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Dana (24 KP) rated The Accident Season in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This book is truly haunting. It's creepy, but not in a gross way, that makes you feel anxious throughout the story.
It was a very quick read, but it didn't feel rushed at all. Even with the fast paced movement of the story, nothing was really left out of the story.
The characters were so strange in their own ways. I loved the interconnections between them all and how they were able to play off each other throughout. I felt really connected to them, even though I have nothing really in common with them at all. The relationships were also very complex without being too confusing.
The settings were very well described as well. I loved the Ghost House and I wish I could go and visit it.
Everything was also so subtle in the book!! There were hints about what was happening in the second plot hidden under the more obvious plot that you can pick out if you are looking for it. That being said, the means behind the ends were all earned and did not feel like they were just there to shock and surprise the audience.
I do, however, wish there was more interaction with the mom and her reasons for believing so much in the Accident Season. This could have been expanded on so much, but it wasn't. (At least not in the edition I read which was an ARC, so there could have been more in the finished copy.) I wanted to know more of a backstory with the beginnings of the Accident Season and how it only affects the family and no one else. And I wanted to see more connections and hints to the past throughout as well.
Everything had a very magical quality to it that I really enjoyed!
*****MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!*****
My favorite scene was at the party at the Ghost House when Cara gets drunk. I loved how the writing style mirrored her intoxication so everything got jumbled and distorted. I thought that was a brilliant writing device and I may use it in my own stuff if I ever write it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!!
It was a very quick read, but it didn't feel rushed at all. Even with the fast paced movement of the story, nothing was really left out of the story.
The characters were so strange in their own ways. I loved the interconnections between them all and how they were able to play off each other throughout. I felt really connected to them, even though I have nothing really in common with them at all. The relationships were also very complex without being too confusing.
The settings were very well described as well. I loved the Ghost House and I wish I could go and visit it.
Everything was also so subtle in the book!! There were hints about what was happening in the second plot hidden under the more obvious plot that you can pick out if you are looking for it. That being said, the means behind the ends were all earned and did not feel like they were just there to shock and surprise the audience.
I do, however, wish there was more interaction with the mom and her reasons for believing so much in the Accident Season. This could have been expanded on so much, but it wasn't. (At least not in the edition I read which was an ARC, so there could have been more in the finished copy.) I wanted to know more of a backstory with the beginnings of the Accident Season and how it only affects the family and no one else. And I wanted to see more connections and hints to the past throughout as well.
Everything had a very magical quality to it that I really enjoyed!
*****MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!*****
My favorite scene was at the party at the Ghost House when Cara gets drunk. I loved how the writing style mirrored her intoxication so everything got jumbled and distorted. I thought that was a brilliant writing device and I may use it in my own stuff if I ever write it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!!
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated The Little Mermaid in Books
Nov 16, 2018
Full review can also be found on my blog: www.diaryofdifference.com
I grew up with Disney movies, and my favourite one was the one with the mermaid that has long red hair, and I loved her love story, and also enjoyed watching the rest of the movie series that followed years later.
And while loving Ariel for so long, I have never actually read the original story. So a few weeks ago, I decided to cherish it properly, as a true childhood love deserves to be cherished.
And I was left with my jaw dropped and my mouth open, unable to sleep. I can’t say this book crushed my childhood love, but it definitely shook me quite hard.
If you are expecting to read about the little mermaid, and her adventures in the water, and how she would give anything to see how people live on Earth, and fall in love with a prince – you will get all that. In fact – the book description is far better compared to the movie. Incomparable, actually. The book glows with bright colourful descriptions of the world under the sea, and it is so vividly enchantingly explained.
But if you are expecting to read about the adorable love story of Ariel and the prince, and their happily ever after – that is not happening. Because things go wrong. Horribly wrong. With a crushing, terrible end, that will torture you in your dreams.
It wasn’t my intention to make this review so dark. The story is still wonderful, and full of life. However, there is no happy ending, and that, for me, was crucial to not enjoy it.
And I am not usually upset with unhappy endings. It happens so often. But this one was so brutal and cruel, that it felt so disturbing. Maybe, because it is my favorite childhood movie. Maybe, because I knew this to be a happy story. Maybe, because I didn’t expect this at all.
Hans Christian Andersen is an amazing writer. I have read many of his stories, and enjoyed them greatly. I honestly don’t know what was going on in his life when he was writing this, but wow. Just wow.
I grew up with Disney movies, and my favourite one was the one with the mermaid that has long red hair, and I loved her love story, and also enjoyed watching the rest of the movie series that followed years later.
And while loving Ariel for so long, I have never actually read the original story. So a few weeks ago, I decided to cherish it properly, as a true childhood love deserves to be cherished.
And I was left with my jaw dropped and my mouth open, unable to sleep. I can’t say this book crushed my childhood love, but it definitely shook me quite hard.
If you are expecting to read about the little mermaid, and her adventures in the water, and how she would give anything to see how people live on Earth, and fall in love with a prince – you will get all that. In fact – the book description is far better compared to the movie. Incomparable, actually. The book glows with bright colourful descriptions of the world under the sea, and it is so vividly enchantingly explained.
But if you are expecting to read about the adorable love story of Ariel and the prince, and their happily ever after – that is not happening. Because things go wrong. Horribly wrong. With a crushing, terrible end, that will torture you in your dreams.
It wasn’t my intention to make this review so dark. The story is still wonderful, and full of life. However, there is no happy ending, and that, for me, was crucial to not enjoy it.
And I am not usually upset with unhappy endings. It happens so often. But this one was so brutal and cruel, that it felt so disturbing. Maybe, because it is my favorite childhood movie. Maybe, because I knew this to be a happy story. Maybe, because I didn’t expect this at all.
Hans Christian Andersen is an amazing writer. I have read many of his stories, and enjoyed them greatly. I honestly don’t know what was going on in his life when he was writing this, but wow. Just wow.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated In Good Company (A Class of Their Own, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
In Good Company is a witty romance filled with people that are sure to capture your heart. Embark on this journey and find yourself immersed into the society of Newport, Rhode Island.
The summer season of 1882 is about to begin and Everett Mulberry has found himself without a nanny for his wards, again. Millie Longfellow has once again been dismissed from her position as a nanny. Neither Everett or Millie are thrilled when the employment agency places Millie in Everett's services. But this is the last hope for both of them. Millie's unique behavior as a nanny is frowned upon by many, however her unorthodox ways might be just what these children need. Everett's goal of holding a powerful position among the upper class of society appears to be within reach. But as events begin to unfold regarding the untimely death of the children's parents, he is severely tested. Will he hold on to his position and snobbery? Or will he let the children, and Millie, soften his heart?
"I don't think reading is a pleasure I'll ever be able to abandon." - Millie Longfellow
Jen Turano is one of the most brilliant authors that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I had to spend this last week in the hospital with my son, and I am so very thankful that I chose to read this book while I was there (He is doing better and we are home now). I laughed out loud so many times. Millie and Everett's story was good for my spirit and my sanity. In Good Company is a beautiful combination of The Sound of Music and Pride and Prejudice, two of my favorite stories. Jen does a wonderful job of depicting the prejudice between the social classes of the time. The prejudice and the snobbery is heartbreaking. But, the story breaks all of those barriers and it is thrilling to witness. Get ready for a grand adventure full of mischief, romance and a few peacocks!
Although this book can stand alone, I highly recommend reading After a Fashion, the first book in the series.
I received a free copy of In Good Company from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
The summer season of 1882 is about to begin and Everett Mulberry has found himself without a nanny for his wards, again. Millie Longfellow has once again been dismissed from her position as a nanny. Neither Everett or Millie are thrilled when the employment agency places Millie in Everett's services. But this is the last hope for both of them. Millie's unique behavior as a nanny is frowned upon by many, however her unorthodox ways might be just what these children need. Everett's goal of holding a powerful position among the upper class of society appears to be within reach. But as events begin to unfold regarding the untimely death of the children's parents, he is severely tested. Will he hold on to his position and snobbery? Or will he let the children, and Millie, soften his heart?
"I don't think reading is a pleasure I'll ever be able to abandon." - Millie Longfellow
Jen Turano is one of the most brilliant authors that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I had to spend this last week in the hospital with my son, and I am so very thankful that I chose to read this book while I was there (He is doing better and we are home now). I laughed out loud so many times. Millie and Everett's story was good for my spirit and my sanity. In Good Company is a beautiful combination of The Sound of Music and Pride and Prejudice, two of my favorite stories. Jen does a wonderful job of depicting the prejudice between the social classes of the time. The prejudice and the snobbery is heartbreaking. But, the story breaks all of those barriers and it is thrilling to witness. Get ready for a grand adventure full of mischief, romance and a few peacocks!
Although this book can stand alone, I highly recommend reading After a Fashion, the first book in the series.
I received a free copy of In Good Company from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated Reflect Me (Reflect Me, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
This is the first book by K.B. Webb I've ever read, and have found a new favorite to add to my list. After reading Reflect Me and Follow You Down I think I will buy just about anything this amazing writer publishes.
All of the characters in the stories are easy to relate to in some way. Molly is amazing. The way she grows, matures, and finds her true self on this journey is really inspiring. I've been lucky enough to not be a battered woman, but from the way Molly is written this is exactly how I would expect her to act. She starts of weak and timid with rumors flying around of how Molly used to be. Then she starts to cowgirl up if you will.
Logan is a stand up guy. He's been broken in the past, and doesn't really have that many people around him that he really trusts, but you quickly start to see a family come together. Logan is hoe I wish every man would act. Since I know every man doesn't act that way, he seems a little far fetched; but it works for this story.
The supporting characters (Wynee, Justin, Lucas, Brian, and Dani) are all great characters. They are never just filler and always add to the story, which I love. I can't stand characters that just take up space but then never really have a reason to be there in the first place.
Parts of this story were hard for me to read, not because they were bad, but because they were so real. There are several scenes that Molly endures and I had trouble picturing the hell she was going through, and I had trouble imagining what it would be like to hear these hateful words on a daily basis. The scene where Molly stands up for herself and finally starts to take her life back I literally cheered for her.
This book was well written, the characters were not at all one dimensional. I loved that this was an emotional book and also left me wanting more. I will definitely been one clicking more books by this author.
All of the characters in the stories are easy to relate to in some way. Molly is amazing. The way she grows, matures, and finds her true self on this journey is really inspiring. I've been lucky enough to not be a battered woman, but from the way Molly is written this is exactly how I would expect her to act. She starts of weak and timid with rumors flying around of how Molly used to be. Then she starts to cowgirl up if you will.
Logan is a stand up guy. He's been broken in the past, and doesn't really have that many people around him that he really trusts, but you quickly start to see a family come together. Logan is hoe I wish every man would act. Since I know every man doesn't act that way, he seems a little far fetched; but it works for this story.
The supporting characters (Wynee, Justin, Lucas, Brian, and Dani) are all great characters. They are never just filler and always add to the story, which I love. I can't stand characters that just take up space but then never really have a reason to be there in the first place.
Parts of this story were hard for me to read, not because they were bad, but because they were so real. There are several scenes that Molly endures and I had trouble picturing the hell she was going through, and I had trouble imagining what it would be like to hear these hateful words on a daily basis. The scene where Molly stands up for herself and finally starts to take her life back I literally cheered for her.
This book was well written, the characters were not at all one dimensional. I loved that this was an emotional book and also left me wanting more. I will definitely been one clicking more books by this author.
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Excellent slow-burn mystery
In the third book in the Hester Thursby series, Hester and her friend, Detective Angela White are attending a gala for Prescott University when they are told that someone has broken into the university owners' fancy mansion overlooking Jamaica Pond. Angela agrees to drop by out of courtesy, but once there, they are not sure that Jennifer Matson is telling the truth about what happened that evening. Then Prescott's general manager, Maxine, asks Hester to investigate some missing alumni, calling on Hester's renowned research skills. As Hester starts digging into the for-profit university, she unearths a tragedy that has long shadowed Jennifer and the family, financial issues, and more. But when one of the missing students she was looking into turns up dead, things turn dark, quickly.
I love Hill's Hester Thursby series. They are such intelligent and well-thought out mysteries. This wasn't my favorite of the group, but it was still incredibly well done and enjoyable. The topic of for-profit universities seemed timely and was quite interesting. Maxine made some awful choices, but I didn't envy her job running Prescott University, either.
Overall, the Matsons were a pretty terrible family shrouded in secrets and lies. Hill does an excellent job depicting this wealthy family and all the deception they've built up around them. Money certainly can't buy happiness. This is a slow build mystery, with a slightly different feel, and you have to give yourself time to acclimate to the characters and rhythm of the story. If you do, you'll be rewarded with an intriguing tale. It may not be non-stop action, but Hill writes an excellent tale of a twisted family. It's one that will keep you guessing until the end.
I also recommend reading the first two books, as there's some progress in Morgan and Hester's relationship here (and honestly, not enough Kate), but the book does stand-alone. You'll be missing two great reads, though, if you skip the first two.
I received a copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
In the third book in the Hester Thursby series, Hester and her friend, Detective Angela White are attending a gala for Prescott University when they are told that someone has broken into the university owners' fancy mansion overlooking Jamaica Pond. Angela agrees to drop by out of courtesy, but once there, they are not sure that Jennifer Matson is telling the truth about what happened that evening. Then Prescott's general manager, Maxine, asks Hester to investigate some missing alumni, calling on Hester's renowned research skills. As Hester starts digging into the for-profit university, she unearths a tragedy that has long shadowed Jennifer and the family, financial issues, and more. But when one of the missing students she was looking into turns up dead, things turn dark, quickly.
I love Hill's Hester Thursby series. They are such intelligent and well-thought out mysteries. This wasn't my favorite of the group, but it was still incredibly well done and enjoyable. The topic of for-profit universities seemed timely and was quite interesting. Maxine made some awful choices, but I didn't envy her job running Prescott University, either.
Overall, the Matsons were a pretty terrible family shrouded in secrets and lies. Hill does an excellent job depicting this wealthy family and all the deception they've built up around them. Money certainly can't buy happiness. This is a slow build mystery, with a slightly different feel, and you have to give yourself time to acclimate to the characters and rhythm of the story. If you do, you'll be rewarded with an intriguing tale. It may not be non-stop action, but Hill writes an excellent tale of a twisted family. It's one that will keep you guessing until the end.
I also recommend reading the first two books, as there's some progress in Morgan and Hester's relationship here (and honestly, not enough Kate), but the book does stand-alone. You'll be missing two great reads, though, if you skip the first two.
I received a copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Kristina (502 KP) rated Broken Prince (The Royals, #2) in Books
Dec 7, 2020
All I can say is: holy crap! First of all, I'm a little angry that I couldn't have found out about The Royals until at least mid-October, because I'll slowly be dying while I wait for the next book in this series to release. Secondly, what a ride! I fell in love with Paper Princess, but Broken Prince just roped me in for good. I enjoyed finally being able to see things from Reed's perspective, but I also appreciated that Erin allowed me to still read from Ella's point of view, just like Paper Princess. From the first page, the discovery of how Reed could have been so deceitful, I was addicted. I had answers and I wanted Ella to have those answers too. Then things just kept happening. The Royals were spiraling out of control and I couldn't do anything but read on and hope they could fix themselves. I just want to say that, as much as I love Ella and Reed together, i absolutely adore Easton and wouldn't be too offended if something sparked in that direction. I do believe he might be my favorite character! Even still, Erin Watt provided the perfect amount of twists and turns to keep my attention until I finished the whole book in one sitting. Sometimes I'll find myself scrolling through a paragraph or two, skipping dialogue and even descriptions of rooms and houses, but there was definitely no skimming of Broken Princes. My eyes soaked up every single word and my brain fed off the high that comes with an amazing story. Of course, as all good books do, I was left with more questions than answers and I am desperate to get my hands on the following book. Unfortunately, I'll have to wait until October! Until then, I suppose I'll drive myself crazy with conspiracy theories and all the possibilities that lie ahead. I bow to you, Ms. Watt, because it takes an addictive story and an excellent writer for me to give more than one 5 star review in a series.
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