Search
Search results
Bestie-Portrait Selfie Editor
Photo & Video and Utilities
App
Introduce you Bestie, developed by Top Developer Camera 360, featured as 2015 Apple App Store...
The Open Portal (Conquest of the Veil #1)
Book Watch
But with dreams, there can also be nightmares Lonely and plain-featured, Mona Parker is just...
The Open Portal series Conquest of the Veil Michael Scott Clifton paranormal fantasy
City of Fortune
8.0
Rate It
Book
When a day at the races reveals sabotage and subterfuge, Elizabeth Miles must use every ounce of her...
Merissa (13154 KP) rated A Sundered Moon (Legends of Elessia - Shadows Over Garm #3) in Books
Apr 7, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
A SUNDERED MOON is the third book in the Legends of Elessia series and should be read in sequence as this one starts not long after the other finishes.
Lucius and Memphala are recovering from their battle with the Blood God. Oskar is looking for his crossbow. Hilda returns to Gotthilf. And Donata is helping heal the wounded, which just never ends.
Told from many perspectives (including a fruit fly!) you get a fully rounded picture of what is happening to all of the characters. I loved the interaction between Lucius and Memphala. The changes in both of them were brilliantly written. The rest of the characters, barring one, didn't change much, just continued to act as they had which was perfect.
Donata is the one character who changed the most and I was both thrilled and disappointed. Thrilled - because it showed that the Lady of the Pines wasn't uncaring about the war going on with her people. I loved the trials Donata went through and the strength her character had. Disappointed - because after everything, her story just fizzled out. I could understand her resentment towards both Lucius and the situation, but it became bitter. It seems even the Gods of Elessia can't overlook some things and get help from unusual quarters, even if their world is at risk.
A full-on action book that takes you from one crisis to another. I found this to be a wonderful addition to the series and loved the epilogue with Lucius, Memphala, and Silas. This definitely needs to be read as a series or you won't understand a single thing. Absolutely 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!
April 7, 2023
Lucius and Memphala are recovering from their battle with the Blood God. Oskar is looking for his crossbow. Hilda returns to Gotthilf. And Donata is helping heal the wounded, which just never ends.
Told from many perspectives (including a fruit fly!) you get a fully rounded picture of what is happening to all of the characters. I loved the interaction between Lucius and Memphala. The changes in both of them were brilliantly written. The rest of the characters, barring one, didn't change much, just continued to act as they had which was perfect.
Donata is the one character who changed the most and I was both thrilled and disappointed. Thrilled - because it showed that the Lady of the Pines wasn't uncaring about the war going on with her people. I loved the trials Donata went through and the strength her character had. Disappointed - because after everything, her story just fizzled out. I could understand her resentment towards both Lucius and the situation, but it became bitter. It seems even the Gods of Elessia can't overlook some things and get help from unusual quarters, even if their world is at risk.
A full-on action book that takes you from one crisis to another. I found this to be a wonderful addition to the series and loved the epilogue with Lucius, Memphala, and Silas. This definitely needs to be read as a series or you won't understand a single thing. Absolutely 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!
April 7, 2023
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Secrets of the Tides in Books
May 18, 2022
87 of 230
Book
Secrets of the Tides
By Hannah Richell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Every family has a secret: a dramatic family saga with a dark thread of suspense lurking at its heart.
The Tides are a family with dark secrets. Haunted by the events of one tragic day ten years ago, they are each, in their own way, struggling to move forwards with their lives.
Dora, the youngest daughter, lives in a ramshackle East End warehouse with her artist boyfriend Dan. Dora is doing a good job of skating across the surface of her life - but when she discovers she is pregnant the news leaves her shaken and staring back at the darkness of a long-held guilt.
Returning to Clifftops, the rambling family house perched high on the Dorset coastline, Dora must confront her past. Clifftops hasn't changed in years and moving through its rooms and gardens, Dora can still feel the echo of that terrible summer's day when life changed forever for the Tides.
As Dora begins her search for clues surrounding the events of that fateful day, she comes to realise that the path to redemption may rest with her troubled sister, Cassie. If Dora can unlock the secrets Cassie swore she would take to her grave, just maybe she will have a shot at salvation.
But can long-held secrets ever really be forgiven? And even if you do manage to forgive and forget, how do you ever allow yourself to truly love again?
This was one of those reads when you never know what to expect. It starts of with a young lady trying to take her life then as we read on we discover a family full of tragedy and secrets. It’s very well written and deals with some very sensitive and heartbreaking subjects. We see a family torn apart and the only hope is a new baby to hopefully bring them together finally. I really enjoyed this and once I settled in to the book I couldn’t put it down.
Book
Secrets of the Tides
By Hannah Richell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Every family has a secret: a dramatic family saga with a dark thread of suspense lurking at its heart.
The Tides are a family with dark secrets. Haunted by the events of one tragic day ten years ago, they are each, in their own way, struggling to move forwards with their lives.
Dora, the youngest daughter, lives in a ramshackle East End warehouse with her artist boyfriend Dan. Dora is doing a good job of skating across the surface of her life - but when she discovers she is pregnant the news leaves her shaken and staring back at the darkness of a long-held guilt.
Returning to Clifftops, the rambling family house perched high on the Dorset coastline, Dora must confront her past. Clifftops hasn't changed in years and moving through its rooms and gardens, Dora can still feel the echo of that terrible summer's day when life changed forever for the Tides.
As Dora begins her search for clues surrounding the events of that fateful day, she comes to realise that the path to redemption may rest with her troubled sister, Cassie. If Dora can unlock the secrets Cassie swore she would take to her grave, just maybe she will have a shot at salvation.
But can long-held secrets ever really be forgiven? And even if you do manage to forgive and forget, how do you ever allow yourself to truly love again?
This was one of those reads when you never know what to expect. It starts of with a young lady trying to take her life then as we read on we discover a family full of tragedy and secrets. It’s very well written and deals with some very sensitive and heartbreaking subjects. We see a family torn apart and the only hope is a new baby to hopefully bring them together finally. I really enjoyed this and once I settled in to the book I couldn’t put it down.
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated It's in His Kiss (Bridgertons, #7) in Books
Jan 10, 2022 (Updated Jan 10, 2022)
Another easy reading Bridgerton book, I actually read this in one sitting! I just couldn’t find myself putting it down or even wanting to put it down.
Hyacinth’s story is very much how you would expect it to be from meeting her character in the other books, straight forward and to the point. We meet Gareth St. Clair and find out his secret that he will carry through the rest of the book very quickly, and we understand the exact reason why him and his father are estranged.
The relationship between Hyacinth and Gareth isn’t quite as frustrating as the ones that have come before, again very much in keeping with Hyacinth’s character, she sets her mind to it quite quickly after meeting him properly and it is obvious that she will manage to get her own way. But it is still fun to read all the same.
Throughout the book, we also have the mystery of Gareth’s grandmother’s diary and the problem of it being written in Italian (which of course Hyacinth knows and is more than happy to help try to translate) which adds more to the mystery and quite possibly why I couldn’t put this book down.
I also enjoyed that rather than it be letters that started the chapters, it was like reading a book in a book about the actions of them. I can only presume that this idea came from the off handed comment from Lady Danbury when Hyacinth was reading to her one day, that they should in fact write their own book. It was quite clever and meant that some parts of the book could be quite neatly summed up with these parts and the story could be quickly moved on.
I am definitely enjoying this series, and although I want to read the final two books as soon as possible, I think I will be sad when I finally do finish them!
Hyacinth’s story is very much how you would expect it to be from meeting her character in the other books, straight forward and to the point. We meet Gareth St. Clair and find out his secret that he will carry through the rest of the book very quickly, and we understand the exact reason why him and his father are estranged.
The relationship between Hyacinth and Gareth isn’t quite as frustrating as the ones that have come before, again very much in keeping with Hyacinth’s character, she sets her mind to it quite quickly after meeting him properly and it is obvious that she will manage to get her own way. But it is still fun to read all the same.
Throughout the book, we also have the mystery of Gareth’s grandmother’s diary and the problem of it being written in Italian (which of course Hyacinth knows and is more than happy to help try to translate) which adds more to the mystery and quite possibly why I couldn’t put this book down.
I also enjoyed that rather than it be letters that started the chapters, it was like reading a book in a book about the actions of them. I can only presume that this idea came from the off handed comment from Lady Danbury when Hyacinth was reading to her one day, that they should in fact write their own book. It was quite clever and meant that some parts of the book could be quite neatly summed up with these parts and the story could be quickly moved on.
I am definitely enjoying this series, and although I want to read the final two books as soon as possible, I think I will be sad when I finally do finish them!
Wolves Always Bite (Willow Lake Supernaturals #2)
8.0
Rate It
Book
What’s a simple human to do when he discovers supernatural beings are real? Ask many, many, many...
MM Paranormal Romance
ClareR (5938 KP) rated Vita and the Birds in Books
Jul 4, 2023
I was so excited when I got an email with the offer to read this. Mainly because despite the fact that I’m utterly rubbish at reading and reviewing on time, I had still been given a chance to read an ARC. Well, true to form, I’m late reviewing this - but I like to think that I’ll catch the prevaricators (we’re a great bunch really!) and tip them in to buying mode!
Vita and the Birds is set in a dual timeline: 1938 and 1997.
In 1938, Lady Vita Goldsborough lives a very constrained life. Her brother is extremely controlling even for 1938, I think. Vita meets the artist Dodie Blakeney whilst on a walk on the East Anglian coastal marshes, and a deep bond is formed between the women that will have lasting repercussions.
1997, and Eve Blakeney has returned to her grandmothers beach hut where she had lived alone up to her death. Eve is grieving the death of her mother, and going through her grandmothers belongings is supposed to be helping her to grieve. Eve seemed to be so vulnerable, sad and lost through much of this book. So when she finds some letters of her grandmother's written by another woman, they are something of a distraction. Clearly this is a relationship that ended before either woman wanted it to, which makes it all the more sad.
There is a tangible feeling of melancholy and sadness throughout each timeline. All of the characters experience loss.
I just loved this book. It made my heart ache for all three women. The windswept landscape of the coast and marshes were evocatively described and added to the desolation. I’m making this sound very depressing, aren’t I? Well, it is and it isn’t. I don’t like to wallow in depressing prose, and this had such beauty in it: the landscape, the birds, the love of the women and Eve’s family. Ultimately there is hope - and that’s what rounded this beautiful novel off perfectly.
Highly recommended.
Vita and the Birds is set in a dual timeline: 1938 and 1997.
In 1938, Lady Vita Goldsborough lives a very constrained life. Her brother is extremely controlling even for 1938, I think. Vita meets the artist Dodie Blakeney whilst on a walk on the East Anglian coastal marshes, and a deep bond is formed between the women that will have lasting repercussions.
1997, and Eve Blakeney has returned to her grandmothers beach hut where she had lived alone up to her death. Eve is grieving the death of her mother, and going through her grandmothers belongings is supposed to be helping her to grieve. Eve seemed to be so vulnerable, sad and lost through much of this book. So when she finds some letters of her grandmother's written by another woman, they are something of a distraction. Clearly this is a relationship that ended before either woman wanted it to, which makes it all the more sad.
There is a tangible feeling of melancholy and sadness throughout each timeline. All of the characters experience loss.
I just loved this book. It made my heart ache for all three women. The windswept landscape of the coast and marshes were evocatively described and added to the desolation. I’m making this sound very depressing, aren’t I? Well, it is and it isn’t. I don’t like to wallow in depressing prose, and this had such beauty in it: the landscape, the birds, the love of the women and Eve’s family. Ultimately there is hope - and that’s what rounded this beautiful novel off perfectly.
Highly recommended.
Evergreen Forevermore
10.0
Rate It
Book
Evergreen Forevermore takes place in a quaint little town of Whitecap, Vermont. It sits on the...
Family Christian Fiction Christian Romance Mystery
Lucy Buglass (45 KP) rated A Star Is Born (2018) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
A haunting look at fame, love and addiction
As a fan of both Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, I was intrigued when a new remake of A Star Is Born was announced. Despite not having seen either of its predecessors, I vaguely knew what the story was about and was interested by the chosen pairing, especially since this is Cooper’s directorial debut. I went into this film with an open heart and mind.
Whilst I rate both of their performances highly, it was Gaga who really stood out to me. Despite the fact she’s a very famous, very well-respected artist in real life, when I watched the film, I saw her character, Ally, and not Lady Gaga. She truly brought Ally to life on-screen, showing us the highs and lows of a former ‘average girl’ turned superstar. She was absolutely fantastic. I could really feel everything Ally was feeling, from elation to pain. I adored her performance and it kept me hooked throughout. Unsurprisingly, her vocals were stunning too, and listening to her performances on the big screen was a real treat. She is so utterly talented and has proven she can go far beyond her singing career, and into new territories.
A Star Is Born features some great cameos too; mainly RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Willam Belli and Shangela. It was really cool to see them in a feature film, and I loved what they brought to the story. Their relationship with Ally, especially, was really lovely and highlights the inclusivity most of us strive to achieve in modern society. Their characters meant a lot to me.
In terms of Cooper’s portrayal of Jackson, he was also very convincing as an aging star battling addiction. What I loved most about his character was the sheer complexity of it, and how you didn’t know whether to feel sorry for him or berate him. The opinion of Jackson is left entirely up to the viewer, and I really respected that about the film. It has opened a lot of debates about his character’s behaviour, and it’s wonderful when a film causes audiences to do that. He is clearly very troubled but that doesn’t always excuse some of his appalling behaviour, which is presented to us in a very raw and honest way. Because of this, the film is not an easy watch, but I believe it’s an important one all the same. It was also wonderful to hear him sing, as he has a stunning voice that complements Gaga’s throughout. Together, they’ve really made something special. I’ve been listening to the soundtrack a lot since seeing the film.
I also loved the contrast in visual style throughout A Star Is Born. The choice of set design, lighting and colours perfectly reflect what the characters are feeling in that moment in time. We go from glamorous performances on stage, to grittier, intense territories. I was certainly impressed by Cooper’s first film and look forward to seeing where his journey towards directing will take him next. He’s put so much work into this and it really has paid off, giving us an emotional, heartfelt and honest story. If you’re wondering if I cried at any point, the answer is yes. That final song though…
A Star Is Born gives us an honest look into the darker side of fame, the highs and lows, what goes on behind the scenes, all of it. Whilst most of us aren’t ignorant about the fact these issues go on, this film really presents them to us in a brilliant way. The songs themselves are a huge part of this, telling their own stories and adding to the characters’ mindset. The lyrics are fantastic, and bring so much to the film. Listen closely and it’ll be easy to see why. I would definitely recommend it even if you’re not usually a lover of musical film, based on the story alone. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish.
https://lucygoestohollywood.com/2018/10/14/a-haunting-look-at-fame-love-and-addiction-my-thoughts-on-a-star-is-born/
Whilst I rate both of their performances highly, it was Gaga who really stood out to me. Despite the fact she’s a very famous, very well-respected artist in real life, when I watched the film, I saw her character, Ally, and not Lady Gaga. She truly brought Ally to life on-screen, showing us the highs and lows of a former ‘average girl’ turned superstar. She was absolutely fantastic. I could really feel everything Ally was feeling, from elation to pain. I adored her performance and it kept me hooked throughout. Unsurprisingly, her vocals were stunning too, and listening to her performances on the big screen was a real treat. She is so utterly talented and has proven she can go far beyond her singing career, and into new territories.
A Star Is Born features some great cameos too; mainly RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Willam Belli and Shangela. It was really cool to see them in a feature film, and I loved what they brought to the story. Their relationship with Ally, especially, was really lovely and highlights the inclusivity most of us strive to achieve in modern society. Their characters meant a lot to me.
In terms of Cooper’s portrayal of Jackson, he was also very convincing as an aging star battling addiction. What I loved most about his character was the sheer complexity of it, and how you didn’t know whether to feel sorry for him or berate him. The opinion of Jackson is left entirely up to the viewer, and I really respected that about the film. It has opened a lot of debates about his character’s behaviour, and it’s wonderful when a film causes audiences to do that. He is clearly very troubled but that doesn’t always excuse some of his appalling behaviour, which is presented to us in a very raw and honest way. Because of this, the film is not an easy watch, but I believe it’s an important one all the same. It was also wonderful to hear him sing, as he has a stunning voice that complements Gaga’s throughout. Together, they’ve really made something special. I’ve been listening to the soundtrack a lot since seeing the film.
I also loved the contrast in visual style throughout A Star Is Born. The choice of set design, lighting and colours perfectly reflect what the characters are feeling in that moment in time. We go from glamorous performances on stage, to grittier, intense territories. I was certainly impressed by Cooper’s first film and look forward to seeing where his journey towards directing will take him next. He’s put so much work into this and it really has paid off, giving us an emotional, heartfelt and honest story. If you’re wondering if I cried at any point, the answer is yes. That final song though…
A Star Is Born gives us an honest look into the darker side of fame, the highs and lows, what goes on behind the scenes, all of it. Whilst most of us aren’t ignorant about the fact these issues go on, this film really presents them to us in a brilliant way. The songs themselves are a huge part of this, telling their own stories and adding to the characters’ mindset. The lyrics are fantastic, and bring so much to the film. Listen closely and it’ll be easy to see why. I would definitely recommend it even if you’re not usually a lover of musical film, based on the story alone. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish.
https://lucygoestohollywood.com/2018/10/14/a-haunting-look-at-fame-love-and-addiction-my-thoughts-on-a-star-is-born/