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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2482 KP) rated Independence Slay (Celebration Bay, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The town of Celebration Bay puts on a spectacular Independence Day event with a reenactment of a Revolutionary War battle. Okay, so the battle never took place, but it’s still a fun event that locals and tourists alike love. However, this year, a murder takes place at the event, and the town’s event coordinator has to determine who killed the victim and even if the victim was the intended target before the town completely turns on the charming teen who appears to be the only suspect.
I love this small town and how the books always put me in the mood for the holiday that is being celebrated. The supporting players from pervious books aren’t a strong presence here, but the new characters definitely make up for that fact. I do wish one series regular would grow a bit more. The plot is strong with plenty of surprises and twists along the way.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/07/book-review-independence-slay-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I love this small town and how the books always put me in the mood for the holiday that is being celebrated. The supporting players from pervious books aren’t a strong presence here, but the new characters definitely make up for that fact. I do wish one series regular would grow a bit more. The plot is strong with plenty of surprises and twists along the way.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/07/book-review-independence-slay-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Cemetery Girl in Books
Jun 7, 2018
I was given this as a free e-book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Right, first off, let me say as I always say when I rate a book 3 stars, that a 3 star review is NOT a bad thing! In fact, I'd recommend this book.
Okay, I had trouble getting into this book. I found it a bit too slow paced for my liking.
However, a little over half way through the book, I really started getting into it! It became super interesting!! I loved the whole volleyball game chapter. That one was probably my favourite!! I also liked the use of Latin phrases throughout the book.
The ending was really good as well. It was definitely a plot twist that I didn't see coming at all!!
I also want to mention that their were a few images in this book which I really enjoyed. They brought a little bit extra to the book, and I thought they were drawn really well. =)
This would make a great holiday/summer read =)
Definitely recommended!
Right, first off, let me say as I always say when I rate a book 3 stars, that a 3 star review is NOT a bad thing! In fact, I'd recommend this book.
Okay, I had trouble getting into this book. I found it a bit too slow paced for my liking.
However, a little over half way through the book, I really started getting into it! It became super interesting!! I loved the whole volleyball game chapter. That one was probably my favourite!! I also liked the use of Latin phrases throughout the book.
The ending was really good as well. It was definitely a plot twist that I didn't see coming at all!!
I also want to mention that their were a few images in this book which I really enjoyed. They brought a little bit extra to the book, and I thought they were drawn really well. =)
This would make a great holiday/summer read =)
Definitely recommended!
Kawaii Doodle Class by Zainab Khan is an illustrated step-by-step resource guide on how to draw smiley lumps that look like food, animals, objects, holiday themes, and monsters. As down-putting as that may sound, it’s really quite useful, dainty, and, yes, cute.
The book starts with a list of tools and essentials what you can use to have a go with but so long as you have at least a pen or pencil with some paper to hand you can try some sketches from the off. The book pages are set with cute borders alike clouds, in pastel and deeper blue against the plain white background on which the drawing tips and demonstration step by step images sit on.
You don’t need to be an amazing artist to be able to use this book as everything is super simple to follow, I personally loved the flower designs best and there’s a handy way to draw a rose I found useful!
I received this Quarto Publishing Group and Race Point Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book starts with a list of tools and essentials what you can use to have a go with but so long as you have at least a pen or pencil with some paper to hand you can try some sketches from the off. The book pages are set with cute borders alike clouds, in pastel and deeper blue against the plain white background on which the drawing tips and demonstration step by step images sit on.
You don’t need to be an amazing artist to be able to use this book as everything is super simple to follow, I personally loved the flower designs best and there’s a handy way to draw a rose I found useful!
I received this Quarto Publishing Group and Race Point Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
David McK (3705 KP) rated Dead Beat (The Dresden Files, #7) in Books
Jan 28, 2019 (Updated May 10, 2020)
<2020 update>
Sue the Zombie T-Rex :-)
That is all.
<2016 update>
This is the Zombie-themed one, that ends with Sue the Tyrannosaur and also (I think) has the first appearance of Waldo Butters as one of the main players. In this, Thomas is also now lodging with Harry, who has now found out his relationship to the former, with Thomas trying to change his lifestyle. Karen Murphy is also absent for most of the novel, off on holiday with Kincaid.
<2011 notes below>
Magic - it can get a guy killed
Book number 7 in Jim Butchers Harry Dresden series, this is one where I think it is highly advisable to have read the previous entries first, as it ties several plot lines from those earlier novels into the events of this one.
Having said that: this is, as always, a good read, but maybe not the best in the series so far (which, to use an over-coined term, seems to be getting progressively 'darker' in tone)
Sue the Zombie T-Rex :-)
That is all.
<2016 update>
This is the Zombie-themed one, that ends with Sue the Tyrannosaur and also (I think) has the first appearance of Waldo Butters as one of the main players. In this, Thomas is also now lodging with Harry, who has now found out his relationship to the former, with Thomas trying to change his lifestyle. Karen Murphy is also absent for most of the novel, off on holiday with Kincaid.
<2011 notes below>
Magic - it can get a guy killed
Book number 7 in Jim Butchers Harry Dresden series, this is one where I think it is highly advisable to have read the previous entries first, as it ties several plot lines from those earlier novels into the events of this one.
Having said that: this is, as always, a good read, but maybe not the best in the series so far (which, to use an over-coined term, seems to be getting progressively 'darker' in tone)
ClareR (6067 KP) rated A Love Of Two Halves in Books
Oct 16, 2019
This is a sweet romcom, telling the story of George and Karen. Karen is a single mum with two children, struggling to make ends meet, working a dead end, minimum wage job in Leeds. George owns a very successful business, lives and works in London and is a Leeds United fan. He decides after a particularly bad trip north to buy a terraced house near Elland Road - which coincidentally is right next door to Karen. They fall in love, and fun and games ensue.
It’s a bit of a predictable love story if I’m honest, but I liked it well enough. There were times when I would have happily knocked some sense in to George, but I’m sure that there are plenty of readers who would find his lack of experience and emotional clumsiness endearing (I did on the odd occasion!).
All in all, a pleasant read, perfect for a summer holiday lying on the beach, I should think!
Thanks to The Pigeonhole for the reading experience, yet again!
It’s a bit of a predictable love story if I’m honest, but I liked it well enough. There were times when I would have happily knocked some sense in to George, but I’m sure that there are plenty of readers who would find his lack of experience and emotional clumsiness endearing (I did on the odd occasion!).
All in all, a pleasant read, perfect for a summer holiday lying on the beach, I should think!
Thanks to The Pigeonhole for the reading experience, yet again!
Lindsay (1793 KP) rated White Christmas Pie in Books
Jul 24, 2019
This story is about Will Henderson and his troubled past. What happen to Will that he feels like he could not feel loved. Will he find answers about what happen to him. We also meet a young woman that is Amish. Will their be a romance between Karen and Will?
We also have a desperate father looking for his son. Who this father and is search for his son. Was ever happen that created Will feel abandonment. The couple that Will is living with seem to have decided to adopt him.
Karen is looking for answers but what kind of answers. When she starts looking it seems to have her run into Will Henderson life. What will Karen decide and Will Henderson decide to do? Will Henderson become Amish or will they not.
This sweet story is lovely and done well. Their seem that the White Christmas Pie recipe has a message and the key to this lovely mystery Will Henderson past. This recipe seem to help Karen as well. This is wonderful for the holiday season and how it ends.
We also have a desperate father looking for his son. Who this father and is search for his son. Was ever happen that created Will feel abandonment. The couple that Will is living with seem to have decided to adopt him.
Karen is looking for answers but what kind of answers. When she starts looking it seems to have her run into Will Henderson life. What will Karen decide and Will Henderson decide to do? Will Henderson become Amish or will they not.
This sweet story is lovely and done well. Their seem that the White Christmas Pie recipe has a message and the key to this lovely mystery Will Henderson past. This recipe seem to help Karen as well. This is wonderful for the holiday season and how it ends.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated We Can See You in Books
Jul 7, 2019
Good but not his best
I am a massive Simon Kernick fan and devour his books as soon as I get my hands on them but this one wasn't devoured as much as nibbled on over a couple of days whilst relaxing in the sunshine on my recent holiday.
It's well written, easy to read and a good story but I did find it a little predictable and, at times, stretched reality a little too much even for a work of fiction. The characters are well developed but I didn't find myself becoming invested in them as much I would have liked so wasn't particularly bothered what their ultimate fates would be.
There are the usual twists, turns and surprising revelations that Mr Kernick has a knack of smacking you round the face with which make you keep reading; it just didn't hit the mark quite as much for me as his other books have but it's still enjoyable and worth reading.
My thanks must go to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
It's well written, easy to read and a good story but I did find it a little predictable and, at times, stretched reality a little too much even for a work of fiction. The characters are well developed but I didn't find myself becoming invested in them as much I would have liked so wasn't particularly bothered what their ultimate fates would be.
There are the usual twists, turns and surprising revelations that Mr Kernick has a knack of smacking you round the face with which make you keep reading; it just didn't hit the mark quite as much for me as his other books have but it's still enjoyable and worth reading.
My thanks must go to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Coal House in Books
Nov 11, 2019
Set just after the Second World War this follows the story of Finn Harper who decides to turn to property development with his wife. When they are on holiday in Wales they see a house for auction which seems to be a bargain. When the locals won't bid on it they decide to buy the remote and long-deserted house.
So begins Coal House, a suspenseful ghost story that slowly builds to a shattering ending with a chilling twist. Any ghost story turns on the ability of the author to conjure up locations and events that seem both ordinary and strange at the same time and Barton does this with ease, able to raise goosebumps with a few simple words.
The story is clever and interesting with several layers and with characters to match. Finn is initially a skeptic but as strange events happen in and around the house he must consider if they are real or just his imagination.
This is not a long book but does pack a lot into its pages. An excellent read
So begins Coal House, a suspenseful ghost story that slowly builds to a shattering ending with a chilling twist. Any ghost story turns on the ability of the author to conjure up locations and events that seem both ordinary and strange at the same time and Barton does this with ease, able to raise goosebumps with a few simple words.
The story is clever and interesting with several layers and with characters to match. Finn is initially a skeptic but as strange events happen in and around the house he must consider if they are real or just his imagination.
This is not a long book but does pack a lot into its pages. An excellent read
Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) in Movies
Dec 5, 2019
Stop Motion at its Best
Jack Skelington has become dispondant with his Halloween life. He feels bored, unfulfilled, and does not love the day like he used to.
While pondering his identity crisis, we stumbles out of Halloween Town and into Christmas Town!
Becoming obsessed with this new Holliday, he convinces the town to run Christmas, and takes father Christmas hostage/ for a forced holiday, in order to put their spooky twist on the day.
With a host of creepy but lovable characters, they learn the true spirit of Christmas.
Sounds cheesy? Well, surprisingly not. It is often debated as to weather this is a Christmas or Halloween film. Considering the lessons learnt, I would say it is an Xmas film, but a bit of a spooky one.
The songs are catchy (And I recommend the 2 disc soundtrack with the cover versions), the visuals are spectacular! All done with stop motion, it is a credit to this school of animation. Stunning and fun, it's a great watch, and one of my all time favourite.
While pondering his identity crisis, we stumbles out of Halloween Town and into Christmas Town!
Becoming obsessed with this new Holliday, he convinces the town to run Christmas, and takes father Christmas hostage/ for a forced holiday, in order to put their spooky twist on the day.
With a host of creepy but lovable characters, they learn the true spirit of Christmas.
Sounds cheesy? Well, surprisingly not. It is often debated as to weather this is a Christmas or Halloween film. Considering the lessons learnt, I would say it is an Xmas film, but a bit of a spooky one.
The songs are catchy (And I recommend the 2 disc soundtrack with the cover versions), the visuals are spectacular! All done with stop motion, it is a credit to this school of animation. Stunning and fun, it's a great watch, and one of my all time favourite.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Die Hard (1988) in Movies
Dec 12, 2019
Yippee ki yay! Christmas
Die Hard- i love this movie, such a excellent classic phenomenal christmas film. With action, suspense, thrills, comedy, vents, Bruce Willis as John McClane and of course you cant forgot Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber.
The Plot: New York City policeman John McClane (Bruce Willis) is visiting his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) and two daughters on Christmas Eve. He joins her at a holiday party in the headquarters of the Japanese-owned business she works for. But the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise, and everyone in it. Very soon McClane realizes that there's no one to save the hostages -- but him.
This movie started the Die Hard Franchise, which I like this one, the third one and the fourth one. I have to rewatch the second one to see if i like it or not. The fifth one nope.
Anways this movie is a classic and overall a christmas classic movie for the whole family to watch.
One more thing- Yippee Ki Kay!!!
The Plot: New York City policeman John McClane (Bruce Willis) is visiting his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) and two daughters on Christmas Eve. He joins her at a holiday party in the headquarters of the Japanese-owned business she works for. But the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise, and everyone in it. Very soon McClane realizes that there's no one to save the hostages -- but him.
This movie started the Die Hard Franchise, which I like this one, the third one and the fourth one. I have to rewatch the second one to see if i like it or not. The fifth one nope.
Anways this movie is a classic and overall a christmas classic movie for the whole family to watch.
One more thing- Yippee Ki Kay!!!