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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Under the Southern Sky in Books
Aug 12, 2021
A heartfelt romance set in North Carolina
Amelia Saxton, a journalist, has just published a personal story in "Modern Love" discussing her own modern marriage with her husband Thad, talking about how happy they are in their life filled with travel and their decision not to have children. That same day she discovers Thad is cheating on her--with another man. Devastated, Amelia's life is completely upended and she wonders if she can ever trust again. While researching another story, she finds out that some embryos belonging to her childhood friend Parker and his late wife, Greer, have been deemed "abandoned." Parker had a love for the ages with Greer, but Amelia--the literal girl next door--was his first love. He had forgotten about the embryos, but once he hears Amelia's news, he wants to become a single father via surrogate. As Amelia and Parker each return home to Cape Carolina to deal with their own grief, they find comfort in their friendship.
"People always think being loved will change them. But that's not true. It's really, truly loving--with the kind of love you couldn't take away even if you wanted to--that turns you inside out."
This book had an interesting plot idea--the whole embryo idea has the possibility to become icky, but overall Woodson Harvey pulls it off. I have been through IVF and dealt with frozen embryo decisions myself, so the book certainly hit home. The story is told via Parker and Amelia's present-day perspectives and interspersed with excerpts from Greer's journals. The North Carolina setting is atmospheric and takes on a life of its own.
At times, this tale is kind of silly and all over the place, but it's a very easy read. The characters are also easy-to-like, and I grew to care a lot about both Parker and Amelia. It's a fun and romantic tale, with just about everyone tied together in various ways. There are meddling moms, family secrets, and drama with Parker's brother. All of this makes the book quite a page-turner, which is at turns sweet and heartbreaking. 3.75 stars.
"People always think being loved will change them. But that's not true. It's really, truly loving--with the kind of love you couldn't take away even if you wanted to--that turns you inside out."
This book had an interesting plot idea--the whole embryo idea has the possibility to become icky, but overall Woodson Harvey pulls it off. I have been through IVF and dealt with frozen embryo decisions myself, so the book certainly hit home. The story is told via Parker and Amelia's present-day perspectives and interspersed with excerpts from Greer's journals. The North Carolina setting is atmospheric and takes on a life of its own.
At times, this tale is kind of silly and all over the place, but it's a very easy read. The characters are also easy-to-like, and I grew to care a lot about both Parker and Amelia. It's a fun and romantic tale, with just about everyone tied together in various ways. There are meddling moms, family secrets, and drama with Parker's brother. All of this makes the book quite a page-turner, which is at turns sweet and heartbreaking. 3.75 stars.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Déjà Dead (Temperance Brennan, #1) in Books
Sep 24, 2019
Her life is devoted to justice; for those she never even knew. In the year since Temperance Brennan left behind a shaky marriage in North Carolina, work has often preempted her weekend plans to explore Quebec. When a female corpse is discovered meticulously dismembered and stashed in trash bags, Temperance detects an alarming pattern and she plunges into a harrowing search for a killer. But her investigation is about to place those closest to her, her best friend and her own daughter, in mortal danger...
Really good!
I had no idea it was connected to the TV series Bones when I started reading it, very glad I didn't although Im glad I was told as it helped picturing Temperance. Loved the book although remind me not to be eating while reading 🤣. Looking forward to getting stuck into the series!!

Really good!
I had no idea it was connected to the TV series Bones when I started reading it, very glad I didn't although Im glad I was told as it helped picturing Temperance. Loved the book although remind me not to be eating while reading 🤣. Looking forward to getting stuck into the series!!

Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Maximum Overdrive (1986) in Movies
Sep 2, 2019
Stephen King's Haterd Against Trucks
Maximum Overdrive- is one if not the worst movie based off of a stephen king novel and who better to direct this garbge than Stephen King himself. Its his only movie he directed.
After a comet causes a radiation storm on Earth, machines come to life and turn against their makers. Holed up in a North Carolina truck stop, a group of survivors must fend for themselves against a mass of homicidal trucks. A diner cook, Bill Robinson (Emilio Estevez), emerges as the unlikely leader of the pack, attempting to find an escape plan for himself and the survivors, who include his boss, Bubba Hendershot (Pat Hingle), and a newlywed couple.
Even a bank machine tells Stephen King himself that he is a asshole. Which is funny.
Dont watch this movie. Its bad.
After a comet causes a radiation storm on Earth, machines come to life and turn against their makers. Holed up in a North Carolina truck stop, a group of survivors must fend for themselves against a mass of homicidal trucks. A diner cook, Bill Robinson (Emilio Estevez), emerges as the unlikely leader of the pack, attempting to find an escape plan for himself and the survivors, who include his boss, Bubba Hendershot (Pat Hingle), and a newlywed couple.
Even a bank machine tells Stephen King himself that he is a asshole. Which is funny.
Dont watch this movie. Its bad.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Things We Wish Were True in Books
Apr 9, 2019
The Things We Wish Were True takes place in a small town in North Carolina during the summer of 2014. It's a very close knit community and most residents have lived there most of their lives. From Zell, the neighborhood matriarch to Jancey the "prodigal" daughter returning after making a quick escape after high school. Each character has their own story and each story intertwines with each character. It includes twists and turns that will make you need to find out what is going to happen next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I will admit that at the beginning of the book, there was a little confusion with all the different characters, but after getting into the story, everything soon became clear. Each character carries a secret. Some secrets are small and others could be catastrophic.
Zell - has been limping around all summer and has stopped running, why/
Cailey - is growing up faster than she wants to or should, but with a single working mother is there anything that can stop that.
Bryte - doesn't want to have a second child, the first time was so difficult, she doesn't want to go through that again.
Jencey - Returns home after being away for so long. Will she stay for good this time, or will she run again like she did in the past.
Lance - has recently become a single father, but how long will that be the case?
Everett - Married to Bryte and ex of Jencey has a few of his own secrets that could tarnish his relationships.
There is one story about a summer in North Carolina, told from each persons point of view. Each character has their own side to the story centered around the neighborhood pool. It dives into the past which helps to progress the present. At the end of this summer the whole neighborhood will be changed from the secrets that are revealed.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I will admit that at the beginning of the book, there was a little confusion with all the different characters, but after getting into the story, everything soon became clear. Each character carries a secret. Some secrets are small and others could be catastrophic.
Zell - has been limping around all summer and has stopped running, why/
Cailey - is growing up faster than she wants to or should, but with a single working mother is there anything that can stop that.
Bryte - doesn't want to have a second child, the first time was so difficult, she doesn't want to go through that again.
Jencey - Returns home after being away for so long. Will she stay for good this time, or will she run again like she did in the past.
Lance - has recently become a single father, but how long will that be the case?
Everett - Married to Bryte and ex of Jencey has a few of his own secrets that could tarnish his relationships.
There is one story about a summer in North Carolina, told from each persons point of view. Each character has their own side to the story centered around the neighborhood pool. It dives into the past which helps to progress the present. At the end of this summer the whole neighborhood will be changed from the secrets that are revealed.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more of her books.
AJaneClark (3962 KP) rated Where the Crawdads Sing in Books
May 30, 2020
Delia Owens delivers us the story of Kya the "Marsh Girl" abandoned by her family in Barkley Cove, North Carolina.
The novel switches between times, something I always struggle a little with when reading a novel of this type. Following Kya growing up, being left in the marshes, finding and losing love and learning important life lessons along the way.
It then switches to the discovery and investigation of Barkley Cove's celebrity and much loved football player Chase Andrews. The locals decided that Kya is most likely to be the murder suspect.
Whilst beautifully written, and weaving joy and sadness through what is a very descriptive novel, I did struggle to read through this story, putting it down more times than continuing to read, and at one stage almost considered not finishing the story. I feel that perhaps the ratings and attention this book has had are perhaps over rated. Its a nice story, a little too wordy in places, but worth a read, but do not expect it to live up to the hype.
The novel switches between times, something I always struggle a little with when reading a novel of this type. Following Kya growing up, being left in the marshes, finding and losing love and learning important life lessons along the way.
It then switches to the discovery and investigation of Barkley Cove's celebrity and much loved football player Chase Andrews. The locals decided that Kya is most likely to be the murder suspect.
Whilst beautifully written, and weaving joy and sadness through what is a very descriptive novel, I did struggle to read through this story, putting it down more times than continuing to read, and at one stage almost considered not finishing the story. I feel that perhaps the ratings and attention this book has had are perhaps over rated. Its a nice story, a little too wordy in places, but worth a read, but do not expect it to live up to the hype.
Jessi Bone (48 KP) rated The Secret, Book, & Scone Society in Books
Mar 18, 2019
Mrs. Ellery Adams did it again. Her unique writing has transported us to Miracle Springs, North Carolina. In this unique little village, we get to meet a group of flawed women Nora, Hester, June and Estella, who together form a unique group Secret, Book and Scone Society. With this group, the women find companionship, trust, and friendship and solve a crime or two. In this unique group of women, you will find a little of yourself. Mrs. Adams has brought us another best-selling series. Being a fan of Mrs. Adams other series I was excited about to read her new book and I was blown away. Her writing and storyline are not to be missed. I am excited to see where the Miracle Springs Series goes from here as the ladies grow in their friendship and how they are open to being real and sharing their secrets while solving others hidden secrets to help the ladies heal and a few visitors. Well worth the time to read once, twice or a few more. Learning that is never too late to turn the page and start over... with a comfort scone or two.
Debbie (0 KP) rated The Stolen Marriage in Books
Jan 30, 2018
Book Review: The Stolen Marriage
You know a book is good when you contemplate taking the day off just so you can continue reading. Yup. The Stolen Marriage is the real deal! Chamberlain is an exceptional storyteller, who brings the people and town of Hickory, North Carolina to life. The Stolen Marriage is historical fiction at its best and is full of unforgettable characters, secrets, deceptions, racism, and humanity. It is clear Chamberlain did her research. The story deals with the polio epidemic of the 40's and the endless taboos, which was a part of the time (especially in the South). I have no idea why it took me this long to read Chamberlain's work (shame on me)! Nonetheless, I am absolutely a fan and thankfully there are plenty of books to choose from (I already have Necessary Lies on my to be read pile). The polio epidemic was real and sadly individuals suffered and many died, but I am still in awe of how the people of Hickory came together to build a miracle hospital in 54 hours! I would love to see this book adapted into a movie. :-)
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Vanished: True Tales of Mysterious Disappearances in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
Vanished: True Tales of Mysterious Disappearances by Elizabeth MacLeod is a non-fiction book for middle grade readers. The book discusses six stories about mysterious disappearances in chronological order. It starts with the 17th-century in North Carolina with the settlement of Roanoke Island, and ends with a 1990 art heist from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Art Museum.
The author could have taken on a negative tone with the subject but instead MacLeod is enthusiastic. The upbeat tone draws the reader into each mystery. Each story is filled with interesting facts and information.With each story there are pictures within the design.
The design of the book is uncluttered, featuring sidebars and appropriate images. The design also includes historical photographs, maps, and posters. These visuals add to the overall effectiveness of the book.
Each story begins with a factionalize vignette, which provides some background information about the disappearance. The ending of each section could have ended with a more smooth conclusion instead of abruptly. The combination of MacLeod’s storytelling and the resources included at the back of the book are sure to engage.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Vanished: True Tales of Mysterious Disappearances by Elizabeth MacLeod is a non-fiction book for middle grade readers. The book discusses six stories about mysterious disappearances in chronological order. It starts with the 17th-century in North Carolina with the settlement of Roanoke Island, and ends with a 1990 art heist from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Art Museum.
The author could have taken on a negative tone with the subject but instead MacLeod is enthusiastic. The upbeat tone draws the reader into each mystery. Each story is filled with interesting facts and information.With each story there are pictures within the design.
The design of the book is uncluttered, featuring sidebars and appropriate images. The design also includes historical photographs, maps, and posters. These visuals add to the overall effectiveness of the book.
Each story begins with a factionalize vignette, which provides some background information about the disappearance. The ending of each section could have ended with a more smooth conclusion instead of abruptly. The combination of MacLeod’s storytelling and the resources included at the back of the book are sure to engage.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated Wrong Turn (2021) in Movies
Mar 17, 2021
Not what I expected... But not too bad either
Contains spoilers, click to show
Sitting down to watch the new Wrong Turn flick. About ten minutes in I was curious to know what the inbred mountain man were going to look like.
Little did I know.
The 2021 edition of Wrong Turn doesn't have deformed monstrosities stalking their prey through the woods and hills of the North Carolina. It doesn't have a spider monkey inbred that could climb a tree in ,4 seconds.
What it does have is an entire community of people living in the hills. A community that has their own laws. Their own court. Their own due process. And the results are quite impressive.
Movie begins off innocently enough 6 friends backpacking through the woods and hills of the mountains.
What follows is a messy, twisted romp that reminds me of the short lived tv series called "Outsiders". But with an R rating and some eye gouging and throat slitting and blood spilling...
I'm not gonna say it's a welcome edition to the Wrong Turn franchise... But it's really not a Wrong Turn movie... It should've been called The Foundation... Or even Wrong Turn: The Foundation... Would've made more sense.
Little did I know.
The 2021 edition of Wrong Turn doesn't have deformed monstrosities stalking their prey through the woods and hills of the North Carolina. It doesn't have a spider monkey inbred that could climb a tree in ,4 seconds.
What it does have is an entire community of people living in the hills. A community that has their own laws. Their own court. Their own due process. And the results are quite impressive.
Movie begins off innocently enough 6 friends backpacking through the woods and hills of the mountains.
What follows is a messy, twisted romp that reminds me of the short lived tv series called "Outsiders". But with an R rating and some eye gouging and throat slitting and blood spilling...
I'm not gonna say it's a welcome edition to the Wrong Turn franchise... But it's really not a Wrong Turn movie... It should've been called The Foundation... Or even Wrong Turn: The Foundation... Would've made more sense.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated An Unexpected Role in Books
Mar 5, 2019
It's hard being a teenager, but when your mother is an author and uses your life as inspiration it can make living difficult. That was life for Josie DelRio. When her mother's newest book comes out, it sends Josie's classmates into a frenzy of malicious teasing, so Josie heads to North Carolina to spend the summer with her aunt.
Josie plans on spending her summer on the beach, taking it easy and trusting that she can find a place to fit in and have a summer on anonymity.
This was a delightful story, everyone can relate to being a teenager and what high school can be like. It is full of mystery, suspense, and some romance.
I enjoyed this book, it was a fast easy read. I do like that the author was able to insert Bible verses to help encourage the main character. What I saw in the book is that sometimes you just have to let go of things, don't carry your problems... let God take control and see what He can do!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Josie plans on spending her summer on the beach, taking it easy and trusting that she can find a place to fit in and have a summer on anonymity.
This was a delightful story, everyone can relate to being a teenager and what high school can be like. It is full of mystery, suspense, and some romance.
I enjoyed this book, it was a fast easy read. I do like that the author was able to insert Bible verses to help encourage the main character. What I saw in the book is that sometimes you just have to let go of things, don't carry your problems... let God take control and see what He can do!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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