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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Winter Street in Books

Apr 4, 2019

I've been on an Elin Hilderbrand kick lately, especially after reading WINTER IN PARADISE, the first book in her new Paradise series. I loved that one immensely. I didn't love this one quite as much, but still found it a really easy, quick, and enjoyable read. I read it in one day--half while I was at the hospital with my daughter and half when I got home that evening. Because it's so enjoyable with such great characters, I found it a great diversion.

The characters are classic Hilderbrand: a messed up family that immediately pulls you in. I love how easy it is to get entangled in her tales. There's Kelley, of course, who is completely befuddled as his second marriage is falling apart. Ava, a music teacher, lives at the inn, and is struggling with her current relationship. Kevin, works at a bar, isn't living up to the family's high standards, and is in love with the housekeeper. Patrick, the eldest, is a very successful hedge fund manager with a secret (or two). Bart comes across as spoiled in the past but is now worrying the entire family as they haven't heard from him since his deployment. And then there's Margaret: the eldest three kids' mother. She's a successful newswoman and tv anchor and Kelley's first wife. I really liked her.

Somehow the book seamlessly weaves these characters together, along with their various love interests, spouses, and, yes, George the Santa. It's funny, heartbreaking, and well, completely intriguing. I love Hilderbrand's series because they suck me in and transport me to another place for a few hours (2 hours and 38 minutes, per my Bookly app).

I nabbed all the books in this series from Paperbackswap.com, and I've been hoarding the next three for when I go on vacation in April -- I'm looking forward to seeing what is next in store for the Quinns. Especially since, in true Hilderbrand fashion, this one ended in a cliffhanger!

Overall, I enjoyed this one. It's a quick, dramatic read with interesting characters. 3.5 stars.

Kudos

Fancy Cakes

Games and Stickers

5.0 (1 Ratings) Rate It

App

Are you waiting in a line? In the subway, plane, bus or taxi? GET BAKING now and MATCH cakes in this...

Much Ado About Nauticaling

Gabby Allan

5.0 (1 Ratings) Rate It

Book

The bubbly fun of a rom-com meets the irresistible quirkiness of a cozy mystery in this buoyant new...

Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Subtle Knife in Books

Nov 14, 2017 (Updated Nov 14, 2017)

An interesting take on religion and theology

In The Subtle Knife, you finally find out what Lord Asriel's plan is that is never explained in the first book, Northern Lights. I won't go into detail for anyone who hasn't read the book, but it's a little bit bonkers. I'd be intrigued to hear a review from someone religious, as this book expands further on the anti-religion, atheistic themes.

I'm an atheist, so for me I found this book really interesting. It's a fantasy take on Paradise Lost, and it's such an intriguing and well written story. I missed a few characters in this, namely Iorek and the Gyptians, but it was good to see Lyra develop and become more mature. I like Will as a new character, he's very much the sensible one to Lyra's rash character.

In all, the story is quite a bit bonkers but still a very satisfying and well written read. Can't wait to read the last one.

Kudos

Michelle Smith (41 KP) rated Blood Fury: Black Dagger Legacy in Books

Jan 26, 2018

Blood Fury: Black Dagger Legacy

J.R. Ward | 2018 | Paranormal, Romance

8.9

(7 Ratings)

Book Rating

Ruhn and Saxton - loved them as a couple (0 more)

It's been so long since I read the last book, I forgot why Assail is at the BDB house....will have to refresh my memory before The Thief is released! (0 more)

Contains spoilers, click to show

I really enjoyed Blood Fury and I didn't expect to. Mainly, because I didn't care much for Saxton in the past and I didn't really have much of an opinion on Peyton and Novo. Having now read it, I can honestly say that I loved the romance between Saxton and Ruhn. I did not see that coming! And their involvement with the human developers was a great story.
My heart broke for Novo. With her past and her awful family, it's not surprising she's as tough as she is, and I'm glad that someone was able to make her love again and help her move on and I'm glad that that someone was Peyton- if only because it meant that he'd stop obsessing over the rather dull Paradise.

Kudos

Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated Suburbicon (2017) in Movies

Feb 12, 2018

Suburbicon (2017)

2017 | Crime, Drama, Mystery

6.0

(18 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Safe no where

In a stepford kind of town in the 1950's a loving and caring family is invaded by two thieves. Gardner Lodge (Damon), Margaret (Moore) and their son after being knocked out find out that his wife has been killed during the invasion. However this once peaceful town is now turning it self over becuase the first black family has moved in and all the families and businesses want nothing to do with it. This brings a dark cloud over this paradise of a town but, another plot with the death of his wife has risen to the top and could change his and his families life for the worst.

The movie had a good plot to it but, everything else was poor. I didn't like the acting by most characters and I know it's the time but, the amount of racial prejudice that is shown is way too over the top for me.