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BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Behind the Scenes (Apart from the Crowd, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Undoubtedly Jen Turano's BEST book yet! A healthy dose of mystery, the suspense of the romance, the antics of Permilia...And Asher...*SWOON*
"Turn your troubles over to God, and...accept what He may have in store for you." - Behind the Scenes
It is a well established fact that Jen Turano is a TOP favorite author of mine. And Behind the Scenes has surpassed all the others to take its place at the top of her books. Very well written with a lot to keep the reader engaged it was HARD to put this one down! The opening scene with Alva Vanderbilt's ball swept me into the era and had me swooning and giggling and gasping and holding my breath. Permilia and Asher danced, argued, and perhaps encounter a dastardly plot...As the story unfolds, more pieces to the puzzle are laid, but you also find out that the puzzle is much larger than originally anticipated. All the while Asher and Permilia are learning to trust that maybe God's plan for their lives can be something AMAZING!!!
Behind the Scenes wouldn't be complete without Jen's unique style and sense of humour that she weaves into her storylines. Never fear dear reader! Jen does not disappoint. This book is full of new predicaments, comedic escapades, and dramatic rescues. I simply can not wait to continue this series with Gertrude's story in Out of the Ordinary releasing this fall!
I received a complimentary copy of Behind the Scenes from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
"Turn your troubles over to God, and...accept what He may have in store for you." - Behind the Scenes
It is a well established fact that Jen Turano is a TOP favorite author of mine. And Behind the Scenes has surpassed all the others to take its place at the top of her books. Very well written with a lot to keep the reader engaged it was HARD to put this one down! The opening scene with Alva Vanderbilt's ball swept me into the era and had me swooning and giggling and gasping and holding my breath. Permilia and Asher danced, argued, and perhaps encounter a dastardly plot...As the story unfolds, more pieces to the puzzle are laid, but you also find out that the puzzle is much larger than originally anticipated. All the while Asher and Permilia are learning to trust that maybe God's plan for their lives can be something AMAZING!!!
Behind the Scenes wouldn't be complete without Jen's unique style and sense of humour that she weaves into her storylines. Never fear dear reader! Jen does not disappoint. This book is full of new predicaments, comedic escapades, and dramatic rescues. I simply can not wait to continue this series with Gertrude's story in Out of the Ordinary releasing this fall!
I received a complimentary copy of Behind the Scenes from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Lesson in Love and Murder (Herringford and Watts Mysteries, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
From the iconic cover through to the Epilogue, Rachel McMillan has delivered another thrilling Herringford & Watts adventure. Filled with love and mystery, sorrow and murder, trust and anarchy...You will be drawn into the story and fight alongside Merinda and Jem for justice and freedom. Can I just say..."Mounties"...Even this redneck American girl can appreciate the Royal North-West Mounted Police. And I was giddy with delight that Rachel incorporated them into this story. I loved this book so much (more than the first one I think). There was so much going on in history at this time. It was interesting to watch those with the desire to bring change, they had the passion and drive to see things through to the end...But they had a warped view of how to go about it. Unfortunately, it reminds me of society today. It breaks my heart knowing that not much has changed in that aspect. Protests, bombings, violence and murder...These are not the answers. That is all I will say about that...Back to the book...Full of the same witty dialogue and precarious circumstances that I have come to expect (and adore) from Herringford & Watts. The footnotes also make their appearance in this story, which I still think is BRILLIANT! If you are interested in mystery, humour, and romance, these are the books for you. You will want to start with the first book, A Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this adventure. I received a free copy of A Lesson in Love & Murder in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Marylegs (44 KP) rated Days of Blood and Starlight in Books
Aug 14, 2019
After reading the first installment in this series I was glad I already had this book at hand to carry on with straight away. I loved that it carried on without too much back tracking on the previous book. I like to just get going when the book is part of a series or trilogy. And again I enjoyed the style of writing and flow of the story. It was so easy to get caught up in and before I knew it I had read the book in two days.
This book has wholeheartedly lost the majority of the lightness and it delivers you right onto the front line, but thankfully Zuzana is still there to bring out some humour which provides a small but welcome relief from the seriousness of the part of the tale. But overall you feel the weight of this book (not literally, although it is pretty hefty) and I appreciate how much more difficult it is for a writer to portray such depth of conflict and war, it is much easier to make this happy and shining.
I will definitely be waiting patiently for the next book. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it definitely progressed to being a riveting read towards the end. I did feel it was more of a set up to the next book. This is just my personal opinion and I find this with many second books when they are part of a trilogy. It is the next book I look forward to as it will round off the story and I am keen to find out what becomes of all the characters.
This book has wholeheartedly lost the majority of the lightness and it delivers you right onto the front line, but thankfully Zuzana is still there to bring out some humour which provides a small but welcome relief from the seriousness of the part of the tale. But overall you feel the weight of this book (not literally, although it is pretty hefty) and I appreciate how much more difficult it is for a writer to portray such depth of conflict and war, it is much easier to make this happy and shining.
I will definitely be waiting patiently for the next book. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it definitely progressed to being a riveting read towards the end. I did feel it was more of a set up to the next book. This is just my personal opinion and I find this with many second books when they are part of a trilogy. It is the next book I look forward to as it will round off the story and I am keen to find out what becomes of all the characters.
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Alien Salvation (Clans of Kalquor #4) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Alien Salvation is the fourth book in the World of Kalquor series, and in my opinion, is the best book so far. The Kalquorians are searching Earth, or what's left of it, trying to contain the devastation left by the nuclear bombs, and also trying to find the Empress' family. The same family are hiding out in Florida, unknown to the looters who are nearby, or the Kalquorians. When a small scout ship lands, Lindsey decides that she will do whatever it takes to get food for her parents. When she realises that the 'trade' isn't as bad as she thought it would be, she is more than happy to carry. With adventures and mishaps along the way, Lindsey and her clan need to figure out what is the right thing to do, and what is the right thing for them.
This book is very well written, giving the reader no doubt about how much Lindsey loves her family. Tara is a wonderful character, so serene and yet full of wit and humour at times. Aaron is everything a father should be towards his daughter - loving and protective. The clan themselves seemed a bit disjointed when we first meet them, but with Lindsey there, they all grow and mould into one cohesive unit. This book will tug on the emotions, it has more sorrow in it than the previous books. This series is turning out to be a secret surprise, and definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This book is very well written, giving the reader no doubt about how much Lindsey loves her family. Tara is a wonderful character, so serene and yet full of wit and humour at times. Aaron is everything a father should be towards his daughter - loving and protective. The clan themselves seemed a bit disjointed when we first meet them, but with Lindsey there, they all grow and mould into one cohesive unit. This book will tug on the emotions, it has more sorrow in it than the previous books. This series is turning out to be a secret surprise, and definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Kaz (232 KP) rated 'Impression of a Dilemma' in Books
Jun 30, 2019 (Updated Jun 30, 2019)
A fun Read
'Impression of A Dillemma' at first glance, looks as if it's going to be a crime based novel. However, it's much more than that.
This is a book which revolves around several diverse, quirky, but believable characters and their take on the same, shocking event. This book really gets into the minds of these characters and is very well written. I liked the almost poetic flow of the writing and the gentle humour.
In some novels which have multiple characters, in the end, they all become indistinguishable. However with this novel, everyone is completely different.
There was one character in particular, who at first, took some time for me to connect with. In reflection, I think this was good, because not many books include characters with such a quirky way of expressing themselves. So for this reason, I wouldn't say that this was a negative, but a change from having 'conventional' characters.
The pace of the novel was very good, at no point did it drag, I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
In fact, when I reached the end of the book, although I felt that it's ending was satisfactory, I couldn't help feeling like I wanted to know more about what the characters were going to do next. I'm not sure whether there will be any more books containing these characters or whether it's a stand alone novel, but I would be quite happy to read more about them, because they are so diverse and interesting.
I would definitely recommend this novel, if you like something quirky.
This is a book which revolves around several diverse, quirky, but believable characters and their take on the same, shocking event. This book really gets into the minds of these characters and is very well written. I liked the almost poetic flow of the writing and the gentle humour.
In some novels which have multiple characters, in the end, they all become indistinguishable. However with this novel, everyone is completely different.
There was one character in particular, who at first, took some time for me to connect with. In reflection, I think this was good, because not many books include characters with such a quirky way of expressing themselves. So for this reason, I wouldn't say that this was a negative, but a change from having 'conventional' characters.
The pace of the novel was very good, at no point did it drag, I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
In fact, when I reached the end of the book, although I felt that it's ending was satisfactory, I couldn't help feeling like I wanted to know more about what the characters were going to do next. I'm not sure whether there will be any more books containing these characters or whether it's a stand alone novel, but I would be quite happy to read more about them, because they are so diverse and interesting.
I would definitely recommend this novel, if you like something quirky.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Zombieland: Double Tap (2019) in Movies
Nov 6, 2019
Nothing new
When the first Zombieland came out in 2009, it was a wonderful and brilliant surprise and such a sleeper hit. There have been cries for a sequel for some time now and whilst 10 years is a big gap, I actually think this works in the films favour despite the fact that overall it's nothing new.
The good and bad thing about this film is that it is so similar to the original, both in style and even plot structure. Good because the original obviously worked, but bad because it just feels like we're watching more of the same. Right from the opening credits it sticks so closely to the original and I did enjoy this as it's exactly what you'd expect and it was great to see the characters back on screen again with all of their nuances. Even if some if these nuances, like the rules and bickering, did get a little bit stale towards the end. The problem is that the humour and the plot are not as good as the first film, and the new characters and ideas that have been introduced are either massively irritating (Madison) or just plain dull (Babylon). Thankfully Tallahassee, Colombus and Wichita bring this film back up to being good, even if it's not as good as the original, and there are still some pretty funny moments between them even if they're not as frequent as we'd like.
Overall a good sequel but not up to the standards of the original. It's rather sad when the best and funniest part of this film is the credits scene...
The good and bad thing about this film is that it is so similar to the original, both in style and even plot structure. Good because the original obviously worked, but bad because it just feels like we're watching more of the same. Right from the opening credits it sticks so closely to the original and I did enjoy this as it's exactly what you'd expect and it was great to see the characters back on screen again with all of their nuances. Even if some if these nuances, like the rules and bickering, did get a little bit stale towards the end. The problem is that the humour and the plot are not as good as the first film, and the new characters and ideas that have been introduced are either massively irritating (Madison) or just plain dull (Babylon). Thankfully Tallahassee, Colombus and Wichita bring this film back up to being good, even if it's not as good as the original, and there are still some pretty funny moments between them even if they're not as frequent as we'd like.
Overall a good sequel but not up to the standards of the original. It's rather sad when the best and funniest part of this film is the credits scene...
An interesting take on the tale
If you take for granted that the makers of this short series have taken some liberties with the classic tale, then you will enjoy this adaptation all the more. My wife, who hasn't read the book and barely remembers the Gary Oldman film, really enjoyed this series. I, who have read and loved the book and a few prequel/sequel attempts, enjoyed it a little less. However, for what it is, it's a very clever and witty interpretation of the story.
The three episodes are largely standalone and in a different setting. The first episode we are in familiar territory with Jonathan Harker in Castle Dracula. Here the makers explored Harker's passive imprisonment and gradual blood-draining far more than in other adaptations, giving the viewer a real confused, frustrated and claustrophobic feeling. The second episode takes place on the Count's journey to the UK. Again previous adaptations have skipped over this, and the crew's gradual diminution, which was a bigger factor of the book. This is when Dracula's psychological twisting and sick sense of humour start to feature more heavily, with some good head-scratching twists.
The third episode covers Dracula's time in the UK, but not as you've ever seen before. I thought this part was brilliant, but won't give any spoilers. The main features of this part of the original story are retained (Dracula's mutual obsession with Lucy Westenra), but Dracula is now revealed like never before, with some of his weaknesses explored and exposed for what they are.
Like I say, if you can accept the liberties taken, this is a great adaptation with a really sassy Dracula.
The three episodes are largely standalone and in a different setting. The first episode we are in familiar territory with Jonathan Harker in Castle Dracula. Here the makers explored Harker's passive imprisonment and gradual blood-draining far more than in other adaptations, giving the viewer a real confused, frustrated and claustrophobic feeling. The second episode takes place on the Count's journey to the UK. Again previous adaptations have skipped over this, and the crew's gradual diminution, which was a bigger factor of the book. This is when Dracula's psychological twisting and sick sense of humour start to feature more heavily, with some good head-scratching twists.
The third episode covers Dracula's time in the UK, but not as you've ever seen before. I thought this part was brilliant, but won't give any spoilers. The main features of this part of the original story are retained (Dracula's mutual obsession with Lucy Westenra), but Dracula is now revealed like never before, with some of his weaknesses explored and exposed for what they are.
Like I say, if you can accept the liberties taken, this is a great adaptation with a really sassy Dracula.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020) in Movies
Feb 10, 2020
Better than Suicide Squad
I'm going to get in a lot of trouble for watching this film. I promised my friend we'd watch it when she finishes her night shifts in 2 weeks, but I was in the mood for watching something a little less intensely serious and more brainless, and this is pretty much what I got.
I hated Suicide Squad. Seriously I gave it a 2, so the best thing I can say is that this is at least a lot better than that. Mainly down to Margot Robbie and her endearing and enigmatic take on Harley. She was the best thing about Suicide Squad and it's the same here. She's the star of the show and brings a lot of the humour and fun. I did feel like a lot of the other female characters were sidelined more than they should have been which is a shame especially as the film is called Birds of Prey, and I'm really not sure what was going on with Ewan McGregor's over the top slimy gangster.
The plot is entertaining enough, the fight scenes and the soundtrack played along side them are very well done and it was these that mainly kept me going throughout - these are some pretty kickass women. When the action dropped and especially when Harley wasn't in a scene, it soon began to get very dull and tiresome.
Whilst overall this definitely isn't the best DC film (indeed the Wonder Woman 1984 trailer shown before this looked a lot more exciting), it's miles better than Suicide Squad and rather a relief not to see Jared Leto's Joker again.
I hated Suicide Squad. Seriously I gave it a 2, so the best thing I can say is that this is at least a lot better than that. Mainly down to Margot Robbie and her endearing and enigmatic take on Harley. She was the best thing about Suicide Squad and it's the same here. She's the star of the show and brings a lot of the humour and fun. I did feel like a lot of the other female characters were sidelined more than they should have been which is a shame especially as the film is called Birds of Prey, and I'm really not sure what was going on with Ewan McGregor's over the top slimy gangster.
The plot is entertaining enough, the fight scenes and the soundtrack played along side them are very well done and it was these that mainly kept me going throughout - these are some pretty kickass women. When the action dropped and especially when Harley wasn't in a scene, it soon began to get very dull and tiresome.
Whilst overall this definitely isn't the best DC film (indeed the Wonder Woman 1984 trailer shown before this looked a lot more exciting), it's miles better than Suicide Squad and rather a relief not to see Jared Leto's Joker again.
JT (287 KP) rated Robot & Frank (2012) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
Frank (Frank Langella) is slowing drifting into dementia, although his stiff upper lip and stubbornness refuse him to believe that there is anything wrong. His children fight to offer help despite an ongoing sense of resentment that they have to. When his son Hunter presents Frank with a robot butler designed to look after him he finds another more profitable use for it.
The portrayal of old age in any film can be depressing. We’re all going to end up that way at some point in our lives whether we like it or not. The only control we have is do we go quietly or kicking and screaming. The robot (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard) is not given a name but his calming presence and dry underlying humour make him a perfect compliment for Frank’s brash and rather direct old timer.
Frank’s hidden past was as a jewel thief, spending most of his early life inside made it clear that he was not a good father to either of his children, and he’s been divorced from his wife for some time. It’s a beautifully written script set near enough in the future that it still is in keeping with present day surroundings – uniquely different mobile phones and voice activated Skype chat seem to be the more futuristic of the technologies, robots aside.
As their relationship develops the bond between them becomes closer. It feels very much like a real life Wall-E, Frank relaxes to become dependant on the Robot. It’s a solid film with great central performances with controlled and light hearted direction. The plot is wayward at times but it holds well for the duration.
The portrayal of old age in any film can be depressing. We’re all going to end up that way at some point in our lives whether we like it or not. The only control we have is do we go quietly or kicking and screaming. The robot (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard) is not given a name but his calming presence and dry underlying humour make him a perfect compliment for Frank’s brash and rather direct old timer.
Frank’s hidden past was as a jewel thief, spending most of his early life inside made it clear that he was not a good father to either of his children, and he’s been divorced from his wife for some time. It’s a beautifully written script set near enough in the future that it still is in keeping with present day surroundings – uniquely different mobile phones and voice activated Skype chat seem to be the more futuristic of the technologies, robots aside.
As their relationship develops the bond between them becomes closer. It feels very much like a real life Wall-E, Frank relaxes to become dependant on the Robot. It’s a solid film with great central performances with controlled and light hearted direction. The plot is wayward at times but it holds well for the duration.
The Man in the Middle: The Autobiography of the World Cup Final Referee
Book
The long-awaited autobiography of Howard Webb, the man who refereed the World Cup final. Webb's...