Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2478 KP) rated Christmas Past in Books
Dec 15, 2022 (Updated Dec 15, 2022)
This book is purely looking at the secular, pop culture celebration of Christmas, although the religious aspect does pop up occasionally, most noticeably in the chapter on “Silent Night.” A couple of chapters seem a bit vague, and the writing can be dry at times, but those are minor complaints. On the whole, this was a fascinating look at where our traditions came from, both those we still use today and those that have faded over time. I am not familiar with the author’s pod cast, but my understanding is much of this material first appeared there. As a Christmas lover, I enjoyed learning more about the holiday. If that’s you, you’ll enjoy this book as well.
Sugar Plum Poisoned
8.0
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It’s Christmastime, and this holiday season, things are heating up for the bakers at Fairy Tale...
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Island in Books
May 15, 2022
Whilst on a working holiday in Australia, the Baxters decide to do some sightseeing and find their way onto the isolated and private Dutch Island. They are hoping to see and photograph some of the native wildlife but end up being involved in a tragic accident which brings them to the attention of the O'Neil clan who call the island their home and they are not happy!!!
The Baxters quickly get into a fight for their lives and so begins the non-stop action that is The Island. There is lots of tension, violence and scenes of peril with a few twists but, overall, it's the story of survival ... but who will make it off The Island?
This book has a vibe akin to the film The Deliverance with a bit of Rambo thrown in for good measure so if you like that sort of action, I would definitely recommend this ... you won't be disappointed.
Thank you to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Island and share my thoughts.
Passport to Spy
10.0
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After losing her job as an investigative reporter for The Phoenix Gazette, Kat Lawson has a new gig....
ClareR (6062 KP) rated Sun Damage in Books
Jul 4, 2023
Ali and Sean are confidence tricksters: they get people to trust them, and then extract large amounts of money from them. Except something goes wrong when they try to con Lulu, and Ali goes on the run - with a large sum of money from Sean’s safe. Ali thinks she has found the perfect hiding place in a gîte in the South of France, but it seems inevitable that her past will catch up with her.
This is all set in the summer, when the heat is as oppressive as Ali’s paranoia. The whole novel feels claustrophobic - will Ali be found out? Will Sean find her? What will her employers do?
We see Ali’s past and childhood in some detail, and I found myself forgiving her for her terrible behaviour - although I doubt I would have been so forgiving if I was the one being swindled!
This is probably the ideal summer holiday read - great for by the pool, somewhere hot. Although you’ll be a lot more suspicious of anyone you don’t know trying to strike up a conversation!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for another great serialisation.
Dearly Deleted
10.0
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For the first time since moving to Copper Bay, Massachusetts, book blogger Winnie Lark is planning...
ClareR (6062 KP) rated This Is Why We Lied in Books
Sep 24, 2025
This is like the outdoor version of a closed room mystery - all of the suspects are on site. Yet still I was left completely flummoxed. The backstory of some of the characters adds to the confusion and explains a lot!
TIWWL is pretty gruesome, and covers subjects of sexual assault of far too many of the main characters, drug addiction and domestic violence. Karin Slaughter never shies away from these topics. This isn’t for the faint-hearted.
Nevertheless, I loved it. But when will Will and Sarah manage to have a stress free honeymoon?! 🤷🏼♀️
Ziggy's Gift (Liverpool Boys #5)
10.0
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Ziggy My life is complete. I have a loving husband, a loyal and faithful dog, and a circle of...
Murder Italian Style
8.0
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Cozy with a chance of meatballs... When style expert Samantha Kidd plans a holiday in Italy, she...
Merissa (13749 KP) rated Bear Creek Thanksgiving (Holiday Mates #3) in Books
Feb 7, 2025
In this book, we meet Gruff and Dustin. Gruff is the shifter and owner of an orchard that he is expanding to include a shop plus other additions. Dustin is a young man who can cook but also knows how to manage, well, pretty much anything.
This is a slow-burn story with no unnecessary angst or miscommunication. Gruff and Dustin have their reasons for what they do, and both of them support each other. Not only that, but Dustin (the mere human) will also defend Gruff and his choices to his last breath.
I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series and found it well-paced throughout. A great story that I definitely recommend.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 3, 2025