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Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated I Can Only Imagine in Books
Feb 25, 2019
Several years back, I was driving down the road. I was listening to a Christian radio station, loving the songs that were there. Then I hear the words, "I can only imagine...." and proceed to listen to the song. By the second verse, I had to pull over and listen closely. By the end of the second verse, I was bawling my eyes out, had my hands raised and was "praying" the song to the Lord. It was emotional and moving, and I knew that there had to be a story behind. This was the start of my love of MercyMe's work.
Flash foward several years, now there's a movie called "I Can Only Imagine". I watch the trailer. I cry, yet again. from the feelings I get. Now, I have the chance to review the memoir,which I read in one day, about the story behind the song and movie. And, oh my. What. A. Story. It's raw. It's moving. It will leave you smiling, it will leave you crying, it may even leave you angry. But, it will bring you closer to God. It will make you fall to your knees once again, and really imagine what that moment would be like when you stand before your Creator.
This is not a book I normally would pick up, as I'm not fond of memoirs, but this book, with it's pictures to coincide with Bart Millard's life, is beautifully, poignantly written and really brings forth the pain, the hurt, the anger and the redemption and forgiveness he went through. This is definitely one I recommend, with 5 stars and lots of praises! I can't wait to see the movie next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Flash foward several years, now there's a movie called "I Can Only Imagine". I watch the trailer. I cry, yet again. from the feelings I get. Now, I have the chance to review the memoir,which I read in one day, about the story behind the song and movie. And, oh my. What. A. Story. It's raw. It's moving. It will leave you smiling, it will leave you crying, it may even leave you angry. But, it will bring you closer to God. It will make you fall to your knees once again, and really imagine what that moment would be like when you stand before your Creator.
This is not a book I normally would pick up, as I'm not fond of memoirs, but this book, with it's pictures to coincide with Bart Millard's life, is beautifully, poignantly written and really brings forth the pain, the hurt, the anger and the redemption and forgiveness he went through. This is definitely one I recommend, with 5 stars and lots of praises! I can't wait to see the movie next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Melody of the Soul (Music of Hope #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I'm a big fan of historical novels, particularly those centered around WWII. So, when I came across this one for reviewing, I jumped at the chance. I've not read any Liz Tolsma books before, so it was a double bonus for me. I sat down, opened the book, and wow. What feelings I got with this novel! Sadness, happiness, love.....all of it. It was so many feels!
Liz Tolsma's characters, Anna and Horst, truly came alive for me. Their interactions, their passion for their beliefs and their love for Anna's music....they truly captured my soul. These beautiful souls had a passion for God and I could feel that as I turned each page.
I can't imagine what it was like for the Nazis and the Jews back then, but through richly detailed accounts and beautifully chiseled characters, Ms. Tolsma made me feel a part of that time period. My heart burst for their love of God, but my soul was twisted up and crying when I felt myself enduring all that Anna had to endure. It was a bittersweet experience for sure!
This is definitely a 4 star novel that I will recommend to all who want a soul capturing novel. Ms. Tolsma knows just what to create for her readers that will keep them hooked and turning the pages long into the wee hours of the morning. Each page turn brings you closer to the characters' souls, and when the book ends, you're left reflecting on the melodies created within your own heart. This book is definitely a keeper! Well done, Ms. Tolsma!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Blog Tours and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Liz Tolsma's characters, Anna and Horst, truly came alive for me. Their interactions, their passion for their beliefs and their love for Anna's music....they truly captured my soul. These beautiful souls had a passion for God and I could feel that as I turned each page.
I can't imagine what it was like for the Nazis and the Jews back then, but through richly detailed accounts and beautifully chiseled characters, Ms. Tolsma made me feel a part of that time period. My heart burst for their love of God, but my soul was twisted up and crying when I felt myself enduring all that Anna had to endure. It was a bittersweet experience for sure!
This is definitely a 4 star novel that I will recommend to all who want a soul capturing novel. Ms. Tolsma knows just what to create for her readers that will keep them hooked and turning the pages long into the wee hours of the morning. Each page turn brings you closer to the characters' souls, and when the book ends, you're left reflecting on the melodies created within your own heart. This book is definitely a keeper! Well done, Ms. Tolsma!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Blog Tours and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated American Omens: The Coming Fight for Faith in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Do you want a book that will suck you in, sweep you off your feet, and knock you down, then pick you up and do it all over again through the book? Then look no further than this best selling author's new book, American Omens. It's fantastically phenomenal, and one that you absolutely do not want to miss.
Now, that said, I'll be honest and tell you that had I come across this book in the bookstore and read the blurb first, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. I'm not be on the furturistic style stories. They just don't appeal to me. But, after reading this one, I would have been missing out on something so incredible.
This book is powerful. It's about coming into your Faith and understanding what that big little word means. The plot line is one that may get to some. Much like we are starting to see today, this book about people being sought out for their different feelings, or beliefs, will really move you. The characters of the book are chiseled perfectly. I could feel their pain, their suffering, their emotions, as if they were my own. I love that!
This book is definitely getting 4.5 stars from me. I sat down, started reading it at 6:30 pm and was done by 11:00 pm. I just could not put it down. Each page turn convicted me with something new, each turn of the page brought me closer to an ending I wasn't sure I wanted to reach. But, it was worth it in the end! Grab it now and see what I'm talking about.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook & Multnomah and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Now, that said, I'll be honest and tell you that had I come across this book in the bookstore and read the blurb first, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. I'm not be on the furturistic style stories. They just don't appeal to me. But, after reading this one, I would have been missing out on something so incredible.
This book is powerful. It's about coming into your Faith and understanding what that big little word means. The plot line is one that may get to some. Much like we are starting to see today, this book about people being sought out for their different feelings, or beliefs, will really move you. The characters of the book are chiseled perfectly. I could feel their pain, their suffering, their emotions, as if they were my own. I love that!
This book is definitely getting 4.5 stars from me. I sat down, started reading it at 6:30 pm and was done by 11:00 pm. I just could not put it down. Each page turn convicted me with something new, each turn of the page brought me closer to an ending I wasn't sure I wanted to reach. But, it was worth it in the end! Grab it now and see what I'm talking about.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook & Multnomah and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Sam (74 KP) rated All That She Can See in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Cherry has a bakery. She knows exactly what people need and serves them something to cheer them up. What her customers don’t understand is that she bakes magic into everything to defeat their problems.
Cherry sees Meddlums – creatures that personify people’s problems. They are everywhere, following people around and never leaving them alone. That is until people go into her bakery, and Meddlums are stuck outside, slowly disappearing as Cherry solves everyone’s problems through food.
All That She Can See reminded me a lot of a Disney story, which isn’t surprising coming from Carrie. Lots of the reviews over on Goodreads slate this for being too Disney and pink and fluffy but I loved it. It makes a great change from the books I’ve been reading lately and it’s nice to read something that’s soft and an easy read.
It does have an abstract focus on mental health, showing how everyone has their own problems. It also raises the question of whether you can ever fully fix someone’s emotions. Cherry does everything to make people where she is happy, but in Plymouth, where this book is set, the happiness becomes too much and raises its own issues. It just goes to show that no matter what you do and how hard you work, people will always have their own issues.
I loved the way that Cherry sees bad feelings as monsters and Chase sees good ones as monsters. It shows their different personalities and how a generally happy person will easily see the bad things and a generally sad person will always see the good things happening to other people.
This is an absolutely brilliant read and I need a sequel!
Cherry sees Meddlums – creatures that personify people’s problems. They are everywhere, following people around and never leaving them alone. That is until people go into her bakery, and Meddlums are stuck outside, slowly disappearing as Cherry solves everyone’s problems through food.
All That She Can See reminded me a lot of a Disney story, which isn’t surprising coming from Carrie. Lots of the reviews over on Goodreads slate this for being too Disney and pink and fluffy but I loved it. It makes a great change from the books I’ve been reading lately and it’s nice to read something that’s soft and an easy read.
It does have an abstract focus on mental health, showing how everyone has their own problems. It also raises the question of whether you can ever fully fix someone’s emotions. Cherry does everything to make people where she is happy, but in Plymouth, where this book is set, the happiness becomes too much and raises its own issues. It just goes to show that no matter what you do and how hard you work, people will always have their own issues.
I loved the way that Cherry sees bad feelings as monsters and Chase sees good ones as monsters. It shows their different personalities and how a generally happy person will easily see the bad things and a generally sad person will always see the good things happening to other people.
This is an absolutely brilliant read and I need a sequel!
Sam (74 KP) rated The Wide Window (A Series of Unfortunate Events #3) in Books
Mar 27, 2019
I’m not ashamed to say that I’m binge-reading A Series of Unfortunate Events now. Someone was selling the whole series for £15 online, all in hardback so I couldn’t help myself. Now I’m quickly reading one after the other because I just need to know the stuff!
If you haven’t yet read the previous books in the series, I would suggest for you to not read this review as I might accidentally slip in a few spoilers without realising. I’ll try hard not to put too much in!
The Baudelaires, once again, are on their way to another distant relative. This time it’s their aunt Josephine, who isn’t really their aunt and I can’t exactly remember how she’s related to them, but you get the idea.
Their aunt Josephine is afraid of everything from the doormat to estate agents. But the Baudelaire’s are safe. They’re living on top of a cliff in a dusty old town, as far from Count Olaf as they can get. Or so they think…
I’ve got to say, the episodes for this book on Netflix were definitely not my favourites, and I definitely hold the same feelings for the book. I just found this one a little bit dull in comparison to the rest of the series and much harder to get into than any of the books before. Saying that, I still enjoyed it and read it quickly so I could get onto the next book in the series.
Josephine’s comments about grammar made me laugh and I loved the mystery of this one, and even though I was glad to finish it and move onto The Miserable Mill, it was still a good addition to the series.
If you haven’t yet read the previous books in the series, I would suggest for you to not read this review as I might accidentally slip in a few spoilers without realising. I’ll try hard not to put too much in!
The Baudelaires, once again, are on their way to another distant relative. This time it’s their aunt Josephine, who isn’t really their aunt and I can’t exactly remember how she’s related to them, but you get the idea.
Their aunt Josephine is afraid of everything from the doormat to estate agents. But the Baudelaire’s are safe. They’re living on top of a cliff in a dusty old town, as far from Count Olaf as they can get. Or so they think…
I’ve got to say, the episodes for this book on Netflix were definitely not my favourites, and I definitely hold the same feelings for the book. I just found this one a little bit dull in comparison to the rest of the series and much harder to get into than any of the books before. Saying that, I still enjoyed it and read it quickly so I could get onto the next book in the series.
Josephine’s comments about grammar made me laugh and I loved the mystery of this one, and even though I was glad to finish it and move onto The Miserable Mill, it was still a good addition to the series.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Andreas Moss by Andreas Moss in Music
Jun 7, 2019
Andreas Moss is a Swedish-born, Nashville-bred, and Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter. Not too long ago, he released his self-titled 7-track debut EP featuring Yachtmoney and Melanie Pfirrman.
Moss (Jonathan Thulin) has amassed Dove Awards, number-one records, and headlined tours as a Christian recording artist before making the transition to pop music in recent years. After struggling with the acceptance of his sexuality within the church, the sexually fluid singer decided to go his own way. And now, he’s unveiling what he has discovered on his debut project.
“STUCK IN MY FEELINGS”
The Matthew Underwood-directed video shows a couple making love. Also, the following scenes aren’t too cozy, as their communication dwindles.
“KODAK”
Moss sings about a relationship issue. He’s over his head in a relationship with a woman he loves. His adoration for her is tearing him up and he knows it. Also, he references the relationship being kodak or looking picture perfect on the outside. But internally, he’s dead like a corpse.
“KOKAIN”
Moss sings about being addicted to cocaine. Also, he highlights the pain of a woman he hurt while being an addict. She’s had it up to here with his inability to rid himself of an addiction that’s detrimental to their long-term relationship.
“DEAR MISERY”
Moss bares his soul and unveils his departure from being an addict and living in misery. He sings about this touching breakup on a remarkable ballad perfumed with hopefulness.
CONCLUSION
Andrea Moss’s self-titled debut project takes listeners on a relatable journey through love, addiction, and redemption. There’s a myriad of emotions felt
throughout the voyage, but the outcome is attractively wonderful.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/andreas-moss-debut-ep/
Moss (Jonathan Thulin) has amassed Dove Awards, number-one records, and headlined tours as a Christian recording artist before making the transition to pop music in recent years. After struggling with the acceptance of his sexuality within the church, the sexually fluid singer decided to go his own way. And now, he’s unveiling what he has discovered on his debut project.
“STUCK IN MY FEELINGS”
The Matthew Underwood-directed video shows a couple making love. Also, the following scenes aren’t too cozy, as their communication dwindles.
“KODAK”
Moss sings about a relationship issue. He’s over his head in a relationship with a woman he loves. His adoration for her is tearing him up and he knows it. Also, he references the relationship being kodak or looking picture perfect on the outside. But internally, he’s dead like a corpse.
“KOKAIN”
Moss sings about being addicted to cocaine. Also, he highlights the pain of a woman he hurt while being an addict. She’s had it up to here with his inability to rid himself of an addiction that’s detrimental to their long-term relationship.
“DEAR MISERY”
Moss bares his soul and unveils his departure from being an addict and living in misery. He sings about this touching breakup on a remarkable ballad perfumed with hopefulness.
CONCLUSION
Andrea Moss’s self-titled debut project takes listeners on a relatable journey through love, addiction, and redemption. There’s a myriad of emotions felt
throughout the voyage, but the outcome is attractively wonderful.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/andreas-moss-debut-ep/
ArecRain (8 KP) rated One Knight Only (League of the Blade, #2) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This was a cute little romance that I enjoyed the character that was all its own. There was nothing new about the plotline, a female wants to prove shes just as capable as one else (especially me) while her knight in shining armor tries his best to protect her from everything from highwaymen to assassins to spiders crawling in her shoes. It was just like any other romance about a knight falling in love with a maiden, and yet, Lathom added her own little touch of style to it to make it unique.
The story starts out with Anne Kendall masquerading as a woman of high society to save said women from being assassinated for information she knows. An organization called the League of the Blade considers Annes protection as one of their many duties for the betterment of the kingdom. Meanwhile, Sir Philip Clifford is acting like a pouting brat because he was not asked to join the League, which has been his lifelong goal. He first meets Anne at her mistresss house and they begin to become acquainted with each other even though Philip does not bed Anne, much to her humiliation. He tries to forget her as just a passing interest, and she tries to forget her feelings for him because she realizes she was just a skirt to him. Or so they think.
When Philip runs into her again masquerading as the widowed Lady Rosamond Wolsingham, they realize they that, basically, they still want in each others pant. After creeping into the window of her inn room, Philip doesnt really give her a choice in whether he travels with her in her journey to the king. Adventure ensues.
While I didnt find this novel particularly fascinating, it was still enjoyable.
The story starts out with Anne Kendall masquerading as a woman of high society to save said women from being assassinated for information she knows. An organization called the League of the Blade considers Annes protection as one of their many duties for the betterment of the kingdom. Meanwhile, Sir Philip Clifford is acting like a pouting brat because he was not asked to join the League, which has been his lifelong goal. He first meets Anne at her mistresss house and they begin to become acquainted with each other even though Philip does not bed Anne, much to her humiliation. He tries to forget her as just a passing interest, and she tries to forget her feelings for him because she realizes she was just a skirt to him. Or so they think.
When Philip runs into her again masquerading as the widowed Lady Rosamond Wolsingham, they realize they that, basically, they still want in each others pant. After creeping into the window of her inn room, Philip doesnt really give her a choice in whether he travels with her in her journey to the king. Adventure ensues.
While I didnt find this novel particularly fascinating, it was still enjoyable.
Debbiereadsbook (1617 KP) rated Hearts Held Hostage (Chronicles of the Serai, #1) in Books
Jan 21, 2018
Loved this!
Did you ever buy a book based SOLELY on its cover??
I did with this book! I have a *thing* for shifters and paranormal beings out of the norm, and I thought this handsome creature on the front was a Centaur of some description. THAT'S what pulled me in, and I found I had pre-ordered before I read the blurb.
And I regret nothing!
Jytrerd is not a centaur, but a breed of aliens who defended their peaceful outlaying colonies against the invasion from Earth. Ian, a captain in the space navy is captured, and finds himself in Jytrerd's household. Ian pulls to Jytrerd, pulls to his brooding instinct like no other ever did. He just needs to make Ian see how precious he is.
While not what I was hoping for, this short book, some 140 pages, pulled me in and did not let go. It has all the footings for a first in series, and I will be reading them as they come out.
It's very well written, first of Ms Tannah I've read. It's not overly explicit, but I didn't mind that, and nor is it overly graphic, but there is punishment here, and it's not pretty. Just enough to make you cringe, I think.
BUT!!!
Only Jytrerd has a say! I was waiting, hoping, pleading that Ian would get a say, and he doesn't. And I so desperately wanted to hear from him, I really did! When he tells of how he came to save Woll, the youngling; when he finds himself burnt to a crisp for being insubordinate; when Jytrerd sends him away, and when Ian returns and finally gets Jytrerd to admit to his feelings. I NEEDED to hear from Ian, I really did.
And that's why I gave it 4.5 stars, but rounded them up to 5.
I did with this book! I have a *thing* for shifters and paranormal beings out of the norm, and I thought this handsome creature on the front was a Centaur of some description. THAT'S what pulled me in, and I found I had pre-ordered before I read the blurb.
And I regret nothing!
Jytrerd is not a centaur, but a breed of aliens who defended their peaceful outlaying colonies against the invasion from Earth. Ian, a captain in the space navy is captured, and finds himself in Jytrerd's household. Ian pulls to Jytrerd, pulls to his brooding instinct like no other ever did. He just needs to make Ian see how precious he is.
While not what I was hoping for, this short book, some 140 pages, pulled me in and did not let go. It has all the footings for a first in series, and I will be reading them as they come out.
It's very well written, first of Ms Tannah I've read. It's not overly explicit, but I didn't mind that, and nor is it overly graphic, but there is punishment here, and it's not pretty. Just enough to make you cringe, I think.
BUT!!!
Only Jytrerd has a say! I was waiting, hoping, pleading that Ian would get a say, and he doesn't. And I so desperately wanted to hear from him, I really did! When he tells of how he came to save Woll, the youngling; when he finds himself burnt to a crisp for being insubordinate; when Jytrerd sends him away, and when Ian returns and finally gets Jytrerd to admit to his feelings. I NEEDED to hear from Ian, I really did.
And that's why I gave it 4.5 stars, but rounded them up to 5.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Toy Story 2 (1999) in Movies
Jan 23, 2018
Masterpiece
Toy Story 2 picks up right where it left off packing the same creativity from the first film. It's an absolute marvel from start to finish, a film that not only checks all the boxes but touches you on every level. I found myself laughing way harder than someone should've after multiple watches. Is it perfect? Maybe not, but it's damn close.
If the animation was groundbreaking in the original movie, Toy Story 2 surpasses that by taking it up to new heights. Spectacular doesn't even begin to define it. Colors are more vibrant. Movements are more crisp. The attention to detail in every single frame is unreal.
Success also comes from a number of clever moments sprinkled throughout the film. In one scene, the gang is driving a toy car down an aisle being led by Barbie while Rex is chasing after them. He gets closer and closer to their rearview mirroring a very similar moment in Jurassic Park. It was terrifying in the dinosaur film, but hilarious in this context.
With such a fun film, you never expect your feelings to get caught up in it but they do. You feel heartbroken for Woody (Tom Hanks) when Andy feels he has to leave him behind while Andy goes to Cowboy Camp. Woody was so excited to be chosen to go and he's devastated when Andy decides to leave him.
I can't think of anything to dislike about the film as a whole. It's a fun ride to remember about a toy trying to find himself and his place in the world. You'll love everything from the old characters to the new dog who is just plain adorable. Welcome to my All-Time Top Ten, Toy Story 2. Hope you enjoyed the stay, Safety Not Guaranteed. We have another well-deserved 100.
If the animation was groundbreaking in the original movie, Toy Story 2 surpasses that by taking it up to new heights. Spectacular doesn't even begin to define it. Colors are more vibrant. Movements are more crisp. The attention to detail in every single frame is unreal.
Success also comes from a number of clever moments sprinkled throughout the film. In one scene, the gang is driving a toy car down an aisle being led by Barbie while Rex is chasing after them. He gets closer and closer to their rearview mirroring a very similar moment in Jurassic Park. It was terrifying in the dinosaur film, but hilarious in this context.
With such a fun film, you never expect your feelings to get caught up in it but they do. You feel heartbroken for Woody (Tom Hanks) when Andy feels he has to leave him behind while Andy goes to Cowboy Camp. Woody was so excited to be chosen to go and he's devastated when Andy decides to leave him.
I can't think of anything to dislike about the film as a whole. It's a fun ride to remember about a toy trying to find himself and his place in the world. You'll love everything from the old characters to the new dog who is just plain adorable. Welcome to my All-Time Top Ten, Toy Story 2. Hope you enjoyed the stay, Safety Not Guaranteed. We have another well-deserved 100.
Kyera (8 KP) rated The Star-Touched Queen (The Star-Touched Queen, #1) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
The Star-Touched Queen is a little slow to start, but once it finds a groove the story will draw you in and you won't want to put it down. The writing style is very poetic and descriptive, which is absolutely gorgeous but can sometimes slow down the story. Those pacing issues continue throughout the story. Sometimes the book flows well and you find yourself reading through chapters in no time, while other times the writing or plot trips you up and slows down the story.
I was very intrigued by the premise of the story, as not only does it include elements of Indian folklore but it is a re-telling of the Hades and Persephone myth. As a huge fan of Greek mythology, that was the aspect of the story that I was most excited to experience. Amar and Maya are our Hades and Persephone, although it is a unique story and you don't feel like you're reading a re-telling.
As strange as it seems, my favourite character was actually the demon horse Kamala. Although she could be really creepy when she salivated over eating people, she could be funny and made some of the scenes for me. Although I liked Amar, Maya and the other supporting characters I didn't relate strongly to any of them so it made me less invested in the book. I wish I did like them more because I would have loved to have stronger feelings about this gorgeous book.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it - but it didn't make any strong or lasting impact on me. Readers who are fans of flowery prose and very descriptive writing will enjoy Roshani Chokshi's writing style, but if you are a fan of more simple sentences you might have difficultly getting through this book.
I was very intrigued by the premise of the story, as not only does it include elements of Indian folklore but it is a re-telling of the Hades and Persephone myth. As a huge fan of Greek mythology, that was the aspect of the story that I was most excited to experience. Amar and Maya are our Hades and Persephone, although it is a unique story and you don't feel like you're reading a re-telling.
As strange as it seems, my favourite character was actually the demon horse Kamala. Although she could be really creepy when she salivated over eating people, she could be funny and made some of the scenes for me. Although I liked Amar, Maya and the other supporting characters I didn't relate strongly to any of them so it made me less invested in the book. I wish I did like them more because I would have loved to have stronger feelings about this gorgeous book.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it - but it didn't make any strong or lasting impact on me. Readers who are fans of flowery prose and very descriptive writing will enjoy Roshani Chokshi's writing style, but if you are a fan of more simple sentences you might have difficultly getting through this book.