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Merissa (13575 KP) rated Polar Nights (Under an Arctic Sky #1.5) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.
This story is set in Svalbard where Andreas is in his last year of University to gain his Masters Degree in Geophysics. Until he is able to get into his dorm, he is due to stay with his step-mother's brother, Christian, which would be okay except Andreas has had a crush on Christian for years.
They are awkward with each other as they try to fight the attraction for a number of reasons, not the least being Christian's concern with how the family would see it and that both of them is afraid to say anything in case of rejection.
This is a gentle, sweet romance with a couple of sexy scenes in there that help you to feel the depth of love they have for each other. The supporting characters are all interesting and with their own stories that I would like to hear more about as the series continues.
There was only one editing issue that I found which was where the word sceptic had been used instead of sceptical. This certainly did not ruin my enjoyment and there was nothing more than that that I saw.
Thoroughly enjoyable and definitely one to continue in the series.
This story is set in Svalbard where Andreas is in his last year of University to gain his Masters Degree in Geophysics. Until he is able to get into his dorm, he is due to stay with his step-mother's brother, Christian, which would be okay except Andreas has had a crush on Christian for years.
They are awkward with each other as they try to fight the attraction for a number of reasons, not the least being Christian's concern with how the family would see it and that both of them is afraid to say anything in case of rejection.
This is a gentle, sweet romance with a couple of sexy scenes in there that help you to feel the depth of love they have for each other. The supporting characters are all interesting and with their own stories that I would like to hear more about as the series continues.
There was only one editing issue that I found which was where the word sceptic had been used instead of sceptical. This certainly did not ruin my enjoyment and there was nothing more than that that I saw.
Thoroughly enjoyable and definitely one to continue in the series.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Bob Ross: The Happy Painter (2011) in Movies
Jul 7, 2019
Bob makes everyone happy!
I found this documentary on the Bob Ross phenomenon on Amazon Prime and it is worth checking out.
It tells you a lot of Bob's childhood, his relationships with his parents, children and wives and his rise to fame doing what he loved best, painting. His passion was demonstrating the "wet on wet" technique he learned at a young age and teaching it to others. He argued anyone could learn to paint quickly and easily using the techniques he was teaching.
The documentary shows some of his appearances on other TV programs of the time like Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, John Rivers and Phil Donahue. It also talks about his love of animals and how he used to treat and care for them.
One of the points mentioned I thought was interesting was only about 3% of the viewing audience tuned in and actually painted along with Bob. The vast majority just tuned in because they enjoyed his calming voice, big hair and his colorful vernacular.
What a great talent Bob Ross was and he died way too young. I still watch his show almost every night before I go to bed as it is a great way to end the day.
It tells you a lot of Bob's childhood, his relationships with his parents, children and wives and his rise to fame doing what he loved best, painting. His passion was demonstrating the "wet on wet" technique he learned at a young age and teaching it to others. He argued anyone could learn to paint quickly and easily using the techniques he was teaching.
The documentary shows some of his appearances on other TV programs of the time like Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, John Rivers and Phil Donahue. It also talks about his love of animals and how he used to treat and care for them.
One of the points mentioned I thought was interesting was only about 3% of the viewing audience tuned in and actually painted along with Bob. The vast majority just tuned in because they enjoyed his calming voice, big hair and his colorful vernacular.
What a great talent Bob Ross was and he died way too young. I still watch his show almost every night before I go to bed as it is a great way to end the day.
Merissa (13575 KP) rated Fire Beyond the Frost in Books
Jan 2, 2020
FIRE BEYOND THE FROST introduces the reader to Catalina, an accomplished surgeon from Earth who signs up to go to an isolated ice planet called Ruvuk. Not only does she want to help the inhabitants of Ruvuk but she also wants to leave behind her ex-fiance. She was expecting cold and ice, but she wasn't expecting the fire she found in Sari.
This is a fast-paced story with plenty of detail given in stories told between our two main characters, so no info-dump here. You get a taste of what life is like for those who live there, as well as some of the dangers they face. The attraction between Sari and Catalina is slow to start with, but once they make the connection, it moves forward quickly.
I loved how Catalina made decisions and choices based upon who she was and what she wanted, without kowtowing to others as she had in the past. I loved how she was so sure of what she was doing, and the risk she was taking.
This was a great story with wonderful characters. It was the first book by Thea Landen I have read, but I doubt very much that it will be the last. Definitely recommended by me.
This is a fast-paced story with plenty of detail given in stories told between our two main characters, so no info-dump here. You get a taste of what life is like for those who live there, as well as some of the dangers they face. The attraction between Sari and Catalina is slow to start with, but once they make the connection, it moves forward quickly.
I loved how Catalina made decisions and choices based upon who she was and what she wanted, without kowtowing to others as she had in the past. I loved how she was so sure of what she was doing, and the risk she was taking.
This was a great story with wonderful characters. It was the first book by Thea Landen I have read, but I doubt very much that it will be the last. Definitely recommended by me.
Joe Dante recommended The Old Dark House (1932) in Movies (curated)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Dying in a Winter Wonderland in Books
Sep 30, 2020
After Christmas Murder
Merry Wilkinson has gotten talked into designing the decorations for Luanne Ireland’s wedding. However, on Christmas Eve, Luanne drops the bombshell that she is moving the wedding up from summer to Valentine’s Day, and naturally it causes chaos. Just two days later, Luanne’s fiancé is found murdered, however, and Merry’s brother, Chris, becomes the prime suspect. Luanne and Chris had dated back in high school, but is that enough motive for murder? Merry doesn’t think so, and she sets out to prove him innocent. Can she do it?
No matter when the books in this series are set, they always immediately put me in the Christmas spirit, and this book is no exception. Merry and the rest of the characters are their usual charming selves, and I always enjoy spending some time with them. Okay, so there are a few characters who regularly annoy Merry, but I enjoy those scenes, too, and we got some interesting developments with them in this book. The plot introduced lots of drama before the murder takes place, and that pulled me in from the first chapter. I never wanted to put the book down until I reached the logical conclusion. This latest book is perfect for any time you need a dose of Christmas.
No matter when the books in this series are set, they always immediately put me in the Christmas spirit, and this book is no exception. Merry and the rest of the characters are their usual charming selves, and I always enjoy spending some time with them. Okay, so there are a few characters who regularly annoy Merry, but I enjoy those scenes, too, and we got some interesting developments with them in this book. The plot introduced lots of drama before the murder takes place, and that pulled me in from the first chapter. I never wanted to put the book down until I reached the logical conclusion. This latest book is perfect for any time you need a dose of Christmas.
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated Our Moon Festival: Celebrating the Moon Festival in Asian Communities in Books
Sep 4, 2021
Are you looking for a book about different Asian cultures and other traditions? I found one that talks about their Moon Festival. It is good to learn about different cultures and not change that culture because we do not like it. We should try and understand it.
“Our Moon Festival” by Yobe Qui is a beautiful picture book about three different families and how they celebrate the Moon and their traditions. The first one is about a Chinese festival and talks about Singapore. The second story talks about the Vietnamese and their lovely traditions. The last story is about the Japanese and how they celebrate the holiday with their traditions.
This book shows and illustrates the holiday; it talks about what is similar and how they are different. The illustrations in the book are displayed well and beautifully. The images are bright and colorful. Great for children and parents to learn about Asian communities and a bit of Asian culture.
Children will want to learn more about these three Asian countries, Japan, Singapore, Chinese, and the culture. Children want to learn about the Moon Festivals. I think they are different but similar. I enjoyed learning about other holidays and the traditions of different cultures. I enjoy learning about the Our Moon Festival.
“Our Moon Festival” by Yobe Qui is a beautiful picture book about three different families and how they celebrate the Moon and their traditions. The first one is about a Chinese festival and talks about Singapore. The second story talks about the Vietnamese and their lovely traditions. The last story is about the Japanese and how they celebrate the holiday with their traditions.
This book shows and illustrates the holiday; it talks about what is similar and how they are different. The illustrations in the book are displayed well and beautifully. The images are bright and colorful. Great for children and parents to learn about Asian communities and a bit of Asian culture.
Children will want to learn more about these three Asian countries, Japan, Singapore, Chinese, and the culture. Children want to learn about the Moon Festivals. I think they are different but similar. I enjoyed learning about other holidays and the traditions of different cultures. I enjoy learning about the Our Moon Festival.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Edam and Weep in Books
Aug 6, 2025
Carly Finds Murder at a Fundraiser
As this book opens, it’s just over a month until Carly’s wedding to Ari. But today, she’s focused on the 50’s diner themed fundraiser for the local high school’s gym. While she’s selling simple grilled cheese (of course), some of the other vendors are offering various other offerings. But the man selling sodas clearly doesn’t want to be there, and his rude behavior leads to a confrontation with Carly’s mom. When the man is found dead later with the scarf that her mom was wearing around his neck, Carly jumps in to figure out what really happened.
When I heard about this book, I quickly added it to my reading plans since I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series. Sadly, this one was disappointing. There are two dualing storylines, but they both losing steam in the second half. The mystery plot felt a bit familiar, although I didn’t have the killer pegged. Fortunately, the characters are still charming, and I enjoyed spending time with them. We get two cheese themed recipes at the end. This is one that fans will want to read to the end. But if you are new to the series, start with an earlier book.
When I heard about this book, I quickly added it to my reading plans since I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series. Sadly, this one was disappointing. There are two dualing storylines, but they both losing steam in the second half. The mystery plot felt a bit familiar, although I didn’t have the killer pegged. Fortunately, the characters are still charming, and I enjoyed spending time with them. We get two cheese themed recipes at the end. This is one that fans will want to read to the end. But if you are new to the series, start with an earlier book.
Merissa (13575 KP) rated Daddy Marc's Gem (Club Sensations #2) in Books
Apr 4, 2025
DADDY MARC'S GEM is the second novella in the Club Sensations series. Marc is a therapist and a Daddy, but a lonely one as he hasn't found his boy. Foster is an antiques dealer/restorer without a shop, in a place where he doesn't know anyone and was isolated before being dumped.
I loved how these two met and how it grew naturally. Foster has questions and needs answers before deciding - which is fair enough, in my opinion. Foster is also a sweetheart who has been dumped on by too many people and needs the love and affection Marc is more than happy to bestow on him.
Tate's story (Born Daddy) is mentioned during a conversation between Marc and Zane, who also makes an appearance with Ryan while Ty is only mentioned, so you don't need to have read book one to enjoy this one.
A short read but one I thoroughly enjoyed. Hot and spicy in places; loving, tender, and protective in others. HIGHLY 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!
Mar 26, 2025
I loved how these two met and how it grew naturally. Foster has questions and needs answers before deciding - which is fair enough, in my opinion. Foster is also a sweetheart who has been dumped on by too many people and needs the love and affection Marc is more than happy to bestow on him.
Tate's story (Born Daddy) is mentioned during a conversation between Marc and Zane, who also makes an appearance with Ryan while Ty is only mentioned, so you don't need to have read book one to enjoy this one.
A short read but one I thoroughly enjoyed. Hot and spicy in places; loving, tender, and protective in others. HIGHLY 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!
Mar 26, 2025
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated The Tightrope Walker in Books
Oct 31, 2025 (Updated Oct 31, 2025)
Note From the Past
The story revolves around Amelia Jones, a woman in her early 20’s just trying to launch herself into adulthood after a difficult childhood. When she buys an antique shop, she is finding joy in all the things she finds there including an old instrument. But when the instrument stops playing one day, Amelia investigates to find a note inside. The letter was written by someone named Hannah who says someone is about to kill her. Amelia begins her quest to follow the trail of the instrument’s owners to see if she can figure out what happened to Hannah. What will she find?
The title comes from a metaphor the book tries to make, and it feels a bit of a stretch. But that’s a minor issue. The story is part murder mystery and part coming of age story. I might have found the beginning slow in other books, but that duality kept me engaged. The second half fixes any potential pacing issues from the first half, and I was caught up in the story. I was satisfied with the climax and loved seeing how Amelia grew of the course of the book. If you’ve missed this stand alone, I recommend you fix that today.
The title comes from a metaphor the book tries to make, and it feels a bit of a stretch. But that’s a minor issue. The story is part murder mystery and part coming of age story. I might have found the beginning slow in other books, but that duality kept me engaged. The second half fixes any potential pacing issues from the first half, and I was caught up in the story. I was satisfied with the climax and loved seeing how Amelia grew of the course of the book. If you’ve missed this stand alone, I recommend you fix that today.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Fear Street Part Three: 1666 (2021) in Movies
Aug 7, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2021)
End the curse
An OK end to a decent trilogy. We get to find out the origin of the Witch of Shadyside and her curse. The first half of the film I found incredibly slow and rather boring. Set in 1666 it takes a long while for anything interesting to happen. Although eventually we do find out the back story of the Witch.
This one doesn't really get going until near the end when we are back in '94 with the group trying to survive and end the curse once and for all. Worth persevering with to get to this section if you liked the first two films. Overall though the weakest of the 3 films.
This one doesn't really get going until near the end when we are back in '94 with the group trying to survive and end the curse once and for all. Worth persevering with to get to this section if you liked the first two films. Overall though the weakest of the 3 films.