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Neil Hannon recommended Sketches of Spain by Miles Davis in Music (curated)
Debbiereadsbook (1772 KP) rated Still Waters, Deep (Between Hill and Sea) in Books
Apr 18, 2026
love the descriptive passages!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the first in a new series by Ms Sheppard, and it reads a little bit different to her other books.
Seren is an archivist, and Talise a hydrologist. Catrin wrote about the water of Llyn Du, over 100 years ago, before she disappeared and now all three ladies are entwined by a red thread of fate.
It took time for the threads to weave, and as such, I didn't know where it was all going for a long time. It meant I had to slow down my reading, and concentrate really hard, which in turn meant it took me longer to read. Not a bad thing, just needs a comment, cos Book Feelings are important!
I enjoyed that Seren and Talise have a voice, and Eifion doesn't. I think if he had, the water might have muddled a bit(see what I did there?) between Catrin and Talise, around the lake and what was happening to Talise and what had happened to Catrin.
It's full of Ms Sheppard's signature Welsh myths and legends. There is a bit at the end that talks about Llyn Du and the red thread of fate. I didn't read it. but some might fine it helpful.
It's also full of descriptive passages that you can actually feel. You can feel how the lake reacts to Talise. You can feel how heavy the bell is, how Talise can feel it in her bones. You can feel how Seren reacts to the red thread, so far away from the lake. I love these passages, the way Ms Sheppard writes them. They come across so beautifully, so emotionally, so real.
There is no violence, and no smex. And I loved that there isn't!
Like I said, first in a new series, all connected by that red thread of fate, Welsh myths and nothing more. I look forward to reading what comes next!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the first in a new series by Ms Sheppard, and it reads a little bit different to her other books.
Seren is an archivist, and Talise a hydrologist. Catrin wrote about the water of Llyn Du, over 100 years ago, before she disappeared and now all three ladies are entwined by a red thread of fate.
It took time for the threads to weave, and as such, I didn't know where it was all going for a long time. It meant I had to slow down my reading, and concentrate really hard, which in turn meant it took me longer to read. Not a bad thing, just needs a comment, cos Book Feelings are important!
I enjoyed that Seren and Talise have a voice, and Eifion doesn't. I think if he had, the water might have muddled a bit(see what I did there?) between Catrin and Talise, around the lake and what was happening to Talise and what had happened to Catrin.
It's full of Ms Sheppard's signature Welsh myths and legends. There is a bit at the end that talks about Llyn Du and the red thread of fate. I didn't read it. but some might fine it helpful.
It's also full of descriptive passages that you can actually feel. You can feel how the lake reacts to Talise. You can feel how heavy the bell is, how Talise can feel it in her bones. You can feel how Seren reacts to the red thread, so far away from the lake. I love these passages, the way Ms Sheppard writes them. They come across so beautifully, so emotionally, so real.
There is no violence, and no smex. And I loved that there isn't!
Like I said, first in a new series, all connected by that red thread of fate, Welsh myths and nothing more. I look forward to reading what comes next!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Coup in Tabletop Games
Jul 17, 2020 (Updated Jul 18, 2020)
Easy to Learn (3 more)
Lying about who you are
Quick Rounds
High replayablity
Hard to Master (1 more)
Don't know who's who and who's lying
Lie, Deceit and Protray
Coup- is one of the two games i bought at this years Pax East. It is also one of the first board games that i bought. The second being Coup. Now since then I have like 25 board games. I love collecting board games cause i can either play them with my family or go solo. Personality i love going solo in board games.
I learn about this game through the Funhaus Channel. And personality wanted to buy it after watching it. It looked easy, fun and entertaining. So when i saw it at Pax i knew i had to by it. If you dont know what Coup is or never heard of it. Let me explain.
Coup came out in 2012 was published by Indie Boards & Cards for 2-6 players.
In Coup you are head of a family in an Italian city-state, a city run by a weak and corrupt court. You need to manipulate, bluff and bribe your way to power. Your object is to destroy the influence of all the other families, forcing them into exile. Only one family will survive...
Gameplay:
In Coup, you want to be the last player with influence in the game, with influence being represented by face-down character cards in your playing area.
Each player starts the game with two coins and two influence – i.e., two face-down character cards; the fifteen card deck consists of three copies of five different characters, each with a unique set of powers:
Duke: Take three coins from the treasury. Block someone from taking foreign aid.
Assassin: Pay three coins and try to assassinate another player's character.
Contessa: Block an assassination attempt against yourself.
Captain: Take two coins from another player, or block someone from stealing coins from you.
Ambassador: Draw two character cards from the Court (the deck), choose which (if any) to exchange with your face-down characters, then return two. Block someone from stealing coins from you.
On your turn, you can take any of the actions listed above, regardless of which characters you actually have in front of you, or you can take one of three other actions:
Income: Take one coin from the treasury.
Foreign aid: Take two coins from the treasury.
Coup: Pay seven coins and launch a coup against an opponent, forcing that player to lose an influence. (If you have ten coins or more, you must take this action.)
When you take one of the character actions – whether actively on your turn, or defensively in response to someone else's action – that character's action automatically succeeds unless an opponent challenges you. In this case, if you can't (or don't) reveal the appropriate character, you lose an influence, turning one of your characters face-up. Face-up characters cannot be used, and if both of your characters are face-up, you're out of the game.
If you do have the character in question and choose to reveal it, the opponent loses an influence, then you shuffle that character into the deck and draw a new one, perhaps getting the same character again and perhaps not.
The last player to still have influence – that is, a face-down character – wins the game!
Its a fun entertaining deduction party card game and a must play if you havent played it yet.
I learn about this game through the Funhaus Channel. And personality wanted to buy it after watching it. It looked easy, fun and entertaining. So when i saw it at Pax i knew i had to by it. If you dont know what Coup is or never heard of it. Let me explain.
Coup came out in 2012 was published by Indie Boards & Cards for 2-6 players.
In Coup you are head of a family in an Italian city-state, a city run by a weak and corrupt court. You need to manipulate, bluff and bribe your way to power. Your object is to destroy the influence of all the other families, forcing them into exile. Only one family will survive...
Gameplay:
In Coup, you want to be the last player with influence in the game, with influence being represented by face-down character cards in your playing area.
Each player starts the game with two coins and two influence – i.e., two face-down character cards; the fifteen card deck consists of three copies of five different characters, each with a unique set of powers:
Duke: Take three coins from the treasury. Block someone from taking foreign aid.
Assassin: Pay three coins and try to assassinate another player's character.
Contessa: Block an assassination attempt against yourself.
Captain: Take two coins from another player, or block someone from stealing coins from you.
Ambassador: Draw two character cards from the Court (the deck), choose which (if any) to exchange with your face-down characters, then return two. Block someone from stealing coins from you.
On your turn, you can take any of the actions listed above, regardless of which characters you actually have in front of you, or you can take one of three other actions:
Income: Take one coin from the treasury.
Foreign aid: Take two coins from the treasury.
Coup: Pay seven coins and launch a coup against an opponent, forcing that player to lose an influence. (If you have ten coins or more, you must take this action.)
When you take one of the character actions – whether actively on your turn, or defensively in response to someone else's action – that character's action automatically succeeds unless an opponent challenges you. In this case, if you can't (or don't) reveal the appropriate character, you lose an influence, turning one of your characters face-up. Face-up characters cannot be used, and if both of your characters are face-up, you're out of the game.
If you do have the character in question and choose to reveal it, the opponent loses an influence, then you shuffle that character into the deck and draw a new one, perhaps getting the same character again and perhaps not.
The last player to still have influence – that is, a face-down character – wins the game!
Its a fun entertaining deduction party card game and a must play if you havent played it yet.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated Some Sunny Day in Books
Nov 27, 2018
Full review on www.diaryofdifference.com
Some Sunny Day was one of those books that go slowly, and tell a story of another times, reviving memories and emotions. A story of a lady that is sent to India to take care for the British Soldiers in the Second World War.
A beautiful memoir, full of lively descriptions that make the scenes more realistic. A powerful story of love, bravery, tragedy, sacrifices and hope.
Madge is a character that all people can relate to. Even though a nurse, and sent to another country, Madge is also a lady just like any other, capable of making decisions, mistakes, fall in love, lose the people she loves and hope for a better future.
A very relatable and non-distant character, too realistic for our own good. I loved her so much, and I was eager to know her story.
The pace, however, for me, was too slow. It took me a while to finish this book, and I stopped reading it two times before I finally finished it. The line between this being a great read and a DNF was very thick. That is why a few of my stars have to go away.
I love memoirs, I love stories behind the scenes of wars. Being born and growing up in the Balkans, this is something that triggers us very close to the heart. Being taught in school to protect each other, and living with our father’s stories of how they went and served in the army is something we can all relate to, and respect all these people that are ready to give their lives for a country.
Those were times when I couldn’t have been easy at all, being away from your family, your loved ones. Hard times not only for the people serving the army, but also the people at home, that miss them and pray for them every single day.
What are we all fighting for? How can war bring peace?
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan, for providing me an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Some Sunny Day was one of those books that go slowly, and tell a story of another times, reviving memories and emotions. A story of a lady that is sent to India to take care for the British Soldiers in the Second World War.
A beautiful memoir, full of lively descriptions that make the scenes more realistic. A powerful story of love, bravery, tragedy, sacrifices and hope.
Madge is a character that all people can relate to. Even though a nurse, and sent to another country, Madge is also a lady just like any other, capable of making decisions, mistakes, fall in love, lose the people she loves and hope for a better future.
A very relatable and non-distant character, too realistic for our own good. I loved her so much, and I was eager to know her story.
The pace, however, for me, was too slow. It took me a while to finish this book, and I stopped reading it two times before I finally finished it. The line between this being a great read and a DNF was very thick. That is why a few of my stars have to go away.
I love memoirs, I love stories behind the scenes of wars. Being born and growing up in the Balkans, this is something that triggers us very close to the heart. Being taught in school to protect each other, and living with our father’s stories of how they went and served in the army is something we can all relate to, and respect all these people that are ready to give their lives for a country.
Those were times when I couldn’t have been easy at all, being away from your family, your loved ones. Hard times not only for the people serving the army, but also the people at home, that miss them and pray for them every single day.
What are we all fighting for? How can war bring peace?
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan, for providing me an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Zombie Tidal Wave (2019) in Movies
Jun 3, 2020
A zombie film made for the SyFy Channel starring Ian Ziering you say? Sign me up.
While out fishing a group of friends catch something sinister. They haul a putrid looking dead body out of the water and very quickly realise that it isn't quite as dead as they'd have hoped. That body is the first in an army of the undead that takes over the town as an unexpected tidal wave gives them a helping hand.
Is this film bad? Yes. Is it an entertaining watch? Also yes, but on that SyFy Original movie level of yes.
Bless Ian Ziering and his movie decision. In Zombie Tidal Wave (I really love saying the whole title) he plays Hunter, a fisherman who's about to leave town for a fresh start. Hunter is everything you hope he will be. I also noticed on IMDb that Ziering has a story credit... well colour me surprised... it's a super-duper amazing tale about zombies by the sea.
I'm not going to insult you by saying that this would win any awards, we all know it wouldn't even without watching it. It wouldn't even win a Razzie, that's how good it is! Everything about this is in fact distinctly average, apart from the following...
That story... it's got a great idea with twists and turns that "make sense". It could almost have been a serious zombie film if someone at some point hadn't gone "You know what? We need more." "More what?" "Everything."
Those special effects... are terrible. I have never seen such badly CGId water, and that's something you should take seriously coming from someone who has seen as many made for TV movies as I have.
The consistency... there are facts about locations and objects that the film just throws out the window, there are some continuity errors as well... but while that sounds like a bad thing it's really an essential part of the enjoyment/
This couldn't be a typical review so to complete it I just want to share with you some of my notes/interactions with the film, I'll include some cryptic highlights to look out for too.
- The zombie that must have unnaturally long legs or be standing on a zombie pyramid.
- Synchronised swimming zombies.
- I snort laughed so hard at a big reveal point that I nearly choked on my breakfast.
- A stunning Bond girl moment that might have been the best shot of the film.
- The different densities of glass.
- The Sharknado reference.
- ... and the result of that reference.
- Douchebag and his girlfriend.
- Family banter with a zombie.
- "Reinforcements".
- Zombie's styling flip flops.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2020/06/zombie-tidal-wave-movie-review.html
While out fishing a group of friends catch something sinister. They haul a putrid looking dead body out of the water and very quickly realise that it isn't quite as dead as they'd have hoped. That body is the first in an army of the undead that takes over the town as an unexpected tidal wave gives them a helping hand.
Is this film bad? Yes. Is it an entertaining watch? Also yes, but on that SyFy Original movie level of yes.
Bless Ian Ziering and his movie decision. In Zombie Tidal Wave (I really love saying the whole title) he plays Hunter, a fisherman who's about to leave town for a fresh start. Hunter is everything you hope he will be. I also noticed on IMDb that Ziering has a story credit... well colour me surprised... it's a super-duper amazing tale about zombies by the sea.
I'm not going to insult you by saying that this would win any awards, we all know it wouldn't even without watching it. It wouldn't even win a Razzie, that's how good it is! Everything about this is in fact distinctly average, apart from the following...
That story... it's got a great idea with twists and turns that "make sense". It could almost have been a serious zombie film if someone at some point hadn't gone "You know what? We need more." "More what?" "Everything."
Those special effects... are terrible. I have never seen such badly CGId water, and that's something you should take seriously coming from someone who has seen as many made for TV movies as I have.
The consistency... there are facts about locations and objects that the film just throws out the window, there are some continuity errors as well... but while that sounds like a bad thing it's really an essential part of the enjoyment/
This couldn't be a typical review so to complete it I just want to share with you some of my notes/interactions with the film, I'll include some cryptic highlights to look out for too.
- The zombie that must have unnaturally long legs or be standing on a zombie pyramid.
- Synchronised swimming zombies.
- I snort laughed so hard at a big reveal point that I nearly choked on my breakfast.
- A stunning Bond girl moment that might have been the best shot of the film.
- The different densities of glass.
- The Sharknado reference.
- ... and the result of that reference.
- Douchebag and his girlfriend.
- Family banter with a zombie.
- "Reinforcements".
- Zombie's styling flip flops.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2020/06/zombie-tidal-wave-movie-review.html
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Career of Evil in Books
Apr 27, 2018
This is the third book of the Cormoran Strike series by JK Rowling, writing under the name Robert Galbraith. I jumped at the chance to review this story, as I enjoyed the other two so much. The second one left me with a slight surprise at the end, I was eager to continue the adventure. It surpassed my hopes, and I believe that so far, this is the best in the series. Galbraith seems to really be getting the hang of this crime novel thing. :-)
One of the great things I love about the series is the distinct way Galbraith slowly reveals the story, one bit at a time, one interview at a time, one little mistake the bad guy made at a time. And then Strike gets it, but you still don’t, so you’re sitting there like “What? What did I miss, what did he realize? what is it? WHAT IS IT!?” and it drives you crazy until Strike outlines it for you. I love that.
The relationship between Strike and Robin continues to grow, and the engagement between Robin and Matthew continues to deteriorate. More true emotions and motives are revealed, and some of Robins mysterious past is disclosed.
The audio book was narrated by Robert Glenister. He was excellent as always. He has the best voices and accents and
Just as the second novel, this one also ends in a way that demands the next book to hurry up and be published. I’m really excited about the growth of this series and I can’t wait for the next one!
One of the great things I love about the series is the distinct way Galbraith slowly reveals the story, one bit at a time, one interview at a time, one little mistake the bad guy made at a time. And then Strike gets it, but you still don’t, so you’re sitting there like “What? What did I miss, what did he realize? what is it? WHAT IS IT!?” and it drives you crazy until Strike outlines it for you. I love that.
The relationship between Strike and Robin continues to grow, and the engagement between Robin and Matthew continues to deteriorate. More true emotions and motives are revealed, and some of Robins mysterious past is disclosed.
The audio book was narrated by Robert Glenister. He was excellent as always. He has the best voices and accents and
Just as the second novel, this one also ends in a way that demands the next book to hurry up and be published. I’m really excited about the growth of this series and I can’t wait for the next one!
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Soldier Girl in Books
Jun 16, 2019
Refreshingly different
This was my first Annie Murray and it made me love her storytelling. I found it was so different from what is usually written about women around the time of the war.
I didn't find out until after I had finished it that it was part of a series. I just had to know if there was a sequel as the ending was so abrupt, so many questions still unanswered, I was so relieved to see it was part of a series. I was surprised that it was the second as it was easy to fall into, you don't need to read the previous book to understand this one.
The main character isn't your usual woman in the early 1900's which makes you want to keep reading, to see how she is received in this world that is so strict, a world which anyone who was different were ostracized and frowned upon.
The way Annie Murray writes this story really does make you root for the characters, for me I felt I was there with them, not an easy thing to portray but Annie Murray does it well.
I am still on the look out for book 1 and 3 and hope I find them soon! I'd like to think others will read this (as I definitely think they should) and will fall in love with Annie Murray's books.
I didn't find out until after I had finished it that it was part of a series. I just had to know if there was a sequel as the ending was so abrupt, so many questions still unanswered, I was so relieved to see it was part of a series. I was surprised that it was the second as it was easy to fall into, you don't need to read the previous book to understand this one.
The main character isn't your usual woman in the early 1900's which makes you want to keep reading, to see how she is received in this world that is so strict, a world which anyone who was different were ostracized and frowned upon.
The way Annie Murray writes this story really does make you root for the characters, for me I felt I was there with them, not an easy thing to portray but Annie Murray does it well.
I am still on the look out for book 1 and 3 and hope I find them soon! I'd like to think others will read this (as I definitely think they should) and will fall in love with Annie Murray's books.
Debbiereadsbook (1772 KP) rated Smith's Corner: Alora & Ash (The Heartwood Series #3) in Books
Oct 16, 2021
Didn't quite love this one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Heartwood series and while not totally necessary, it might help you get a better picture of this family group, and all the supporting characters.
Ash went to prison, and he shut Alora off completely just when she needed him the most. You get a picture as to WHY he does that, though. When their paths cross again, Alora runs away from Ash. It's not long til Ash discovers the secret Alora has been keeping from him, though.
Ash has to learn the hard way about letting people help him. Had he done so before, he might not have such a hard time now. But one thing holds true from then to now: he LOVES Alora, so darn much!
You understand why Alora is reluctant to let Ash in, he hurt her before, but when she does let him in, its wonderful!
There is some overlap with book 2, Layla and Levi and it's kinda fun watching those two from the other side, so to speak!
This is a great addition to the series but it doesn't quite push my buttons like Dallas and Delilah or Levi and Layla do, I'm afraid. Oh it's good, yes, but I didn't quite love it.
Fox and Faith are next. Given that Fox hasn't SAID a word in three books, that should be an interesting read!
3 good solid stars
same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Heartwood series and while not totally necessary, it might help you get a better picture of this family group, and all the supporting characters.
Ash went to prison, and he shut Alora off completely just when she needed him the most. You get a picture as to WHY he does that, though. When their paths cross again, Alora runs away from Ash. It's not long til Ash discovers the secret Alora has been keeping from him, though.
Ash has to learn the hard way about letting people help him. Had he done so before, he might not have such a hard time now. But one thing holds true from then to now: he LOVES Alora, so darn much!
You understand why Alora is reluctant to let Ash in, he hurt her before, but when she does let him in, its wonderful!
There is some overlap with book 2, Layla and Levi and it's kinda fun watching those two from the other side, so to speak!
This is a great addition to the series but it doesn't quite push my buttons like Dallas and Delilah or Levi and Layla do, I'm afraid. Oh it's good, yes, but I didn't quite love it.
Fox and Faith are next. Given that Fox hasn't SAID a word in three books, that should be an interesting read!
3 good solid stars
same worded review will appear elsewhere
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated 11 Missed Calls in Books
Jun 5, 2019
11 Missed Calls by is a cleverly told story written from several points of view, with two different timelines. We see what happens before Debbie disappears leaving her two young children behind, we also see her grownup children Anna and Robert 30 years later, as they are still struggling to come to terms with the reason their mother would just walk away from them whilst they’re away on holiday in Tenerife. During this time, Anna has become increasingly worried that there is something her family is not telling her, and she begins to do some digging around and finds a private detective to help her.
Is their mother dead, or is there another reason she walked out of their lives for good? Would you forgive your mother if she did that to YOU?
OMG! If you love books about dysfunctional families and all the drama that attracts, you should really enjoy this one. Honestly, if you think your family were crazy, try this one; They’ll suddenly look like saints and you’ll feel so much better about your life for reading this!
Carpenter captured both Debbie’s and Anna’s characters (and what they each went through), very well. I totally did not see that ending coming and I was convinced I had all the answers, right up until the very end. I also got really involved for Anna’s plight for answers, and felt for how lonely she was when she finds her husband’s love letter from another woman, which ingeniously added another twist to this family drama. Despite the holiday in Spain’s Canary Islands, this book has a very British feel to it, which stands to reason as both the author and setting are based in the north of England and it can be quite grim (weather-wise) up North! Overall this was an entertaining read, rife with family secrets, lies and surprises!
And a touch of bad weather, too.
Is their mother dead, or is there another reason she walked out of their lives for good? Would you forgive your mother if she did that to YOU?
OMG! If you love books about dysfunctional families and all the drama that attracts, you should really enjoy this one. Honestly, if you think your family were crazy, try this one; They’ll suddenly look like saints and you’ll feel so much better about your life for reading this!
Carpenter captured both Debbie’s and Anna’s characters (and what they each went through), very well. I totally did not see that ending coming and I was convinced I had all the answers, right up until the very end. I also got really involved for Anna’s plight for answers, and felt for how lonely she was when she finds her husband’s love letter from another woman, which ingeniously added another twist to this family drama. Despite the holiday in Spain’s Canary Islands, this book has a very British feel to it, which stands to reason as both the author and setting are based in the north of England and it can be quite grim (weather-wise) up North! Overall this was an entertaining read, rife with family secrets, lies and surprises!
And a touch of bad weather, too.
Paleo Italian Cooking: Authentic Italian Gluten-Free Family Recipes
Book
From her home to yours--Paleo Italian Cooking rounds up 100 authentic and easy-to-follow Italian...