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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Caramel Crush (Cupcake Bakery Mystery, #9) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Mel’s college roommate has finally come to collect on a favor that Mel owes her, and Diane wants Mel to deliver break up cupcakes to her ex-fiance. However, the delivery doesn’t go as planned when Mel finds Mike’s body. With the police looking at Diane as the killer, suddenly Mel finds herself with a new favor – keep Diane out of prison.
Who can you not love a book that starts out with break up cupcakes? The story that follows delivers on the promise with plenty of viable suspects and some good twists. I did feel Mel was foolish at the end of the book, but that was my only complaint. All the usual supporting characters are here, and they are their usual charming selves. I just love them! And there is one scene guaranteed to melt your heart.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/04/book-review-caramel-crush-by-jenn.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Who can you not love a book that starts out with break up cupcakes? The story that follows delivers on the promise with plenty of viable suspects and some good twists. I did feel Mel was foolish at the end of the book, but that was my only complaint. All the usual supporting characters are here, and they are their usual charming selves. I just love them! And there is one scene guaranteed to melt your heart.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/04/book-review-caramel-crush-by-jenn.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated Artifice in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I had been meaning to read this graphic novel for a while, having heard good things about how it used a sci-fi / action story to talk about homophobia, racism, free will, first love, and self-acceptance; and in light of recent current events, it seemed like the perfect time. The artwork is absolutely wonderful, and perfectly captures all the nuances of the story, which is pretty great in itself. While it can occasionally feel a little predictable, the tale of Deacon and Jeff was sweetly romantic and contained many moments that I found very relatable, in spite of the science fiction setting and sporadic bursts of violence. In a way, this story is similar to recent British hit anthology show "Black Mirror", in that it uses its sci-fi setting to tell a deeply human story to great effect. While it may fall a little short of being a masterpiece, it is a great comic, and one I would love to see continued.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Shape of Water (2017) in Movies
Feb 28, 2018
Beautiful and bizarre
This is another one of those Oscar nominated films that for me didn't quite live up to the hype. That said, it is still a very beautifully made and intriguing film, albeit a very strange one.
The story itself is a little odd, and at times you have to suspend your disbelief that a woman could fall in love with a creature like this. However at times, their love story is actually quite sweet and romantic. Sally Hawkins is fantastic, she does brilliantly at portraying such emotion without words. The rest of the major characters too are well developed and there isn't one I didn't like. The creature itself is very well done, the visual effects a nice change to CGI. The cinematography and script are all very good too, and it is a very beautiful film. I feel it drags a little towards the end and it would have been nice to find out more about the creature itself.
The story itself is a little odd, and at times you have to suspend your disbelief that a woman could fall in love with a creature like this. However at times, their love story is actually quite sweet and romantic. Sally Hawkins is fantastic, she does brilliantly at portraying such emotion without words. The rest of the major characters too are well developed and there isn't one I didn't like. The creature itself is very well done, the visual effects a nice change to CGI. The cinematography and script are all very good too, and it is a very beautiful film. I feel it drags a little towards the end and it would have been nice to find out more about the creature itself.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Shards of Murder (A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery, #2) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
In this installment of the Webb's Glass Shop mysteries, Savannah and her posse get back together to solve another crime. This time, they aren't personally connected to the victim, but Savannah herself is a suspect. With no solid alibi, she has to rely on her wits and her friends to solve the case before she is arrested for a crime she didn't commit. Anyone who has ever considered taking up glasswork as a hobby has to read this series - it's full of interesting facts, procedures, and tidbits.
While this book does fine as a standalone, the author does a good job of explaining what has happened before, if you haven't read any of this series yet, I'd suggest starting at the beginning to get a better feel for the characters and their relationships.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from the author and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
While this book does fine as a standalone, the author does a good job of explaining what has happened before, if you haven't read any of this series yet, I'd suggest starting at the beginning to get a better feel for the characters and their relationships.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from the author and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Paint the Town Dead in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Rory Anderson is thrilled about the decorative painting convention coming to Vista Beach, California, her hometown. She’s looking forward to the classes and helping her mom, one of the vendors for the event. However, she is shocked when her friend collapses and dies just as the week is getting under way. The police think it was a tragic accident, but Rory is sure it was murder. Can she prove it?
I love the beach, so the beach town setting is perfect for me. The characters are good, although I did feel they could have been just a little stronger. However, the plot was plenty strong with things progressing at a steady pace all the way to the climax. I was sure I had it completely figured out multiple times only to change my mind a couple of chapters later.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/11/book-review-paint-town-dead-by-sybil.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I love the beach, so the beach town setting is perfect for me. The characters are good, although I did feel they could have been just a little stronger. However, the plot was plenty strong with things progressing at a steady pace all the way to the climax. I was sure I had it completely figured out multiple times only to change my mind a couple of chapters later.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/11/book-review-paint-town-dead-by-sybil.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated The Pornography Industry: What Everyone Needs to Know in Books
Jul 12, 2018
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who is interested in psychology, sociology, and sexology I found this book truly fascinating. I loved how detailed this book was and that Shira Tarrant cited her sources. When reading a psychology book I always want the sources because that just gives me more and more things to research and look into.
I felt that Shira Tarrant did a good job at remaining unbiased in this book. You can tell that she has certain opinions but it didn't feel like an opinion piece which is refreshing especially on such a taboo topic. The research was interesting and well done. You can really tell that the author took their time in writing the book and researching the topic.
I learned quite a lot about the pornography industry. If you're interested in learning something new, I highly recommend this book!
As someone who is interested in psychology, sociology, and sexology I found this book truly fascinating. I loved how detailed this book was and that Shira Tarrant cited her sources. When reading a psychology book I always want the sources because that just gives me more and more things to research and look into.
I felt that Shira Tarrant did a good job at remaining unbiased in this book. You can tell that she has certain opinions but it didn't feel like an opinion piece which is refreshing especially on such a taboo topic. The research was interesting and well done. You can really tell that the author took their time in writing the book and researching the topic.
I learned quite a lot about the pornography industry. If you're interested in learning something new, I highly recommend this book!
Loz Hughes (80 KP) rated The 100 in TV
Jul 17, 2018
Raises interesting morality questions in a post apocalyptic environment (earth)/in space. (1 more)
Subsequent series develop and enrich the storyline
Quite teeny to start with in the first series but the second and third start to get more gripping.
I was recommended this series by my best friend and to start with it appeared a bit budget and awkward in parts, but as the episodes and series progressed you developed a feel for the different characters and gained more enjoyment from the storyline itself.
For me I found the morality aspect interesting. Who do you pick to explore a potentially deadly planet? Who gets to survive in space when theres limited oxygen levels etc?
Still following the series since the first one, so I guess its pretty good if im still watching it three years later or so :).
If you like survival, sci fi, and lord of the flies it should appeal.
For me I found the morality aspect interesting. Who do you pick to explore a potentially deadly planet? Who gets to survive in space when theres limited oxygen levels etc?
Still following the series since the first one, so I guess its pretty good if im still watching it three years later or so :).
If you like survival, sci fi, and lord of the flies it should appeal.
CJ (8 KP) rated The Bookshop (2017) in Movies
Sep 11, 2018 (Updated Sep 11, 2018)
Woman vs. town.
Based on the novel of the same title by Penelope Fitzgerald, it tells the story of widow Florence Green (Emily Mortimer) who opens a bookshop in an abandoned home in a small English village. Unfortunately, she does so against the wishes of some of the locals who try to get her removed from her shop. However, she does not find herself without allies and friends.
I was thoroughly delighted by the scenery and costumes in this movie. The stage was set very well. I’m a fan of Bill Nighy as a rule, but I can honestly say that this is the best role I’ve seen him in.
This isn’t a particularly feel good movie. If you’re looking for a Hallmark ending, keep looking. But it does have a few laughs, in that British small-town movie way, and I found it well worth my time. Especially in regards to Emily Mortimer’s and Bill Nighy’s performances.
I was thoroughly delighted by the scenery and costumes in this movie. The stage was set very well. I’m a fan of Bill Nighy as a rule, but I can honestly say that this is the best role I’ve seen him in.
This isn’t a particularly feel good movie. If you’re looking for a Hallmark ending, keep looking. But it does have a few laughs, in that British small-town movie way, and I found it well worth my time. Especially in regards to Emily Mortimer’s and Bill Nighy’s performances.
Alicia S (193 KP) rated The Life of Anna: The Complete Story in Books
Sep 28, 2018
Read the entire series from start to finish... Dark, sick, twisted, so, so wrong and yet SO good!? By far the darkest series I've ever read and was surely tough to read at times, yet I simply can't put it down. Its all here... beyond anything you could imagine... and more. I kept hearing about this series and finally got my hands on it and my god.. My heart broke over and over again until I simply couldn't take any more (and then grabbed the next book of course!?). You know those books where your heart races, your blood boils and you find yourself shaking uncontrollably as you have a panic attack while reading....well, this is THAT series from start to finish!? Holy mindf$%k!!! Could NOT put it down!! A seriously evil, beautiful, heart-wrenching, loving, torturous book!? This series will make you feel everything.. from rage to love. HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who loves a dark, dark read!
B (62 KP) rated The Handmaid's Tale - Season 1 in TV
Oct 6, 2018
Excellent adaptation
I really loved what the creators of this show have done with The Handmaid's Tale. The amount of relevancy that the social commentary still has on today's society blows my mind. I also really like how they've developed a lot of the characters. For example, in the book Serena Joy is mostly made out to be a villain, but her portrayal in the show is sympathetic. Much like in real life, the line between good and evil is blurred. I've found that while watching June is actually one of my least favorite characters. I've come to really love Nick although I feel intensely sorry for him in his predicament. I wish that they had put in some of the original narrative framing devices with the studying of the society of Gilead because I found that to be an interesting way of looking at it in the book and I hope they figure something out to keep it in the future.