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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Boiled Over (A Maine Clambake Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Founder's Day Weekend gets off to a rough start when a body is found in the fire the Snowden Family Clambake was using to prepare a meal. With the police looking at one of their employees, Julia must dig in and find the real killer.
The story started out strongly and never faltered as it led me through several twists and turns. The characters were just as strong as in the debut, and I enjoyed spending time with all of them again.
Note: I was sent a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/05/book-review-boiled-over-by-barbara-ross.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The story started out strongly and never faltered as it led me through several twists and turns. The characters were just as strong as in the debut, and I enjoyed spending time with all of them again.
Note: I was sent a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/05/book-review-boiled-over-by-barbara-ross.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Carma (21 KP) rated Forbidden Lovers in Books
Jun 17, 2019
My rating is 3.5 stars for Forbidden Lovers by Kimberly Troutte. Ms. Troutte is a new to me author and while I felt this book had some good bones, it failed to grab my attention completely.
Matt Harper is returning home to Plunder Cove after leaving, without a choice, 10 years ago to join the Air Force. He left behind his fiancée, who rapidly remarried (supposedly) 3 months after he left, estranged parents and a home comparable to a compound.
Julia Espinoza lost the love of her life when her fiancé was killed when his plane was shot down in Afghanistan 10 years ago. She doesnt know her mother and has lived with extended family since she was small. She isnt wealthy like Matt was but he never seemed to care. She never got to say goodbye when he left, but he left her the most precious gift of all before he enlisted.
Matt returns home after being summoned by his father, along with his siblings, to some big announcement. Reconnecting with Julia, who at first doesnt recognize him believing he was dead, was an added bonus. Will they be able to pick up right where they left off?
While this story was interesting there was just too much I didnt like about it. Mostly, the flow and sentence structures. For me, it was too jumbled and while it was short it was very unnecessarily wordy. I voluntarily downloaded a copy from Netgalley without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
Matt Harper is returning home to Plunder Cove after leaving, without a choice, 10 years ago to join the Air Force. He left behind his fiancée, who rapidly remarried (supposedly) 3 months after he left, estranged parents and a home comparable to a compound.
Julia Espinoza lost the love of her life when her fiancé was killed when his plane was shot down in Afghanistan 10 years ago. She doesnt know her mother and has lived with extended family since she was small. She isnt wealthy like Matt was but he never seemed to care. She never got to say goodbye when he left, but he left her the most precious gift of all before he enlisted.
Matt returns home after being summoned by his father, along with his siblings, to some big announcement. Reconnecting with Julia, who at first doesnt recognize him believing he was dead, was an added bonus. Will they be able to pick up right where they left off?
While this story was interesting there was just too much I didnt like about it. Mostly, the flow and sentence structures. For me, it was too jumbled and while it was short it was very unnecessarily wordy. I voluntarily downloaded a copy from Netgalley without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons, #2) in Books
Dec 8, 2023
189 of 235
Book
The Viscount who loved me ( Bridgertons 2)
By Julia Quinn
⭐️⭐️⭐️
1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, This Author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry. And in all truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better...
-Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814
But this time the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry-he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield-the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate's the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...
Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes to not make the best husbands-and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate's determined to protect her sister-but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...
I love Julia Quinn and this series has become so popular. I’ve managed to avoid the tv series as I always prefer to read the book first. And this was really good I enjoyed Anthony’s story, not as much as the first book but it was exactly what I expected.
Book
The Viscount who loved me ( Bridgertons 2)
By Julia Quinn
⭐️⭐️⭐️
1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, This Author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry. And in all truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better...
-Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814
But this time the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry-he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield-the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate's the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...
Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes to not make the best husbands-and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate's determined to protect her sister-but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...
I love Julia Quinn and this series has become so popular. I’ve managed to avoid the tv series as I always prefer to read the book first. And this was really good I enjoyed Anthony’s story, not as much as the first book but it was exactly what I expected.
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Money Monster (2016) in Movies
Jul 19, 2017
Chemistry (1 more)
Good direction
A good start
This is a very impressive directorial debut from Jodie Foster. The movie stars two of the best actors in the industry, Julia Roberts and George Clooney. The two of them have a believable and amusing chemistry and the other players in the story also work together to achieve what is a thrilling if somewhat predictable time. The movie is well directed, but the script could definitely be a bit tighter and could also perhaps hide the twists in a more subtle way, but there is a sense of tension throughout the movie and there is definitely some fun to be had, just don’t expect anything more than a fairly shallow but still exciting film.
Sam Claflin recommended Notting Hill (1999) in Movies (curated)
Merissa (11800 KP) rated Her Love, Her Dragon: The Saga Begins (Dragon Guards 0.5) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
If you love Julia Mills' Dragon Guards series, then you really should read this book. This short story tells you how they came to be, how the first person was merged with the first dragon. This is a romantic story, a tale of such deep and meaningful love between two people that nothing can sunder their connection.
With amazingly life-life characters, full of life, action and adventure; this is a novella to be savoured. The Dragon Guards series is simply outstanding, and that is how I would describe Her Love, Her Dragon: The Saga Begins. Simply Outstanding and a must-read for all dragon lovers! Highly recommended.
* Verified purchase on Amazon - November 2014 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 12, 2016
With amazingly life-life characters, full of life, action and adventure; this is a novella to be savoured. The Dragon Guards series is simply outstanding, and that is how I would describe Her Love, Her Dragon: The Saga Begins. Simply Outstanding and a must-read for all dragon lovers! Highly recommended.
* Verified purchase on Amazon - November 2014 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 12, 2016
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Missing Pieces in Books
Mar 4, 2019
My First Book By Heather Gudenkauf
Sarah and Jack have been married for many years, but Sarah doesn't know about all the secrets Jack is keeping. But when his Aunt Julia is injured after falling down the stairs, Sarah and Jack make the trip back to Penny Gate where Jack was born and raised and hasn't been back to since. Aunt Julia raised Jack and his sister Amy after the death of their parents. So Jack feels compelled to return to Penny Gate, even though this is the last thing he wants to do.
Sarah has never been to Penny Gate and has mostly communicated with Jack's family by phone. But when she arrives in town, she finds out a lot about her husband and his family that she never knew. Why did her husband keep these secrets their whole marriage? And will the unveiling of them destroy it?
I really enjoyed reading this book. From the very beginning, I wasn't sure who was holding all of the secrets that Sarah was trying to find while in Penny Gate, but there was a part of the book, that gave me a glimpse into who it could be. This book keeps you guessing until the very end. Heather Gundenkauf gives you a good story that will leave you wondering until the very end.
I read this book as a part of a group read. This is the first book I've read by Heather Gudenkauf, although I have a signed copy of her book Not a Sound . I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Sarah has never been to Penny Gate and has mostly communicated with Jack's family by phone. But when she arrives in town, she finds out a lot about her husband and his family that she never knew. Why did her husband keep these secrets their whole marriage? And will the unveiling of them destroy it?
I really enjoyed reading this book. From the very beginning, I wasn't sure who was holding all of the secrets that Sarah was trying to find while in Penny Gate, but there was a part of the book, that gave me a glimpse into who it could be. This book keeps you guessing until the very end. Heather Gundenkauf gives you a good story that will leave you wondering until the very end.
I read this book as a part of a group read. This is the first book I've read by Heather Gudenkauf, although I have a signed copy of her book Not a Sound . I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Yule Log Murder in Books
Nov 6, 2018
Put on a Yule Log and Curl Up with this Novella Collection
This book contains three Christmas mystery novellas by three different mystery authors featuring their main sleuths. Up first is the title story by Leslie Meier as Lucy Stone tries to figure out how a young woman died on the set of a movie being filmed in town. Next comes "Death by Yule Log" by Lee Hollis. In this story, Hayley Powell meets her daughter's new boyfriend. While she is less than impressed with him, she begins to poke around when he is accused of murder. Finally comes "Logged On" by Barbara Ross. Christmas is approaching, and Julia Snowden is determined to make a great yule log to impress her boyfriend's family. She's so desperate she gets help from Mrs. St. Onge, an unpleasant neighbor everyone agrees makes the best yule log cakes around. Only, something seems off. Can Julia figure out what is going on?
Fans of any of these authors will want to pick up this book. All three feature strong mysteries. Each story is around 100 pages, yet still feature some good twists and surprises that kept the pages flying. I did find the characters in the Lucy Stone story annoying, but that is my only complaint with the book. I don't read Lee Hollis, but I am tempted to with how much I enjoyed the story here. I love Barbara Ross's books, so it was fabulous to get another story with them. You'll get plenty of Christmas spirit while reading this book, and each author includes some recipes you can make after you've finished the book, including three different recipes for yule logs.
Fans of any of these authors will want to pick up this book. All three feature strong mysteries. Each story is around 100 pages, yet still feature some good twists and surprises that kept the pages flying. I did find the characters in the Lucy Stone story annoying, but that is my only complaint with the book. I don't read Lee Hollis, but I am tempted to with how much I enjoyed the story here. I love Barbara Ross's books, so it was fabulous to get another story with them. You'll get plenty of Christmas spirit while reading this book, and each author includes some recipes you can make after you've finished the book, including three different recipes for yule logs.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Irish Coffee Murder in Books
Feb 2, 2023 (Updated Feb 2, 2023)
Here's to a Deadly St. Patrick’s Day
Once again, these three authors are teaming up for a holiday themed novella collection. This time, their stories are set around St. Patrick’s Day. In the first story, Leslie Meier’s character, Lucy Stone, is doing a story on four local Irish dancers. Then one of their mother’s is murdered. Next, Lee Hollis’s sleuth, Hayley Powell, gets involved when the headlining comedian for the St. Patrick’s Day show dies after proposing a toast with his Irish coffee. Finally, Barbara Ross’s Julia Snowden is enjoying a stormy St. Patrick’s Day in with friends when they start talking about the local unsolved murder from 150 years ago. Everyone has a theory about who did it, but can Julia figure it out after all this time?
Since these are novellas, each story is roughly 100 pages, giving us a good taste of the series and characters before we move on to the next one. I enjoyed all three of them. I do struggle some with Leslie Meier’s entries in these anthologies, but I enjoyed it overall. On the other hand, I am considering starting Lee Hollis’s books because I continue to enjoy their entries in the series. Barbara Ross’s series is one of my favorites, so it’s is no surprise that I loved her entry. All three stories do feature good characters and an intriguing mystery. Lee Hollis and Barbara Ross include recipes with their stories, so you’ll have several traditional Irish recipes. This is a great book to sit down and enjoy with a mug of Irish coffee.
Since these are novellas, each story is roughly 100 pages, giving us a good taste of the series and characters before we move on to the next one. I enjoyed all three of them. I do struggle some with Leslie Meier’s entries in these anthologies, but I enjoyed it overall. On the other hand, I am considering starting Lee Hollis’s books because I continue to enjoy their entries in the series. Barbara Ross’s series is one of my favorites, so it’s is no surprise that I loved her entry. All three stories do feature good characters and an intriguing mystery. Lee Hollis and Barbara Ross include recipes with their stories, so you’ll have several traditional Irish recipes. This is a great book to sit down and enjoy with a mug of Irish coffee.
CKD (37 KP) rated The Pelican Brief in Books
Dec 7, 2018
I worked at a law firm where part of the movie was filmed. When Julia Roberts's character goes into a law firm to ask for a particular lawyer only to find out that he no longer works there and she leaves, that is my old firm. It is an ornate marble lobby with a small stream of water in the middle of the lobby. She goes through a glass door and can either go up an escalator or up some stairs to the reception desk, which overlooks the lobby. The walls are all glass and she can see across the floor into the conference room where the receptionist goes. I had just interviewed there before I saw the movie and was having major deja vu while watching the movie.