? No problem you can communicate just about anything by pinging a location and choosing an option. Storm is rarely deadly, but keeps the fight going at a good rate. However, sometimes when there's a few people left we have a huge circle, and I'd like to see an algorithm that speeds up the circle when there's that few people. Other than a few negatives I LOVE this game and if you haven't played it, you should.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Forbidden Darkness (Immortal Desire, #1) in Books
Mar 15, 2019
The vampire race is dying, and to save it, one vampire will risk his life.
Vampire Reinis has been assigned to mate with a human to create a prophesied child that will save his coven. The rules are simple: get the job done and come home. Falling in love is out of the question.
Yet that's exactly what Reinis has unwittingly done. Now he risks execution at the hands of his own coven for breaking vampire law.
Fresh out of a bad relationship, Sarma has no clue about the dark, seductive world Reinis is from. But when he marks her as his mate, she's thrown headfirst into a secret world of vampires...painting a target on her back with a rival coven that will do anything to prevent the prophecy from coming to pass.
Dark and hauntingly sensual, the fate of the vampire world lay in the birth of one special child born of a human and a vampire, but the prophecy states they may not fall in love
A brilliant and unique story.
This is a fantastic start to a new series and I absolutely loved it. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book.
The characters were well thought out and the way Scarlett wrote about them made them seem so real and unique. I loved the plot lines and I particularly loved the way all the characters interacted with each other and others.
I just found it totally unique. You cant help but feel like you really know the main characters. I cant wait to see whats going to happen in this series.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
Vampire Reinis has been assigned to mate with a human to create a prophesied child that will save his coven. The rules are simple: get the job done and come home. Falling in love is out of the question.
Yet that's exactly what Reinis has unwittingly done. Now he risks execution at the hands of his own coven for breaking vampire law.
Fresh out of a bad relationship, Sarma has no clue about the dark, seductive world Reinis is from. But when he marks her as his mate, she's thrown headfirst into a secret world of vampires...painting a target on her back with a rival coven that will do anything to prevent the prophecy from coming to pass.
Dark and hauntingly sensual, the fate of the vampire world lay in the birth of one special child born of a human and a vampire, but the prophecy states they may not fall in love
A brilliant and unique story.
This is a fantastic start to a new series and I absolutely loved it. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book.
The characters were well thought out and the way Scarlett wrote about them made them seem so real and unique. I loved the plot lines and I particularly loved the way all the characters interacted with each other and others.
I just found it totally unique. You cant help but feel like you really know the main characters. I cant wait to see whats going to happen in this series.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Favourite (2018) in Movies
May 6, 2019
An unusual period piece
This is a very unusual film and for the most part very good. Period dramas aren’t usually my thing, but The Favourite isn’t your average period drama. It’s a very subtle tongue in cheek, witty, humorous and sometimes bizarre tale that’s very clever and entertaining to watch. Whilst Olivia Colman May have won the Oscar, I think all 3 of the female leads in this are very strong and a delight to watch, especially when their characters are all together in the same scenes. Indeed the scenes with Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz sniping at each other are by far the best to watch. Even the rest of the supporting cast too are very good, although I do think Mark Gatiss was a little underused. Nobody does posh upper class toff like he does!
The film itself looks beautiful. The costume and set design, and music, are fantastic, and the whole thing looks stunning. I did however have a slight issue with the cinematography. I found some of the strange camera angles a little frustrating and irritating after a while, especially as some of them don’t really seem to fit in with the style and tone of the rest of the film. I also think the final act and especially the final scene were a bit of a letdown. Most of the film has a rather humorous or at least light hearted undertone, but the final act takes it a little too seriously and the final scene is just too ill fitting too. Despite this, it’s a very different period drama and definitely worth a watch for some stellar performances.
The film itself looks beautiful. The costume and set design, and music, are fantastic, and the whole thing looks stunning. I did however have a slight issue with the cinematography. I found some of the strange camera angles a little frustrating and irritating after a while, especially as some of them don’t really seem to fit in with the style and tone of the rest of the film. I also think the final act and especially the final scene were a bit of a letdown. Most of the film has a rather humorous or at least light hearted undertone, but the final act takes it a little too seriously and the final scene is just too ill fitting too. Despite this, it’s a very different period drama and definitely worth a watch for some stellar performances.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Quiet Man (1952) in Movies
May 11, 2019
A good old fashioned love story
John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara make a perfect couple in a romantic turn for director John Ford mostly known for his western epics.
When a man returns to his Irish roots looking to purchase his former family homestead, some of the locals are not too keen on the idea. After the purchase, he begins to court the sister of the man who was also interested in the property. After things are worked out, they are married; however, her brother still hold her dowry and she holds to her traditional family values o not being truly happy until she acquires her family fortune.
The two men must work out their differences so the couple can make a life together for themselves and their families.
A film from 1952 can hardly be called anything except "classic", so some of the values expressed by characters in the film reflect those of the times they were made. Traditional is also probably a word to describe the situations and relationships here.
I could see how this could turn off some today who hold more progressive opinions.
Whatever your values, this film has some fantastic moments and watching the two leads together onscreen is just magic. Director Ford takes full advantage of the sprawling Irish countrysides and thy feel like characters themselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed viewing this film and it left me with a warm feeling in my heart.
P.S. does anyone know which 1982 film recreated the most famous scene in The Quiet Man for an unforgettable moment in that film as well?
When a man returns to his Irish roots looking to purchase his former family homestead, some of the locals are not too keen on the idea. After the purchase, he begins to court the sister of the man who was also interested in the property. After things are worked out, they are married; however, her brother still hold her dowry and she holds to her traditional family values o not being truly happy until she acquires her family fortune.
The two men must work out their differences so the couple can make a life together for themselves and their families.
A film from 1952 can hardly be called anything except "classic", so some of the values expressed by characters in the film reflect those of the times they were made. Traditional is also probably a word to describe the situations and relationships here.
I could see how this could turn off some today who hold more progressive opinions.
Whatever your values, this film has some fantastic moments and watching the two leads together onscreen is just magic. Director Ford takes full advantage of the sprawling Irish countrysides and thy feel like characters themselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed viewing this film and it left me with a warm feeling in my heart.
P.S. does anyone know which 1982 film recreated the most famous scene in The Quiet Man for an unforgettable moment in that film as well?
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Perfect Betrayal in Books
May 22, 2019
'I THOUGHT SHE WAS OUR FRIEND. I THOUGHT SHE WAS TRYING TO HELP US.'
After the sudden death of her husband, Tess is drowning in grief. All she has left is her son, Jamie, and she'll do anything to protect him - but she's struggling to cope.
When grief counselor Shelley knocks on their door, everything changes. Shelley is beautiful, confident and takes control when Tess can't bear to face the outside world.
But when questions arise over her husband's death and strange things start to happen, Tess begins to suspect that Shelley may have an ulterior motive. Tess knows she must do everything she can to keep Jamie safe - but who can she trust?
***
WOW!!! What a fantastic book!!!
I am struggling with what to write as I will not give any of the plot away to you!
This was a really interesting read for me , I really thought I knew what was happening , and then wow what a twist at the end .
This book slowly builds to a great ending. Hard to say anymore without giving things away. The story is mainly from Tess points of view in terms of flashbacks to the past 2 months and occasional points of view of Ian and Shelley.
The characters are so well written and you just find yourself right there with them seeing what they see.
The plot was phenomenal.
The ending ... wow did not see that coming!
If I could give more than 5 stars I would!!!
Highly highly recommend!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC in return for an honest review .
After the sudden death of her husband, Tess is drowning in grief. All she has left is her son, Jamie, and she'll do anything to protect him - but she's struggling to cope.
When grief counselor Shelley knocks on their door, everything changes. Shelley is beautiful, confident and takes control when Tess can't bear to face the outside world.
But when questions arise over her husband's death and strange things start to happen, Tess begins to suspect that Shelley may have an ulterior motive. Tess knows she must do everything she can to keep Jamie safe - but who can she trust?
***
WOW!!! What a fantastic book!!!
I am struggling with what to write as I will not give any of the plot away to you!
This was a really interesting read for me , I really thought I knew what was happening , and then wow what a twist at the end .
This book slowly builds to a great ending. Hard to say anymore without giving things away. The story is mainly from Tess points of view in terms of flashbacks to the past 2 months and occasional points of view of Ian and Shelley.
The characters are so well written and you just find yourself right there with them seeing what they see.
The plot was phenomenal.
The ending ... wow did not see that coming!
If I could give more than 5 stars I would!!!
Highly highly recommend!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC in return for an honest review .