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Pete Fowler recommended Zero Time by Tonto's Expanding Head Band in Music (curated)
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Girls Trip (2017) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
I love films like this next one. Girls Trip looked like so much fun every time I saw I clip that it was definitely going to be on the list. So here's the Red Band trailer for you...
The Flossy Posse haven't seen each other for five years, somewhere along the way, life happened. But that's about to change. Ryan Pierce is the keynote speaker at this year's Essence Music Festival, and she's getting the gang back together for a long overdue reunion.
While Ryan has great things to look forward to in her career, everything isn't all smooth sailing, and the same goes for the others, although no one wants to admit it. Can they find their old spark again and set themselves on the right path before the partying ends?..
This film made me sad... oh, it wasn't a sad movie, it made me sad that I've never had a group of girls to dance off with. These four lovely ladies really worked well off each other. And hey, if you fancy setting the internet trolls off... I think they would make an excellent front line for the next Ghostbusters movie. Just saying.
Seriously though, this film was really funny. You'll laugh, you'll cringe, and you'll do it along to some fantastic music.
The Flossy Posse haven't seen each other for five years, somewhere along the way, life happened. But that's about to change. Ryan Pierce is the keynote speaker at this year's Essence Music Festival, and she's getting the gang back together for a long overdue reunion.
While Ryan has great things to look forward to in her career, everything isn't all smooth sailing, and the same goes for the others, although no one wants to admit it. Can they find their old spark again and set themselves on the right path before the partying ends?..
This film made me sad... oh, it wasn't a sad movie, it made me sad that I've never had a group of girls to dance off with. These four lovely ladies really worked well off each other. And hey, if you fancy setting the internet trolls off... I think they would make an excellent front line for the next Ghostbusters movie. Just saying.
Seriously though, this film was really funny. You'll laugh, you'll cringe, and you'll do it along to some fantastic music.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Arbor Day Can Be Deadly in Books
May 4, 2023
It All Started on Arbor Day
Sho is on indefinite leave from his job as a nurse. In an effort to clear his head, he goes to visit his sister Jenny, who has just opened a diner in Bluebonnet Hills, Texas. He’s arrived in time for the Arbor Day festival, but he sees some strange things happening. And then he meets Levi Blue, an actor in town trying to get an update on the construction of his fan museum. When Levi drags Sho into the investigation, what will the two of them uncover?
This is a prequel novella that introduces the characters and sets up the premise of the series. Since I’ve read other stories with the characters, I already knew part of what we learned here, but I still enjoyed seeing everyone meet for the first time. The pacing is a little off because of the set up, but there is plenty of story here. In fact, there’s almost too much, but it does come to a logical climax. There’s plenty of humor and some serious issues as well, and the two are balanced perfectly. If you are looking for a fun, you’ll be glad you picked up this prequel.
This is a prequel novella that introduces the characters and sets up the premise of the series. Since I’ve read other stories with the characters, I already knew part of what we learned here, but I still enjoyed seeing everyone meet for the first time. The pacing is a little off because of the set up, but there is plenty of story here. In fact, there’s almost too much, but it does come to a logical climax. There’s plenty of humor and some serious issues as well, and the two are balanced perfectly. If you are looking for a fun, you’ll be glad you picked up this prequel.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated On Thin Icing in Books
Jan 22, 2022 (Updated Jan 22, 2022)
Thin on Plot
Jules Capshaw is thrilled to be catering the board retreat for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival at the Lake of the Woods center in the mountains above Ashland, Oregon. However, the weekend doesn’t go nearly as smoothly as Jules hopes. First, her estranged husband shows up, proving to be both a help and a distraction. Then the center’s bar tender is killed and stuffed in a freezer. Now, as a winter storm rages, Jules can’t help but wonder if she is catering to a killer.
Obviously, this is a classic mystery set up, but it failed to fully deliver for me. The mystery was too thin, and the book covers with too many cooking scenes. Still, Jules does piece things together, and the ending is logical. I also appreciated the time spent on Jules’s relationship with her husband since that’s been in the background in the first two books in the series. Obviously, we don’t get all the series regulars, but everyone at least gets a cameo, which makes me happy since I do like them. We get seven recipes at the end, and they range from dinner options to plenty of pastries and desserts. I hope the plot in the next in the series is stronger.
Obviously, this is a classic mystery set up, but it failed to fully deliver for me. The mystery was too thin, and the book covers with too many cooking scenes. Still, Jules does piece things together, and the ending is logical. I also appreciated the time spent on Jules’s relationship with her husband since that’s been in the background in the first two books in the series. Obviously, we don’t get all the series regulars, but everyone at least gets a cameo, which makes me happy since I do like them. We get seven recipes at the end, and they range from dinner options to plenty of pastries and desserts. I hope the plot in the next in the series is stronger.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Dawn by SG Lewis in Music
Jun 26, 2019
SG Lewis is a London-based songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Not too long ago, he released his “Dawn” EP ahead of his two high profile festival appearances at North Coast Music Festival and Jay-Z’s Made In America, and a headlining tour in September.
His 6-track project, released via Casablanca and Republic Records, is the third and final chapter of his three-part concept album, entitled, Dusk, Dark, Dawn.
“I forgive, I forget all the words I’ve never spoken. I’ve been lost, I’ve been hurt, I’ve been blamed. Sitting here on the floor feels like I’ve been high forever. Coming down, falling hard, all in vain.” – lyrics
‘Easy Loving You’ tells a bittersweet tale of a heavy-hearted young man who struggles to cope with the pain after suffering an emotional breakup with his girlfriend.
Looking back in hindsight, he realizes that she wasn’t an easy person to love, and their problematic relation was doomed from the start because they were oceans apart.
Later, he admits that both of them are broken and in need of emotional repair. Also, it hurts every time he remembers that they are no longer together.
‘Easy Loving You’ contains a gloomy storyline, heartfelt vocals, and melodic instrumentation flavored with sentimental and electro-R&B elements.
“Blue, in your eyes as I fall for the night. But you’ll fade away when morning light is rising. Leave a taste lingering on my skin. Have I been here before? You touch me and I fall. I close my eyes on the horizon, me and you. I can see the lights inside my mind are glowing blue.” – lyrics
Not too long ago, SG Lewis released the psychedelic, Rainbow Road tinged music video for his EP opener, entitled, “Blue”.
The likable tune was inspired by the countless amount of hours that Lewis spent in airports while touring over the last year.
Get acquainted with his music by streaming his “Dawn” EP via Spotify.
“‘Dawn’ is the final phase of the 3-part album I have spent the last 18 months working on. ‘Dawn’ captures the energy of the end of the night, the intimacy of the quieter moments, and the emotions felt after the energetic highs of ‘Dark’. It is a more introspective phase, and is the most personal music I think I have ever released.” – SG Lewis
It’s been an impressive year for SG Lewis, with SOLD-OUT shows across North America, Asia, and Europe.
Not too long ago, Dark‘s lead single, “Hurting”, hit No.1 on the Billboard Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart.
Also, Lewis played a prime slot at this year’s Coachella and continues to cement his status as not one of London’s hottest new talents, capable of making a splash on both sides of the Atlantic.
His 6-track project, released via Casablanca and Republic Records, is the third and final chapter of his three-part concept album, entitled, Dusk, Dark, Dawn.
“I forgive, I forget all the words I’ve never spoken. I’ve been lost, I’ve been hurt, I’ve been blamed. Sitting here on the floor feels like I’ve been high forever. Coming down, falling hard, all in vain.” – lyrics
‘Easy Loving You’ tells a bittersweet tale of a heavy-hearted young man who struggles to cope with the pain after suffering an emotional breakup with his girlfriend.
Looking back in hindsight, he realizes that she wasn’t an easy person to love, and their problematic relation was doomed from the start because they were oceans apart.
Later, he admits that both of them are broken and in need of emotional repair. Also, it hurts every time he remembers that they are no longer together.
‘Easy Loving You’ contains a gloomy storyline, heartfelt vocals, and melodic instrumentation flavored with sentimental and electro-R&B elements.
“Blue, in your eyes as I fall for the night. But you’ll fade away when morning light is rising. Leave a taste lingering on my skin. Have I been here before? You touch me and I fall. I close my eyes on the horizon, me and you. I can see the lights inside my mind are glowing blue.” – lyrics
Not too long ago, SG Lewis released the psychedelic, Rainbow Road tinged music video for his EP opener, entitled, “Blue”.
The likable tune was inspired by the countless amount of hours that Lewis spent in airports while touring over the last year.
Get acquainted with his music by streaming his “Dawn” EP via Spotify.
“‘Dawn’ is the final phase of the 3-part album I have spent the last 18 months working on. ‘Dawn’ captures the energy of the end of the night, the intimacy of the quieter moments, and the emotions felt after the energetic highs of ‘Dark’. It is a more introspective phase, and is the most personal music I think I have ever released.” – SG Lewis
It’s been an impressive year for SG Lewis, with SOLD-OUT shows across North America, Asia, and Europe.
Not too long ago, Dark‘s lead single, “Hurting”, hit No.1 on the Billboard Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart.
Also, Lewis played a prime slot at this year’s Coachella and continues to cement his status as not one of London’s hottest new talents, capable of making a splash on both sides of the Atlantic.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Rooted in Deceit in Books
Sep 7, 2018
Tracking Another Deceitful Killer
Megan Sawyer is finding August to be extremely busy. While trying to keep the farm running during a drought, she is helping get things ready for the opening of the wood-fired pizza farm in her barn and her father and his wife, Sylvia, are in town for a visit. Then there's the new yoga retreat center opening nearby. As part of their opening celebration, they are hosting an art festival, and the headlining artist is Megan's old friend Thana. However, the celebration turns to tragedy when Thana is found murdered and Sylvia becomes a suspect. Her father didn't marry a killer, did he?
This series has had a strong storyline involving Megan and her complicated past with various family members, and that continues here by introducing us to her father. Additionally, there are developments in other ongoing storylines. I enjoyed getting the next chapter in Megan’s life. The characters are as strong as always, whether main characters, series regulars, or those introduced for this book. The subplots did distract from the main mystery at times, but there is still a solid mystery here. One element of the mystery needed to be included better, but overall it was a minor issue. We got great twists and red herrings on the way to a surprising ending. Fans of the series will be pleased with this new entry.
This series has had a strong storyline involving Megan and her complicated past with various family members, and that continues here by introducing us to her father. Additionally, there are developments in other ongoing storylines. I enjoyed getting the next chapter in Megan’s life. The characters are as strong as always, whether main characters, series regulars, or those introduced for this book. The subplots did distract from the main mystery at times, but there is still a solid mystery here. One element of the mystery needed to be included better, but overall it was a minor issue. We got great twists and red herrings on the way to a surprising ending. Fans of the series will be pleased with this new entry.
Suggs recommended Framed/Next by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band Rock in Music (curated)
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Muted Chords (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2022) in Books
Nov 7, 2022
MUTED CHORDS is one of the Rocktoberfest 2022 books and we travel with Josh and the rest of his band to the festival itself. Eradicate Apathy has had some problems with their replacement bass player, so much so he is sacked. This is where Bran comes into play. He has wanted to play with them for quite a while but has his own baggage to contend with. When given the chance though, he can't say no. And once he meets Josh, all stops are pulled out.
The pacing of this story is fast and felt a little rushed to me in places, but you will be drawn into the close-knit relationships between the band members. You also get a look at some people who are not so nice, who have let fame (or the lack of it) sour them.
Overall, this was a sweet love story between Josh and Bran and brilliant relationships between the rest of the band members. However, there is some derogatory language, plus some angst near the ending, so consider yourself warned.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
The pacing of this story is fast and felt a little rushed to me in places, but you will be drawn into the close-knit relationships between the band members. You also get a look at some people who are not so nice, who have let fame (or the lack of it) sour them.
Overall, this was a sweet love story between Josh and Bran and brilliant relationships between the rest of the band members. However, there is some derogatory language, plus some angst near the ending, so consider yourself warned.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated A Fatal Groove in Books
Jul 27, 2023
Murder is Anything but Groovy
It’s the weekend of the Bluebonnet Festival in Cedar River, Texas, and Juni Jessup and her sisters are looking forward to fun while also selling coffee and introducing the bands on the main stage. Their first customer of the first day is Mayor Bob. When Juni goes to drop something off at his office a little later, she finds him dead. With their reputations once again on the line, the sisters try to figure out what is happening. Mayor Bob was popular because he didn’t make any waves, so who would want to kill him?
After an initial strong start, the book stalled a bit introducing some sub-plots before it really got started again. I did guess the killer a little early, but I needed Juni to fill in most of the rest. Once again, there are some odd uses of they/them pronouns, and Juni’s first-person narration comes across as judgmental a few times. Overall, I do like her and I love her relationship with her sisters. The love triangle is still in play, although it takes a back seat to the rest of the happenings. There are lots of smiles and some laughs along the way as well. If you enjoy music and are looking for a fun mystery, this is the series for you.
After an initial strong start, the book stalled a bit introducing some sub-plots before it really got started again. I did guess the killer a little early, but I needed Juni to fill in most of the rest. Once again, there are some odd uses of they/them pronouns, and Juni’s first-person narration comes across as judgmental a few times. Overall, I do like her and I love her relationship with her sisters. The love triangle is still in play, although it takes a back seat to the rest of the happenings. There are lots of smiles and some laughs along the way as well. If you enjoy music and are looking for a fun mystery, this is the series for you.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Claws of Death in Books
Aug 16, 2023
Who is Crabby Enough to Commit Murder?
After getting out of rehab, Jackie Norwood is looking for any way to rebuild her life, and professionally, she is taking her celebrity chef name on the road, judging food festivals. Her first one is a crab festival in Texas. She is horrified to realize that her fellow judge is her nemesis, Heather Curtis. Then disaster strikes when Heather drops dead after tasting their first dish – a dish prepared by Jackie’s ex-boyfriend. With the police looking at the two of them as suspects in Heather’s murder, Jackie has to jump in and find out what really happened. Can she do it?
Author Cathy Wiley has introduced Jackie in some short stories in the Destination Murders series, and I’m thrilled to see Jackie get her own novel finally. I liked getting to know Jackie better, and the rest of the cast, introduced here, are fantastic. The story starts quickly and never lags. I enjoyed how Jackie pieced things together at the end. Throw in some humor, and this was a book I never wanted to put down. It was over all too quickly. Those who enjoy crab will be interested in the recipes at the end. If you are looking for a fun new series, you’ll be thrilled you got your claws into this debut.
Author Cathy Wiley has introduced Jackie in some short stories in the Destination Murders series, and I’m thrilled to see Jackie get her own novel finally. I liked getting to know Jackie better, and the rest of the cast, introduced here, are fantastic. The story starts quickly and never lags. I enjoyed how Jackie pieced things together at the end. Throw in some humor, and this was a book I never wanted to put down. It was over all too quickly. Those who enjoy crab will be interested in the recipes at the end. If you are looking for a fun new series, you’ll be thrilled you got your claws into this debut.