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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Patient in Books

Apr 28, 2022  
The Patient
The Patient
Jane Shemilt | 2022 | Mystery, Romance
6
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
From the description, I was expecting an exciting and fast-paced thriller but this is not what I experienced; it was more a slow-burn domestic suspense/mystery/love affair that although wasn't what I anticipated, it kept me engaged most of the time.

I found the characters weren't particularly likeable and whilst this doesn't usually bother me that much, they did start to grate on my nerves which affected how I felt about them and the story as it developed.

The story itself was an interesting mystery but nothing overly exciting or different. The writing was a little over descriptive at times but it plodded on ok.

Overall, not the most exciting book I have ever read but not the worst either but, once again, there are many more positive reviews out there so give it a go if you enjoy romance books with a bit of mystery thrown in.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
  
Over the Falls (Ryder Bay #1)
Over the Falls (Ryder Bay #1)
Jordan Ford | 2019 | Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Over the Falls (Ryder Bay #1) by Jordan Ford
Over the Falls is the first book in the Ryder Bay series, and it's one I can't wait to continue. It is full of those extreme feelings you can only get when you are young, plus hardships, and a dash of mystery. I have read 'Dear Diary' and loved the insight into Harley. I'm glad I don't have to wait until book three to find out what happened in her past, and yet I am totally thrilled to find out how she moves forward. I've already found some of it out in this book, but I just know there is so much more to come.

The characters are all extremely well written, whether you like them or not! There is one in particular who I think I know what happened, but don't want to say anything yet, because no doubt Jordan Ford will put a twist on it, and I shall be wrong! ? The situations are all completely believable, the conversations are natural, and the relationships are perfect - whether they are new or have been there for a while.

I devoured this book in one sitting. After I started it, I just couldn't put it down. With a slight cliffhanger ending, it has definitely left me wanting more. I will absolutely be continuing with this series, and have no hesitation in highly recommending it.

* 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!
  
TG
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Mid range rating - I think I would have found it more entertaining had I read the first books in the series as I was a little lost with all of the characters and all of the names being thrown around - there was a LOT of people in this book.

Overall it was alright - there were moments that were suspenseful and that was fun, there were moments that were glaringly obvious (the whodunit was not as fun as it was a wee bit obvious to me) but the surprise was cool at some moments.

I think the art aspect was cool too, I havent read many books that were heavy in that, though it was also heavy in politics and I didn't like that much.

I also didn't like the authors repetitive use of landmarks/streets/city names - using the city name repeatedly in just a few pages was excessive to me, I get you were trying to make this hometown based or saskatchewan based (believe me I'm from Saskatoon, shout out to the "small towns") but excessive use of Regina and the house address was just frustratingly annoying. There was also the reference to November 24th and plus 10.. have you lived in Saskatchewan?? it's November 22 today and it's going to be -11 feels like -18 .. and the Riders have you seen a game...........that's all I have to say about that one *snort*
  
Keturah has one of the most unique settings that I have ever read in Historical Fiction; 1773 in the West Indies. The sisters Banning have been through so much. They have lost both their parents, are threatened with financial ruin, and set sail "unchaperoned" all the way to the Caribbean to save their sugar plantation.

I really enjoyed the unique setting, the island life of the 1770s, the cultural differences, the hardships, and the romance. The author does address the issue of abuse throughout the story. The pain, the effects, the healing process, which I found very well done. Although I can not relate to Keturah's situation, I know that many have, and I pray that God uses this story to speak to and bring healing to them.

The reason for my rating is for the simple fact that the story moved very slow. I had a really hard time staying focused on the story while reading. My mind would wander too easily. The writing quality was good overall, just not a fast enough pace to keep me fully engaged.

If you are looking for a unique story, I would recommend you give Keturah a try. Just because it was too slow for me, doesn't mean it will be for you.


I received a complimentary copy of Keturah from the publisher through Litfuse. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
One Day in December: A Christmas Love Story
One Day in December: A Christmas Love Story
Josie Silver | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.6 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
I loved the idea of this book and it sounded just my perfect romance read.  However it was so much more than I could have hoped for!  I read it in one sitting and found the lovely sunny day had gone dark and wet by the time I moved from the sofa - but oh! what a day I had in the world of this amazingly beautiful love story!

The story is told over a ten year period, beginning in December 2008 which is where the Christmas part comes in.  The story is told in sort of diary form from the characters perspectives and jumps many months at a time so you get the good bits whilst the story unfolds. 

It sounded like it could be yet another love triangle with the obvious difficulties however it is so unlike anything I have read before.  It is a book for all ages – no nasty double crossing, no detailed erotic sex scenes or nasty, bitchy comments we are so used to being part of daily lives – however, there  are many tear-worthy moments in this absolutely wonderful true love story. 

The author has found a way of telling a story in today’s times without having all the drama that we are so used to seeing in these types of situations.  Everyone deals with events in a very mature way and forgiving way which ensures that whilst reading you can live in a feel-good bubble.  I did plenty of bubbling while reading and many sharp intakes of breath at times too.  It is a story of love, heartache, friendship and the unbreakable bonds.

I can honestly say I will be recommending this to everyone I speak to in person, on twitter, Facebook and anywhere else that I can.  It’s amazingly beautiful – you really should go read it!

Thanks to Josie Silver, NetGalley and Penguin for giving me the opportunity to read and review prior to the paperback release in October 2018.
  
Good Boys (2019)
Good Boys (2019)
2019 | Comedy
80s wants their movie back
This movie had a 1980s coming of age movie. At least in the 80s they would not just stopped at kids swearing but throw in some topples shots as well. Dont forget i am Gen X and i grew up on 80s movies.

The movie had potential but they never tapped in to it. The acting over all was great, well it was good. I found the kid's acting was great but the adults in the movie it was ok and not movie quality acting. After seeing this movie do yourself a favor and pick up some coming of age movies from 80s to early 90s and you might see where i am coming from.
  
Malice: Book One of the Faithful and the Fallen
Malice: Book One of the Faithful and the Fallen
John Gwynne | 2013 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Words are going to fail me in describing how much I love this book! I've been a major fan of the works of David Gemmell, and ever since his tragicly early death in 2006 the world has been desperate for a worthy successor. I believe we have found such a man in John Gwynne. In this book he weaves incrediblly nuanced characters with awe inspiring world building and intricate action scenes and plotting. Sure, it is your big standard medieval fantasy world. But with all the other authors doing fantasy differently today, there is enough room for the more traditional stance. As you can probably tell, I love this book. I just hope it's follow ups don't let me down!
  
That's My Boy (2012)
That's My Boy (2012)
2012 | Comedy
Andy Samberg and Adam Sandler's chemistry (1 more)
It's such a random storyline it stands out in a competitive film world
Adam Sandler's voice can drive me mad a bit in this. (1 more)
It has some seriously weird plotlines... if you have or will see it you'll know what I mean
Depends on your sense of humour
So this film came up on my suggested films on Netflix and as I love Andy samberg and Adam Sandler, I gave it a go.
Some bits are hysterically funny. Some bits are crude and VERY cringey. It depends on your sense of humour it really does, it's a very rude humoured film. I found it funny, I'd recommend it for those that aren't of a nervous disposition lol.
  
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Jacob Wilding (39 KP) rated V-Wars - Season 1 in TV

May 13, 2020 (Updated May 13, 2020)  
V-Wars - Season 1
V-Wars - Season 1
2019 | Horror, Sci-Fi
I honestly don't know. (0 more)
A lot. The main characters acting for one. (0 more)
I started this show thinking that I'd finally found a new show I could get into. I watched about 2 maybe 3 episodes (it's been a while) and it was painful to watch. Now of course many shows have that couple episode area where you need to push through and then it starts getting better. This show didn't have it.

The relationship between the main protagonist and his wife feels fake. He seems to care little to none about his son and overall the actor's performance gives the feel that he was given a script that just doesn't work.

Some of the settings also feel like they were slapped together last minute.
  
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Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Keepsake in Books

Jan 15, 2018  
K
Keepsake
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was a really good book! Believe it or not, it is actually the 2nd book I've read recently that involved hoarding. Weird!
Anyway, this book is so very easy to get hooked in to. It is so real! I found myself really feeling for Trish & Mary. They were both so screwed up in such a real way, but that just made them all the more interesting. I found the psychological aspects behind the hoarding & the OCD fascinating. It was such a struggle for both of the women.
The part that really got my respect though was the ending. It wasn't all tied up in a pretty bow, everyone smiling & everything okay again. Like I said before, it was real...real life. I was satisfied with the ending for that fact. I hate it when books are so real & then the author ruins it by tacking on that happy ending when all the readers know that real life isn't like that at all. So, Kirstina Riggle, thank you for not putting yourself into that cliched category & for having the guts & brains to "keep it real."