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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Our Summer Together in Books
Sep 11, 2017
Second Chance at Love and Life
Review I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This latest book by women’s fiction author Fanny Blake is an uplifting story about family and finding love later in life. Our Summer Together begins with Caro, a portrait painter, and part-time art teacher, running around after her two adult daughters, Lauren and Amy. With barely a moment to herself, Caro flits between looking after her three-year-old grandson and helping out at Amy’s florist shop. However, one day, a brief encounter on the train home sparks excitement back into her life.
From the train to decorating her house and, finally, becoming her lodger, Caro gets to know the mysterious Damir as he gradually opens up about his past. Despite being fifteen years younger than her, Caro falls in love with the Bosnian and he with her, but can this elation last?
Despite her new chance at love, Caro has so many other things to worry about. Her ex-husband Chris is filing for divorce so that he can marry his new, much younger woman. However, this involves selling the house that Caro lives in and where her children grew up. On top of that, her eldest daughter, Lauren, is sceptical about Damir and is not afraid of saying so. With life as she knew it crashing down around her, Caro must decide whether Damir is worth it, but, most importantly, does he really want her in his life?
The title of the book, Our Summer Together, creates a sense of foreboding from the very beginning. Implying that Caro and Damir will only have one season together puts the reader on tenterhooks: what will go wrong? Desperate for a happy ending, we plough through the chapters wishing that their happiness could last forever.
It is refreshing to read about a romance developing between older characters rather than the typical twenty or thirty-something. A second chance at love feels much more satisfying than a will-they-won’t-they, playing hard-to-get attempt at a first serious relationship.
Alongside the love and joyfulness is a darker history that opens the readers’ eyes to events occurring during their lifetime that they may not have been very aware of. Growing up in Bosnia, Damir was subjected to war and violence, losing all his family and having a disastrous start at adulthood. For Damir, his relationship with Caro is not only a second-chance at love, but a second-chance at life, too.
Our Summer Together is a relaxing book to read that can either be devoured quickly or eked out over a period of time. With humour, reality and a range of emotions, it is impossible to find the story boring. Whatever your usual genre of choice, this book will be a refreshing change
This latest book by women’s fiction author Fanny Blake is an uplifting story about family and finding love later in life. Our Summer Together begins with Caro, a portrait painter, and part-time art teacher, running around after her two adult daughters, Lauren and Amy. With barely a moment to herself, Caro flits between looking after her three-year-old grandson and helping out at Amy’s florist shop. However, one day, a brief encounter on the train home sparks excitement back into her life.
From the train to decorating her house and, finally, becoming her lodger, Caro gets to know the mysterious Damir as he gradually opens up about his past. Despite being fifteen years younger than her, Caro falls in love with the Bosnian and he with her, but can this elation last?
Despite her new chance at love, Caro has so many other things to worry about. Her ex-husband Chris is filing for divorce so that he can marry his new, much younger woman. However, this involves selling the house that Caro lives in and where her children grew up. On top of that, her eldest daughter, Lauren, is sceptical about Damir and is not afraid of saying so. With life as she knew it crashing down around her, Caro must decide whether Damir is worth it, but, most importantly, does he really want her in his life?
The title of the book, Our Summer Together, creates a sense of foreboding from the very beginning. Implying that Caro and Damir will only have one season together puts the reader on tenterhooks: what will go wrong? Desperate for a happy ending, we plough through the chapters wishing that their happiness could last forever.
It is refreshing to read about a romance developing between older characters rather than the typical twenty or thirty-something. A second chance at love feels much more satisfying than a will-they-won’t-they, playing hard-to-get attempt at a first serious relationship.
Alongside the love and joyfulness is a darker history that opens the readers’ eyes to events occurring during their lifetime that they may not have been very aware of. Growing up in Bosnia, Damir was subjected to war and violence, losing all his family and having a disastrous start at adulthood. For Damir, his relationship with Caro is not only a second-chance at love, but a second-chance at life, too.
Our Summer Together is a relaxing book to read that can either be devoured quickly or eked out over a period of time. With humour, reality and a range of emotions, it is impossible to find the story boring. Whatever your usual genre of choice, this book will be a refreshing change
Connor Sheffield (293 KP) rated The Crow in Books
May 25, 2017
Emotionally written (2 more)
Poetic
Brilliantly drawn
My All Time Favourite
This graphic novel is my all time favourite. I have read it countless times, sometimes in a row. This is where it all began, and the author's tragic backstory, really helps bring forth the emotion from the pages.
This is a story of love and loss, but mostly of vengeance and a sense of mental torment that no one, dead or alive, should suffer.
There's a belief that when someone dies, their soul is carried to heaven, hell or some form of afterlife, and then there's this graphic novel that suggests that if the soul was wronged in their life, they may return as an avenging angel, to seek vengeance on those who wronged them.
Eric and his Fiancé where murdered for no good reason, and so his soul is brought back from the dead, with some additional abilities, such as a healing factor, meaning that he cannot be killed (again) by mortals.
This book also contains poetry among its pages. Beautiful poems that really add to the emotion of the book and the story. I love comics, graphic novels etc. Anything Marvel or DC, and of course indie comics, but The Crow will forever remain my favourite one among them all, because it is poetic justice written beautifully and emotionally, unlike anything I have ever read before or after it.
This is a story of love and loss, but mostly of vengeance and a sense of mental torment that no one, dead or alive, should suffer.
There's a belief that when someone dies, their soul is carried to heaven, hell or some form of afterlife, and then there's this graphic novel that suggests that if the soul was wronged in their life, they may return as an avenging angel, to seek vengeance on those who wronged them.
Eric and his Fiancé where murdered for no good reason, and so his soul is brought back from the dead, with some additional abilities, such as a healing factor, meaning that he cannot be killed (again) by mortals.
This book also contains poetry among its pages. Beautiful poems that really add to the emotion of the book and the story. I love comics, graphic novels etc. Anything Marvel or DC, and of course indie comics, but The Crow will forever remain my favourite one among them all, because it is poetic justice written beautifully and emotionally, unlike anything I have ever read before or after it.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Home All Along in Books
Feb 25, 2019
A story of heartache and hope, Ms. Wiseman brings us another inspiring Amish novel. I have been a big fan of this author's tender writing style for a long time. Her words of encouragement are written through out the pages of each novel, and this one was no exception. She brought her readers another home run with this one.
As with her previous novels in this series, Ms. Wiseman creates a story filled with twists and turns, and mixes it up with the simple living and finely chiseled characters, in Charlotte and Daniel. Learning to let go, move on and accept what God has in store for them, is never an easy feat, but Ms. Wiseman accomplishes that and so much more.
This book is beyond captivating. It will leave you reflecting on the will of your own life, and I love that she did that for me! It's a book that I won't soon forget, that's for sure! This is most definitely a 5 star novel, and I highly recommend it to all. You'll fall in love with these beautiful characters and their Amish living and want more when you reach the end. Well done, Ms. Wiseman, well done!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
As with her previous novels in this series, Ms. Wiseman creates a story filled with twists and turns, and mixes it up with the simple living and finely chiseled characters, in Charlotte and Daniel. Learning to let go, move on and accept what God has in store for them, is never an easy feat, but Ms. Wiseman accomplishes that and so much more.
This book is beyond captivating. It will leave you reflecting on the will of your own life, and I love that she did that for me! It's a book that I won't soon forget, that's for sure! This is most definitely a 5 star novel, and I highly recommend it to all. You'll fall in love with these beautiful characters and their Amish living and want more when you reach the end. Well done, Ms. Wiseman, well done!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
ClareR (5996 KP) rated The Anarchists Club in Books
May 9, 2019
Family secrets and murder in Victorian London.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and I think that this one exceeds the last in every way. Leo has become a much more 3 dimensional character here as we get to know him more. I love his inner voice, and while I don’t enjoy his inner turmoil, it’s written so well that you can’t help but feel for him. In fact all of the characters are written with care and understanding, so much so that you understand what drives them to act as they do.
This story is based around the murder of a woman in an Anarchists Club. Leo is implicated in the murder, and so feels compelled to try and solve the case. The murdered woman had children, and Leo for the first time, feels parental obligation and affection for them. Rosie, who was in the last book, works with Leo to solve this murder - she’s a great strong female character. A woman who runs a business and brings up her children on her own.
This is a dark story of poverty, family secrets and sibling rivalry in Victorian England. Reeve captures the atmosphere of London and the times so well. I love these stories and I’ll be looking out for more from Leo and Rosie.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for another great choice!
This story is based around the murder of a woman in an Anarchists Club. Leo is implicated in the murder, and so feels compelled to try and solve the case. The murdered woman had children, and Leo for the first time, feels parental obligation and affection for them. Rosie, who was in the last book, works with Leo to solve this murder - she’s a great strong female character. A woman who runs a business and brings up her children on her own.
This is a dark story of poverty, family secrets and sibling rivalry in Victorian England. Reeve captures the atmosphere of London and the times so well. I love these stories and I’ll be looking out for more from Leo and Rosie.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for another great choice!
Jodabel (1 KP) rated A Little Life in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Exceptional writing (3 more)
Friendship
Strong storyline
Powerful writing
A little life, a lot to digest. My favourite book
I’ve read this book 3 times in the last 18 months. The story takes a little while to get into; introducing characters etc. But plough ahead please! I can’t recommend this book enough. Though it’s not for everyone. The book takes you on a journey with the main protagonist and his three best friends. It looks at a lot of aspects of human friendships. It gets dark, very dark in places and while Jude never understands his worth (and never will) I rooted for him like I hadn’t before with other characters. I’d say this book is about love mainly and how we each love and perceive being loved; but the underlying theme is how damaged can a human being be whilst still being a human being?! This book made me cry buckets every time I’ve read it, and I know this is a bit of a non review but this story is best read and not talked about unless with fellow readers. The first time you read this book, it gets you and if you’re like I was you’ll not be able to let it go. To say this book broke my heart wouldn’t be an understatement and that does not happen.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Haunted: Horror of Haverfordwest in Books
Dec 7, 2018
creepy, scary haunted house
Blissful beginnings for a young couple turn into a nightmare after purchasing their dream home in Wales in 1989. Their love and their resolve are torn apart by an indescribable entity that pushes paranormal activity to the limit. Haunted: Horror of Haverfordwest is the prequel to the bestselling A Most Haunted House. Dare you step inside...
Whether you are a believer in the paranormal or not you shall enjoy reading this book. This is a very well written story and it is based around the authors’ own experience he had living in a haunted house in Wales. The writer had over 20 years’ worth of evidence. There are incidents and events that still linger long after you finish reading that will keep you thinking long into the night.
This book for me is just brilliant and I love the paranormal as I grew up in a haunted house and have my own experiences as well. This book just grabs you and doesn’t let go. The atmosphere of the book is not for the faint hearted and easily scared but if you are be sure to read with all the lights on. You simply cannot go wrong if what you're looking for is an intense and spooky story.
Many thanks to John Hunt Publishing and Net Galley for an ARC.
Whether you are a believer in the paranormal or not you shall enjoy reading this book. This is a very well written story and it is based around the authors’ own experience he had living in a haunted house in Wales. The writer had over 20 years’ worth of evidence. There are incidents and events that still linger long after you finish reading that will keep you thinking long into the night.
This book for me is just brilliant and I love the paranormal as I grew up in a haunted house and have my own experiences as well. This book just grabs you and doesn’t let go. The atmosphere of the book is not for the faint hearted and easily scared but if you are be sure to read with all the lights on. You simply cannot go wrong if what you're looking for is an intense and spooky story.
Many thanks to John Hunt Publishing and Net Galley for an ARC.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Most Noble Heir in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Such a fun and unique story! Tensions are high as we begin this story and don't release until the end. I just had to know how it was all going to work out. Hannah has severe insecurities, and although relatable, a couple times I thought I was going to have to purse whomp her. Nolan...while sweet and charming, was a bit pig-headed on a couple of occasions. Watching Hannah and Nolan work through their insecurities and fears was real and heartbreaking. But I love, LOVE, how the author infuses the situation with GOD! It is truly amazing what can happen when we let HIM lead us, heal us, and strengthen us.
Set in the Victorian era, Susan Anne Mason brings to life the upstairs/downstairs aspects and the brilliance of them intertwining in an unexpected way. Conflicted between his heart and duty, will Nolan become the heir worthy of his father's praise and Hannah's heart? Can Hannah adjust to the changes in life now demanded of her?
Filled with surprises, excitements, devastations, and romance...This is a perfect book for reading on vacation this year! So grab your copy from the library or bookstore now.
I received a complimentary copy of A Most Noble Heir from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Set in the Victorian era, Susan Anne Mason brings to life the upstairs/downstairs aspects and the brilliance of them intertwining in an unexpected way. Conflicted between his heart and duty, will Nolan become the heir worthy of his father's praise and Hannah's heart? Can Hannah adjust to the changes in life now demanded of her?
Filled with surprises, excitements, devastations, and romance...This is a perfect book for reading on vacation this year! So grab your copy from the library or bookstore now.
I received a complimentary copy of A Most Noble Heir from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Merissa (13389 KP) rated Cameron's Law (Adelheid, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Masquerade Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review.
This story is about a vampire who 'came out' and, along with a close friend, helped to revolutionise the paranormal movement. This was not without consequences and, as such, Sadie works away the night trying hard to grow her paranormal business.
From the very start, you are in the thick of the action and find out just how inconvenient being staked can be. Although not life-threatening (she is dead, after all) she reports it to the police and deals with a new detective who becomes the love interest. However, their romance certainly doesn't overshadow the rest of the story. In fact, for most of it, they're not dating as she is a suspect on multiple murders plus there's the whole cahooney of vampire and werewolf attacks. She doesn't really have time for romance!
Sadie is sharp, quick-witted and sarcastic - character aspects that I love in either the main male or female. Vance is the perfect foil for her and certainly can give as much as he takes. The supporting characters are all interesting in their own right but help to make the mystery part of this book more interesting.
A humorous and intriguing start to a new series. Recommended for all Paranormal Mystery Romance fans.
This story is about a vampire who 'came out' and, along with a close friend, helped to revolutionise the paranormal movement. This was not without consequences and, as such, Sadie works away the night trying hard to grow her paranormal business.
From the very start, you are in the thick of the action and find out just how inconvenient being staked can be. Although not life-threatening (she is dead, after all) she reports it to the police and deals with a new detective who becomes the love interest. However, their romance certainly doesn't overshadow the rest of the story. In fact, for most of it, they're not dating as she is a suspect on multiple murders plus there's the whole cahooney of vampire and werewolf attacks. She doesn't really have time for romance!
Sadie is sharp, quick-witted and sarcastic - character aspects that I love in either the main male or female. Vance is the perfect foil for her and certainly can give as much as he takes. The supporting characters are all interesting in their own right but help to make the mystery part of this book more interesting.
A humorous and intriguing start to a new series. Recommended for all Paranormal Mystery Romance fans.
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