Search
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated W is for Wasted (Kinsey Millhone, #23) in Books
Dec 4, 2022
Distracted Plot Wastes Time in This Book
PI Kinsey Millhone is facing a stretch with no clients over the next couple of weeks, which she isn’t quite sure how she will fill. That is, until she gets a phone call from the coroner’s office. A homeless man has died, and the coroner has no idea who he is. The only thing they have to go on is Kinsey’s name and office number. Who might he be? Why did he have Kinsey’s contact information in his pocket?
The premise of this book captured my attention from the start. Unfortunately, the plot wandered, with a sub-plot taking over the middle of the book before Kinsey really even discovers there is a crime for her to solve. We know that sooner thanks to some flashback chapters written in third person. Both parts of the book are rushed in their resolution, leaving a couple of things dangling. However, I still found myself engaged in the book thanks to the characters, who I still love. It might have helped that I listened to the audio instead of reading it. Judy Kaye, the narrator, does a great job once again here. Fans of the series will want to see what happens here, but if you haven’t met Kinsey yet, I recommend you start earlier and work your way to this book.
The premise of this book captured my attention from the start. Unfortunately, the plot wandered, with a sub-plot taking over the middle of the book before Kinsey really even discovers there is a crime for her to solve. We know that sooner thanks to some flashback chapters written in third person. Both parts of the book are rushed in their resolution, leaving a couple of things dangling. However, I still found myself engaged in the book thanks to the characters, who I still love. It might have helped that I listened to the audio instead of reading it. Judy Kaye, the narrator, does a great job once again here. Fans of the series will want to see what happens here, but if you haven’t met Kinsey yet, I recommend you start earlier and work your way to this book.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Until You in Books
Dec 2, 2023
UNTIL YOU is a standalone story about Paul (mid-forties) and Charlie (19). Charlie is homeless and Paul meets him when he is being beaten up. Charlie is rescued and Paul pays what he owes, and thinks that's it. Only, he can't get Charlie out of his mind.
This is a sweet story with some steamy moments. The interactions between Charlie and Paul are both realistic and funny (when they're supposed to be.) The difference in their ages is shown in subtle ways, the same as how they acknowledge and deal with their other differences.
You don't know until the end what secret Paul is hiding, although you can guess. I loved how it was Paul's ex-wife who took the first step afterwards. It was such a good example of people learning from their mistakes and becoming better people for it. The relationship between Rachel and Charlie was fantastic to read, especially after her initial reaction.
Such a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed - and that epilogue was perfect! Definitely recommended by me.
** 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!
Dec 2, 2023
This is a sweet story with some steamy moments. The interactions between Charlie and Paul are both realistic and funny (when they're supposed to be.) The difference in their ages is shown in subtle ways, the same as how they acknowledge and deal with their other differences.
You don't know until the end what secret Paul is hiding, although you can guess. I loved how it was Paul's ex-wife who took the first step afterwards. It was such a good example of people learning from their mistakes and becoming better people for it. The relationship between Rachel and Charlie was fantastic to read, especially after her initial reaction.
Such a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed - and that epilogue was perfect! Definitely recommended by me.
** 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!
Dec 2, 2023
Kim Pook (101 KP) rated Annie (2014) in Movies
Jul 31, 2022
Contains spoilers, click to show
Having never seen the original movie, I went in to this with a clean slate and nothing to compare it to. Therefore this review will be based purely on just this version of the movie.
The movie begins with Annie giving her school report before summer break, the school bell goes and Annie heads........ Anywhere but home. It seems she stays out pretty late to the point where you think she's homeless, but then she finally goes home where she is met by a woman who is not very nice to her. She then goes to her room when we realise she's in foster care with 4 other children, and it's not long before they're singing and Annie is trying to find her real parents.
There seems to be a back and forth story with this rich guy running for mayor, but we soon find out his role in the story as he invites Annie to move in with him to boost his career.
At first I couldn't get into the movie, it came across as poorly acted and the songs wasn't very catchy. However, as the movie went on it got better and by the end there was definitely "dust in my eye". It was very much a children's film though, so whilst it may not have much of a rewatch factor for adults, kids will love it.
The movie begins with Annie giving her school report before summer break, the school bell goes and Annie heads........ Anywhere but home. It seems she stays out pretty late to the point where you think she's homeless, but then she finally goes home where she is met by a woman who is not very nice to her. She then goes to her room when we realise she's in foster care with 4 other children, and it's not long before they're singing and Annie is trying to find her real parents.
There seems to be a back and forth story with this rich guy running for mayor, but we soon find out his role in the story as he invites Annie to move in with him to boost his career.
At first I couldn't get into the movie, it came across as poorly acted and the songs wasn't very catchy. However, as the movie went on it got better and by the end there was definitely "dust in my eye". It was very much a children's film though, so whilst it may not have much of a rewatch factor for adults, kids will love it.
Loving the Enemy (7 Forbidden Arts #0)
8.0
Rate It
Book
If your father is a powerful criminal, you can't trust anyone, especially not the stranger who saves...
Paranormal Romance Adult
ClareR (5721 KP) rated Hold Back the Night in Books
Jul 7, 2024
I’m still reeling from this book, and I read it about a month ago.
Hold Back the Night is set in 3 timelines:
1959, Annie and Ruth are training to be psychiatric nurses in an institution that believes they’re at the forefront of treatment. They learn to speed-shave and dress male patients, hold down women receiving ECT, and take part in conversion therapy for some male patients. “Conversion therapy” sounds pretty harmless, doesn’t it? In reality it wasn’t.
1983, Annie is widowed and bringing up her daughter, Rosie, alone. She meets a young man who is ill, and his friend. She learns that he has been evicted because he has HIV. Annie offers them a home and nursing care. Soon her home becomes a haven for infected, homeless, shunned boys. I think in the back of her mind, she knows she’s trying to make amends for her part in the conversion therapies she took part in.
Which brings us to the third timeline in 2020, and Covid.
There are some parallels to be drawn (uncertainty, fear), but this timeline wraps everything up together, and Annie faces up to her part in 1959.
I loved this book, and the way the timelines wove together really helped me to understand Annie and her reasons for doing just what she did - rightly or wrongly.
Definitely one of my books of the year.
Hold Back the Night is set in 3 timelines:
1959, Annie and Ruth are training to be psychiatric nurses in an institution that believes they’re at the forefront of treatment. They learn to speed-shave and dress male patients, hold down women receiving ECT, and take part in conversion therapy for some male patients. “Conversion therapy” sounds pretty harmless, doesn’t it? In reality it wasn’t.
1983, Annie is widowed and bringing up her daughter, Rosie, alone. She meets a young man who is ill, and his friend. She learns that he has been evicted because he has HIV. Annie offers them a home and nursing care. Soon her home becomes a haven for infected, homeless, shunned boys. I think in the back of her mind, she knows she’s trying to make amends for her part in the conversion therapies she took part in.
Which brings us to the third timeline in 2020, and Covid.
There are some parallels to be drawn (uncertainty, fear), but this timeline wraps everything up together, and Annie faces up to her part in 1959.
I loved this book, and the way the timelines wove together really helped me to understand Annie and her reasons for doing just what she did - rightly or wrongly.
Definitely one of my books of the year.
jmercado (1 KP) rated Gerard's Beauty (Kingdom, #2) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
2nd book in the Kingdom Series.
Basic quick read romance.
Betty Hart has been in the ringer with love before and came out defeated.
When french beau Gerard Caron enters her life looking battered and homeless she is determined but cautious to take him to a shelter.
Plans don't go as expected and they wind up back at her apartment with a unexpected surprise from Danika, Gerards' Fairy Godmother.
What Betty didn't know is he is there for a purpose. Fleeing from his troubles in his homeland that is not earth, his fairy godmother sends him to earth to redeem himself and the only way to redeem himself is to make a woman fall in love with him.
The Catch? He only has one month to do it or be killed back in his homelands for punishment against Kingdom's royalty.
This book had some interesting aspects to it , especially with Briley.It seems like these books are all pretty insta-love so if that is not your type you should not read these. This book however wasnt bad but it was wow good. So i will only be giving it 3 out of 5 stars.
I can say this was the 1st book series i have read in a while that did not have a completely whiny main character and i appreciated that. But the story line fell a bit flat towards the middle.
Still going to continue on though and see who Danika hits next.
Basic quick read romance.
Betty Hart has been in the ringer with love before and came out defeated.
When french beau Gerard Caron enters her life looking battered and homeless she is determined but cautious to take him to a shelter.
Plans don't go as expected and they wind up back at her apartment with a unexpected surprise from Danika, Gerards' Fairy Godmother.
What Betty didn't know is he is there for a purpose. Fleeing from his troubles in his homeland that is not earth, his fairy godmother sends him to earth to redeem himself and the only way to redeem himself is to make a woman fall in love with him.
The Catch? He only has one month to do it or be killed back in his homelands for punishment against Kingdom's royalty.
This book had some interesting aspects to it , especially with Briley.It seems like these books are all pretty insta-love so if that is not your type you should not read these. This book however wasnt bad but it was wow good. So i will only be giving it 3 out of 5 stars.
I can say this was the 1st book series i have read in a while that did not have a completely whiny main character and i appreciated that. But the story line fell a bit flat towards the middle.
Still going to continue on though and see who Danika hits next.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated See the Stars - Single by Adrian Jean in Music
Jun 6, 2019
Adrian Jean is an up-and-coming LA-based singer-songwriter from Philadelphia. Not too long ago, he released an inspiring R&B tune, entitled, “See the Stars (Radio Edit)”.
Adrian Jean was homeless for two and a half years unbeknownst to his friends and colleagues. He lived in his automobile underneath the famed Hollywood sign and showered at a nearby gym.
His grandmother sensed that something was wrong and begged her grandson to come home to the East Coast. But Adrian was determined to stay in L.A. to fulfill his musical dream.
Therefore, he continued writing songs while sleeping in the backseat, staring down at the lights of Los Angeles. One of the songs that he wrote, entitled, “See The Stars”, found Adrian negotiating leaving home despite his grandmother’s disapproval.
‘See the Stars (Radio Edit)’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and vibey instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and urban-soul elements.
Adrian Jean has led a tumultuous life which has taken him from the poorest neighborhoods in Philadelphia to glamorous nightclubs, to homelessness, and redemption.
With an absent father and a mother who was more interested in drugs than raising her children, Adrian was forced to grow up very quickly.
By the age of 15, he was living on his own and working for a drug dealer. Later, he struggled with the pressures of being a bisexual man in a culture that didn’t accept such differences.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/adrian-jean-see-the-stars/
Adrian Jean was homeless for two and a half years unbeknownst to his friends and colleagues. He lived in his automobile underneath the famed Hollywood sign and showered at a nearby gym.
His grandmother sensed that something was wrong and begged her grandson to come home to the East Coast. But Adrian was determined to stay in L.A. to fulfill his musical dream.
Therefore, he continued writing songs while sleeping in the backseat, staring down at the lights of Los Angeles. One of the songs that he wrote, entitled, “See The Stars”, found Adrian negotiating leaving home despite his grandmother’s disapproval.
‘See the Stars (Radio Edit)’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and vibey instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and urban-soul elements.
Adrian Jean has led a tumultuous life which has taken him from the poorest neighborhoods in Philadelphia to glamorous nightclubs, to homelessness, and redemption.
With an absent father and a mother who was more interested in drugs than raising her children, Adrian was forced to grow up very quickly.
By the age of 15, he was living on his own and working for a drug dealer. Later, he struggled with the pressures of being a bisexual man in a culture that didn’t accept such differences.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/adrian-jean-see-the-stars/
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Mar 12, 2020
Poser: A Mother's Life in Twenty-Three Yoga Poses
Book
Ten years ago, Claire Dederer put her back out while breastfeeding her baby daughter. Told to try...
Deer Island
Book
At the beginning of the 1980s Neil Ansell chose a life of voluntary poverty working for the Simon...