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BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Caught by Surprise (Apart From the Crowd, #3) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
This story may very well be my favorite of Jen Turano's to date. Temperance is my favorite wallflower. Her artistic abilities endear her to me in a special way. But beyond that, this story is so full of plot twists you will want to read this in one sitting. (Which is easier to do on audio for me.)
Gilbert Cavendish likes order and organization. He lives by his lists and well thought out plans. So when Temperance Flowerdew comes barreling back into his life, he is shaken to his core. Temperance Flowerdew is just the slightest bit stubborn. Which I, of course, can't relate to in the slightest...*cough*cough*...😏 She has survived so much heartache. By God's grace, she is finding life and purpose again. And oh! What a life it is! Full of color, love, spirit, and confidence.
There were numerous times while reading I was found laughing out loud and then gasping in shock then next minute, it's a wonder my husband doesn't think I'm crazy (well...we won't get into that). Jen Turano is by far one of the most talented authors that I know. To weave humor, romance, subterfuge, and danger so seamlessly is brilliant! Not to mention several twists that will catch you by surprise.
If you are looking for a good story that will give you laughs while giving you a grand adventure, you won't want to miss this book.
I received a complimentary copy of Caught by Surprise from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Gilbert Cavendish likes order and organization. He lives by his lists and well thought out plans. So when Temperance Flowerdew comes barreling back into his life, he is shaken to his core. Temperance Flowerdew is just the slightest bit stubborn. Which I, of course, can't relate to in the slightest...*cough*cough*...😏 She has survived so much heartache. By God's grace, she is finding life and purpose again. And oh! What a life it is! Full of color, love, spirit, and confidence.
There were numerous times while reading I was found laughing out loud and then gasping in shock then next minute, it's a wonder my husband doesn't think I'm crazy (well...we won't get into that). Jen Turano is by far one of the most talented authors that I know. To weave humor, romance, subterfuge, and danger so seamlessly is brilliant! Not to mention several twists that will catch you by surprise.
If you are looking for a good story that will give you laughs while giving you a grand adventure, you won't want to miss this book.
I received a complimentary copy of Caught by Surprise from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Defense of Honor (Haven Manor, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
The first thing I said to my hubby after I started reading this book was, "It has been WAY too long since I have read a Kristi Ann Hunter book." I absolutely LOVE her style and voice. The humor infused with the stark realities of life. The faith combined with growth. And the adventures...OH, the adventures these characters have is of epic proportions.
The first thing that stood out to me in this story is the completely new-to-me setting and theme. Although set in Regency England, we spend most of our time outside of London in a forgotten manor. Our leading lady is one who has been scorned by society and lives to protect those who would also be outcasts. I love Kit's passion and heart. She learns so much along her journey and in the end, becomes even more beautiful because of the trust she puts in God. Lord Wharton is swoony on all accounts. His love for the children and for Kit produce such tingling sensations as to set my heart ablaze with admiration.
If you are a fan of Regency books and haven't read a Kristi Ann Hinter book...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? If you HAVE read her books...You NEED to get this one in your hands...like yesterday. A Defense of Honor is my favorite KAH story to date and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
I received a complimentary copy of A Defense of Honor through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
The first thing that stood out to me in this story is the completely new-to-me setting and theme. Although set in Regency England, we spend most of our time outside of London in a forgotten manor. Our leading lady is one who has been scorned by society and lives to protect those who would also be outcasts. I love Kit's passion and heart. She learns so much along her journey and in the end, becomes even more beautiful because of the trust she puts in God. Lord Wharton is swoony on all accounts. His love for the children and for Kit produce such tingling sensations as to set my heart ablaze with admiration.
If you are a fan of Regency books and haven't read a Kristi Ann Hinter book...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? If you HAVE read her books...You NEED to get this one in your hands...like yesterday. A Defense of Honor is my favorite KAH story to date and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
I received a complimentary copy of A Defense of Honor through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters (Momotaro, #1) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
I think I've grown out of reading middle grade books now. I find that a little sad - the first book in Dilloways Momotaro series isn't even a bad book, aside from the fact I kept expecting a Percy Jackson vibe (which, in a way, it kind of does).
Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters - if we're going down the Percy Jackson vibe (I'm pretty sure the synopsis makes the comparison .) - is basically Japanese folklore set in modern day, with plenty of Japanese mythological creatures making an appearance. Unfortunately, Xander definitely resembles a Japanese version of Percy Jackson - blue eyes, black hair, twelve years old, and the only difference? Xander has a bit of silver streak in his hair (oh wait ) and he's mixed (Asian and Irish).
It's no wonder I expected a lot of humor out of Dilloway's book (comparisons = high expectations). The first Momotaro book does have the occasional funny moment, but it just isn't as funny as I hoped it would be. (That might just be the fact I'm nineteen.)
Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters is set in a comic book like format with illustrations featured throughout the book, and it will definitely appeal more to younger audiences than the older ones. (And hopefully, it'll be more funny to them than to me.)
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/arc-review-xander-and-lost-island-of-monsters-by-margaret-dilloway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
I think I've grown out of reading middle grade books now. I find that a little sad - the first book in Dilloways Momotaro series isn't even a bad book, aside from the fact I kept expecting a Percy Jackson vibe (which, in a way, it kind of does).
Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters - if we're going down the Percy Jackson vibe (I'm pretty sure the synopsis makes the comparison .) - is basically Japanese folklore set in modern day, with plenty of Japanese mythological creatures making an appearance. Unfortunately, Xander definitely resembles a Japanese version of Percy Jackson - blue eyes, black hair, twelve years old, and the only difference? Xander has a bit of silver streak in his hair (oh wait ) and he's mixed (Asian and Irish).
It's no wonder I expected a lot of humor out of Dilloway's book (comparisons = high expectations). The first Momotaro book does have the occasional funny moment, but it just isn't as funny as I hoped it would be. (That might just be the fact I'm nineteen.)
Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters is set in a comic book like format with illustrations featured throughout the book, and it will definitely appeal more to younger audiences than the older ones. (And hopefully, it'll be more funny to them than to me.)
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/arc-review-xander-and-lost-island-of-monsters-by-margaret-dilloway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Dolittle (2020) in Movies
Jan 18, 2020
The new Universal Studios movie Dr. Dolittle stars Robert Downey Jr as Dr. Dolittle, Antonio Banderas as King Rassouli, Michael Sheen as Dr. Mudfly, Emma Thompson as Poly, Jessie Buckley as Queen Victoria, and a host of other well-known stars as the voices of the animals, including John Cena, Ralph Fiennes and Selna Gomez. Dolittle is directed by Stephen Gaghan
Dr. Dolittle is a charming movie.
The audience is taken on a wonderful adventure across oceans and far away kingdoms in search of a magical cure for young Queen Victoria.
Robert Downey Jr. does a phenomenal job in portraying Dr. Dolittle. He plays the role with emotion and charm. His life has been sad since the passing of his wife, and he secludes himself with the only beings he wants to have contact with, his animal menagerie. He is interrupted in his solitude by a request from the palace to find a cure for young Queen Victoria who has been poisoned.
Dr. Dolittle and his animal menagerie set off on an epic adventure to hunt down the one thing that might save the Queen, the sap from a tree that Dolittles late wife has been researching. On the way, they must get around the nefarious Dr. Blair Mudfly, and Rassouli the king of pirates.
Younger viewers are sure to be kept engaged, as the movie is fast paced and they will not have the chance to be bored. The audience are sure to be pleased with the vitality and humor that each role brings to the film.
The movie is perfect for families to view together and everyone will enjoy it.
Dr. Dolittle is a charming movie.
The audience is taken on a wonderful adventure across oceans and far away kingdoms in search of a magical cure for young Queen Victoria.
Robert Downey Jr. does a phenomenal job in portraying Dr. Dolittle. He plays the role with emotion and charm. His life has been sad since the passing of his wife, and he secludes himself with the only beings he wants to have contact with, his animal menagerie. He is interrupted in his solitude by a request from the palace to find a cure for young Queen Victoria who has been poisoned.
Dr. Dolittle and his animal menagerie set off on an epic adventure to hunt down the one thing that might save the Queen, the sap from a tree that Dolittles late wife has been researching. On the way, they must get around the nefarious Dr. Blair Mudfly, and Rassouli the king of pirates.
Younger viewers are sure to be kept engaged, as the movie is fast paced and they will not have the chance to be bored. The audience are sure to be pleased with the vitality and humor that each role brings to the film.
The movie is perfect for families to view together and everyone will enjoy it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Microphones and Murder in Books
Feb 12, 2020
Don’t Miss This Debut
Liv Olsen has spent a few years working on a popular true crime podcast, but now she’s decided to risk everything to start her own, Missing or Murdered. Working with her stepsister, Camry Lewis, she’s identified her first case. Just over ten years ago, Amelia Clark disappeared from Santa Maria, a town on central California’s coast, a week after an embarrassing video of her was posted on YouTube. The trail has long gone cold, but the retired detective who worked the case reached out to Liv, hoping that publicity would bring forward a new clue. As Liv begins to interview people who knew Amelia, she gets more questions than answers. What happen to Amelia all those years ago?
It’s always fun when a mystery opens with something other than a murder, and that’s what we get here. The missing person case was compelling, and it seemed the further I read, the more confusing the case became. However, everything came together for a satisfying solution before it was all over. The characters are charming, and I fell in love with them immediately. I appreciated the character growth we saw here, and I can’t wait to see how these relationships grow in future books. The suspects are just as real and do a great job of confusing us. I did find out character who speaks with a stutter annoying, and there were a couple of scenes I could have done without, but these are both minor issues. On the other hand, I appreciated the book’s humor and found myself laughing several times. This is a delightful debut, and I will definitely be back when the sequel drops.
It’s always fun when a mystery opens with something other than a murder, and that’s what we get here. The missing person case was compelling, and it seemed the further I read, the more confusing the case became. However, everything came together for a satisfying solution before it was all over. The characters are charming, and I fell in love with them immediately. I appreciated the character growth we saw here, and I can’t wait to see how these relationships grow in future books. The suspects are just as real and do a great job of confusing us. I did find out character who speaks with a stutter annoying, and there were a couple of scenes I could have done without, but these are both minor issues. On the other hand, I appreciated the book’s humor and found myself laughing several times. This is a delightful debut, and I will definitely be back when the sequel drops.
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Midnight Special (2016) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
As children, we often fantasize about what it would be like to possess superpowers or some trait that sets us further apart from our peers. We imagine ourselves as being able to become invisible, fly, or command animals. The film Midnight Special introduces us to a young boy who is blessed with a special gift that no one can quite comprehend. A religious cult seeks the boy as their savior. The government wants to use him as a weapon. His father wants to protect him.
The film gives the audience enough suspense and relevant issues to keep them fully engrossed in the story. The opening of the film leaves us with very little background of the events that have taken place which for many films would be a grand weakness in the storytelling, however, for this film it is essential in shaping the dramatic moments as it builds to the climax. Midnight Special features strong performances from Adam Driver and Michael Shannon. Director Jeff Nichols does a superb job in weaving a story that is both original and imaginative. The film itself is a journey involving various elements that drive the story. For some, it will make them more skeptical of the government and religious fanaticism. For others, they will have a new take on the road film genre which is filled with peril, tension, friendship, and love.
Midnight Special is one of those rare movies that allows the viewers to become fully involved in the story and characters involved. With the suspense, humor, and interactions, the actors and director have made a complete film. It stays with you and makes you want more.
The film gives the audience enough suspense and relevant issues to keep them fully engrossed in the story. The opening of the film leaves us with very little background of the events that have taken place which for many films would be a grand weakness in the storytelling, however, for this film it is essential in shaping the dramatic moments as it builds to the climax. Midnight Special features strong performances from Adam Driver and Michael Shannon. Director Jeff Nichols does a superb job in weaving a story that is both original and imaginative. The film itself is a journey involving various elements that drive the story. For some, it will make them more skeptical of the government and religious fanaticism. For others, they will have a new take on the road film genre which is filled with peril, tension, friendship, and love.
Midnight Special is one of those rare movies that allows the viewers to become fully involved in the story and characters involved. With the suspense, humor, and interactions, the actors and director have made a complete film. It stays with you and makes you want more.
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Prom (2011) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
“Prom is like the Olympics of high school; You wait four years, only like three people have a good time, and everyone else leaves with shattered hopes and dreams.” Nova Prescott had it all, class president, popularity and a bright future. What more can a teenage high school girl ask for? Well, how about a perfect prom for starters?
Prom stars Aimee Teergarden (Friday Night Lights) as Nova Prescott and Thomas McDonald (soon to portray young Barnabas Collins in Dark Shadows) as Jesse Richter. Nova is obsessed with planning the perfect prom as a final farewell to high school and a big jump to college. Her dreams are shattered after a fire has ruined all her prom decorations and she is in need of some help to get things back on track. “Walking misdemeanor” Jesse Richter is forced to help Nova fix what was lost and in the end they end up finding love. Prom includes different stories about couples who have problems of their own that all revolve around the most important night of a senior’s life: the prom
Disney’s Prom is another cheesy, lackluster high school film with awkward scenes and awkward actors. This movie is unrealistic and uneventful and may put parents at ease but leave kids wondering why they would pour their heart and soul into one specific yet anti-climactic night that most adults end up forgetting anyways. Although the film lacked humor and good writing, the most promising part is the soundtrack.
The film is too familiar and uses the same old scenarios that have been played out in other films about high school countless times and offers nothing new.
Prom stars Aimee Teergarden (Friday Night Lights) as Nova Prescott and Thomas McDonald (soon to portray young Barnabas Collins in Dark Shadows) as Jesse Richter. Nova is obsessed with planning the perfect prom as a final farewell to high school and a big jump to college. Her dreams are shattered after a fire has ruined all her prom decorations and she is in need of some help to get things back on track. “Walking misdemeanor” Jesse Richter is forced to help Nova fix what was lost and in the end they end up finding love. Prom includes different stories about couples who have problems of their own that all revolve around the most important night of a senior’s life: the prom
Disney’s Prom is another cheesy, lackluster high school film with awkward scenes and awkward actors. This movie is unrealistic and uneventful and may put parents at ease but leave kids wondering why they would pour their heart and soul into one specific yet anti-climactic night that most adults end up forgetting anyways. Although the film lacked humor and good writing, the most promising part is the soundtrack.
The film is too familiar and uses the same old scenarios that have been played out in other films about high school countless times and offers nothing new.
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