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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2623 KP) rated Mrs. Claus and the Evil Elves in Books
Oct 6, 2022 (Updated Oct 6, 2022)
Evil Elves Complicating Christmas
April Claus is thrilled that, for her second Christmas as Mrs. Claus, she is able to host her friend Claire at the North Pole. However, on top of the normal holiday chaos, there are new challenges. The reindeer are on strike. Someone scares the crowd at the annual ice sculpture contest with a drone-deer. And April’s friend Jupiter is worried about her boyfriend. Can April juggle all of this with her normal Mrs. Claus duties?
Obviously, there is quite a lot happening here. It’s all balanced perfectly with plenty of action and twists in the mystery to keep us engaged the entire time. April leads a cast of charming characters, and I enjoyed the growth in some relationships. The fantasy setting is wonderfully realized. I love getting lost in this world, and I can only imagine how much fun it would be to read this in December. Then there’s the humor. Claire’s reactions to some of the things she sees are priceless, and there are other great moments, too. Yet the more serious themes and elements work as well. If you have yet to start this series, you are in for a treat. Fans will find the Christmas spirit here no matter when they pick up the book.
Obviously, there is quite a lot happening here. It’s all balanced perfectly with plenty of action and twists in the mystery to keep us engaged the entire time. April leads a cast of charming characters, and I enjoyed the growth in some relationships. The fantasy setting is wonderfully realized. I love getting lost in this world, and I can only imagine how much fun it would be to read this in December. Then there’s the humor. Claire’s reactions to some of the things she sees are priceless, and there are other great moments, too. Yet the more serious themes and elements work as well. If you have yet to start this series, you are in for a treat. Fans will find the Christmas spirit here no matter when they pick up the book.
Kim Pook (101 KP) rated To All the Boys: Always and Forever, Lara Jean (2021) in Movies
Oct 29, 2022
Contains spoilers, click to show
Lara Jean is back again for the final installment. Lara Jean is writing a letter to Peter whilst on holiday in Korea, and they speak on the phone. They both still have plans to go to Stanford together, problem is, Peter got in and Lara Jean is still waiting to find out. she eventually finds out that she didn't get in and feels like her life is falling apart, but it gets worse when she sends Peter a text meant for her sister, meaning he is led to believe she got in to Stanford. She does, however, get into a different college which is just over an hour away, but after a school trip to new york she starts to reconsider her options.
Just like the other movies in the franchise, I enjoyed the movie, probably more so than the second one. It wasn't hugely predicatable but I did feel Peter came across as a little selfish in this movie, but he did redeem himself eventually. There were a few scenes which I thought were pointless, such as Peter and his dad, even if this scene was ommitted it wouldn't have affected the movie at all. if you enjoyed the previous movies, you will definitely enjoy this one.
Just like the other movies in the franchise, I enjoyed the movie, probably more so than the second one. It wasn't hugely predicatable but I did feel Peter came across as a little selfish in this movie, but he did redeem himself eventually. There were a few scenes which I thought were pointless, such as Peter and his dad, even if this scene was ommitted it wouldn't have affected the movie at all. if you enjoyed the previous movies, you will definitely enjoy this one.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2623 KP) rated Cozy Up to Christmas in Books
Dec 15, 2022
Being a Mall Santa Turns Complicated
Ed Belmont has landed a job as a mall Santa at a run-down mall in Pennsylvania. He’s managed to hold on to the job for a month, and is looking at his final week on the job. Unfortunately, dealing with kids, not Ed’s strong point, isn’t his biggest worry. Someone has been robbing convenience stores dressed as Santa, and the police think Ed might be the culprit. Then Santa robs the mall after hours. Can Ed figure out who is really behind these thefts?
Those familiar with the series will immediately recognize that Ed is the latest identity of our protagonist, who is in witness protection. I knew seeing him playing Santa would be fun, and I was right. Unfortunately, a sub-plot intended to also be funny made me more uncomfortable. I do like Ed and enjoy watching him deal with his newest struggles. The rest of the characters are a bit thin. The plot does wander a bit at times, but it comes together for an interesting climax. I do enjoy watching Ed solve things. And this is a fast read. Fans will enjoy seeing what Ed gets up to in this holiday entry in the series.
Those familiar with the series will immediately recognize that Ed is the latest identity of our protagonist, who is in witness protection. I knew seeing him playing Santa would be fun, and I was right. Unfortunately, a sub-plot intended to also be funny made me more uncomfortable. I do like Ed and enjoy watching him deal with his newest struggles. The rest of the characters are a bit thin. The plot does wander a bit at times, but it comes together for an interesting climax. I do enjoy watching Ed solve things. And this is a fast read. Fans will enjoy seeing what Ed gets up to in this holiday entry in the series.
Fear The Silence
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“Do you believe Will took his own life?” The question echoed off the white tiles in the...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2623 KP) rated Lost and Clowned in Books
Jun 17, 2026 (Updated Jun 17, 2026)
Finding a Killer is a Circus
Pi Steely is the business manager for her uncle’s traveling circus. They are spending their Christmas break in a small California coastal town, putting on a rare holiday performance while there. The next morning, Pi finds a body on the beach. The police think the someone in the troop could be responsible. As Pi begins to dig in, she finds secrets from the past that might be related. Can she figure out what is going on?
The characters are grounded for a circus setting; in fact, the book is a bit more serious in tone than I was expecting. It took me a bit to get all the characters straight, but I was soon able to. Pi felt a bit immature to me a time or two, but it was minor. Likewise, the pacing stalled a couple of times, but nothing that lasted long. There were some good surprises and twists along the way to the logical climax. I enjoyed the Northern California setting. This appears to be a rare cozy standalone, but if we get a sequel, I will gladly revisit these characters. Those looking for an unusual cozy will be glad they picked this one up.
The characters are grounded for a circus setting; in fact, the book is a bit more serious in tone than I was expecting. It took me a bit to get all the characters straight, but I was soon able to. Pi felt a bit immature to me a time or two, but it was minor. Likewise, the pacing stalled a couple of times, but nothing that lasted long. There were some good surprises and twists along the way to the logical climax. I enjoyed the Northern California setting. This appears to be a rare cozy standalone, but if we get a sequel, I will gladly revisit these characters. Those looking for an unusual cozy will be glad they picked this one up.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2623 KP) rated The Glass Thief in Books
Jul 29, 2026 (Updated Jul 29, 2026)
Treasure, a Ghost Story, and a Locked Room Murder
Jaya Jones is thrilled when her favorite author, Rick Coronado, asks her to look at his new manuscript. The chapters she receives are about a murder in a locked room in a haunted mansion and a missing statue. Her instincts that there is more to the story prove accurate when she starts making connections to a murder that happened seven years ago. But another death ups the stakes. Can Jaya separate fact from fiction and find the killer and the missing statue?
If that description seems a bit complicated, don’t worry, the book lays everything out very easily. There are multiple twists that up the stakes along the way. It takes some concentration, but things do make sense at the end. While I do wish we saw more of one of the supporting characters, I really liked a subplot involving Jaya’s personal life. While the book is set at Christmas, the holiday vibes are minimal. The new characters are good for their roles in the book. I felt like I was traveling along with Jaya as we visit Paris and Cambodia before the story is over. This is another page turning novel that is hard to put down.
If that description seems a bit complicated, don’t worry, the book lays everything out very easily. There are multiple twists that up the stakes along the way. It takes some concentration, but things do make sense at the end. While I do wish we saw more of one of the supporting characters, I really liked a subplot involving Jaya’s personal life. While the book is set at Christmas, the holiday vibes are minimal. The new characters are good for their roles in the book. I felt like I was traveling along with Jaya as we visit Paris and Cambodia before the story is over. This is another page turning novel that is hard to put down.
Merissa (14132 KP) rated Summer Heat in Books
Jun 21, 2017
Summer Heat by Jay Northcote
Summer Heat is the perfect summer read, complete with sun, sea, and sex! After getting dumped by his older man, Adam seeks shelter from his BFF Finn. Both of them feel a hint of attraction, but have never acted upon it, fearing to ruin their friendship. When they go on a week's holiday that Adam had booked for him and his ex, things take a different turn to what they expected.
This is an easy-read book that will immediately take you to the shores of Spain. Adam and Finn are understandably nervous about making any changes to their friendship, but neither of them want to continue on as they are. They just need 'something' to give them the boost, the courage, to make them speak - whether that is a person or event.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, the story is told from both Adam and Finn's perspective, giving the reader a well rounded view of both them and their feelings. It is low angst, but still with a hint of tension and uncertainty. I have no hesitation in recommending this.
* 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!
This is an easy-read book that will immediately take you to the shores of Spain. Adam and Finn are understandably nervous about making any changes to their friendship, but neither of them want to continue on as they are. They just need 'something' to give them the boost, the courage, to make them speak - whether that is a person or event.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, the story is told from both Adam and Finn's perspective, giving the reader a well rounded view of both them and their feelings. It is low angst, but still with a hint of tension and uncertainty. I have no hesitation in recommending this.
* 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!
Sam (74 KP) rated Bookshop Girl in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Paige Turner works at a bookshop in her hometown alongside going to school, but then she gets the news that it’s closing down. When she finds this out, she decides she has to do something to save it.
I read this one within a couple of days. It’s a nice quick read to take on holiday, and is a good laugh. Although I did cringe slightly at the protagonist’s name, it was a good book overall with a decent plot.
It was very typically YA, so if you’re a massive YA fan you’ll love it. I like YA, but not cheesy YA romance, which I feel that this book verged on a little too much for my liking. It was a bit too lighthearted.
There’s also a plot twist further on to do with the boy Paige has a crush on which felt all a bit forced and a bit like it was just desperately grabbing for any plot possible. I’m not sure that the twist was the right thing to put in and I feel like it let down the novel a lot.
I’m not sure I’d read this again, but like I said, if you love cheesy YA, you will definitely love this. And it’s a really good lighthearted read to quickly read in an afternoon.
I read this one within a couple of days. It’s a nice quick read to take on holiday, and is a good laugh. Although I did cringe slightly at the protagonist’s name, it was a good book overall with a decent plot.
It was very typically YA, so if you’re a massive YA fan you’ll love it. I like YA, but not cheesy YA romance, which I feel that this book verged on a little too much for my liking. It was a bit too lighthearted.
There’s also a plot twist further on to do with the boy Paige has a crush on which felt all a bit forced and a bit like it was just desperately grabbing for any plot possible. I’m not sure that the twist was the right thing to put in and I feel like it let down the novel a lot.
I’m not sure I’d read this again, but like I said, if you love cheesy YA, you will definitely love this. And it’s a really good lighthearted read to quickly read in an afternoon.
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Dirty Dancing (1987) in Movies
Jun 14, 2019
Nobody puts baby in the corner
Makes me want to dance and go on holiday at Kellermans even now in 2019.
The development of both characters mix well despite rumours Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze did not get on off screen.
Baby is vulnerable and naive to start and with Jonny's cocky, bad boy influence she seems to grow up as the films goes, becoming a woman. At the same time Baby becomes the right influence on Jonny Castle, bringing out his good, sensitive side. This is done gradually and it doesn't go from just putting up with each other to boom let's get married without any of the in betweens which some films forget about.
The bit that got me was when he says he had a dream that her dad accepted him. This wouldn't have happened at the beginning and I felt it was the perfect way to show how much Jonny had fallen in love with baby without the need of the whole 'I love You' moment which is a big yawn after the 50th film in a chick flick'athon.
Every female should want a man like Jonny Castle and have this DVD in their collection. Also as someone who was born old, the music is fabulous, they don't make music like that anymore!
The development of both characters mix well despite rumours Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze did not get on off screen.
Baby is vulnerable and naive to start and with Jonny's cocky, bad boy influence she seems to grow up as the films goes, becoming a woman. At the same time Baby becomes the right influence on Jonny Castle, bringing out his good, sensitive side. This is done gradually and it doesn't go from just putting up with each other to boom let's get married without any of the in betweens which some films forget about.
The bit that got me was when he says he had a dream that her dad accepted him. This wouldn't have happened at the beginning and I felt it was the perfect way to show how much Jonny had fallen in love with baby without the need of the whole 'I love You' moment which is a big yawn after the 50th film in a chick flick'athon.
Every female should want a man like Jonny Castle and have this DVD in their collection. Also as someone who was born old, the music is fabulous, they don't make music like that anymore!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2623 KP) rated Seeds of Revenge (A Greenhouse Mystery, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When Megan Sawyer sees a woman stranded during a winter storm, she offers her a ride to town. The woman is Becca, who is coming to Winsome to spend the upcoming Christmas holiday with her aunt. However, when she goes to drop off Becca, Megan witnesses a confrontation between Becca and her very estranged father, Paul. When Paul dies a few days later, Becca quickly becomes the chief suspect. But Megan thinks there is more to his death, especially since it mirrors an unusual death in one of Megan’s aunt Sarah’s books. Is the killer using the book to send a message?
The Christmas setting is in contrast to the plot of this book. In fact, it makes it seem darker as a result. This is a plot that will stay with you for a while after you are done. Little things that appear to mean nothing come into clearer focus when we reach the climax of the tightly plotted story. I enjoyed seeing the returning characters again, but the new characters really steal the show. They are very strong, even Paul, which is unusual for a murder victim.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-seeds-of-revenge-by-wendy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The Christmas setting is in contrast to the plot of this book. In fact, it makes it seem darker as a result. This is a plot that will stay with you for a while after you are done. Little things that appear to mean nothing come into clearer focus when we reach the climax of the tightly plotted story. I enjoyed seeing the returning characters again, but the new characters really steal the show. They are very strong, even Paul, which is unusual for a murder victim.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-seeds-of-revenge-by-wendy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.