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True crime (3 more)
Intelligent conversation
A sprinkling of dark humour
Good research
These Girls Really Are Killin' It
A couple of British friends chatting about true crime, particularly murder, and discussing just how screwed up humans can be. While the podcast started out as Lux and Sam, it has since changed to Lux and Meg, and while Sam did have a very smooth voice and quick wit, the change to Meg has not made the podcast less than it was - it has simply made it different.
At the end of each episode (starting fairly recently) the girls have a segment where they say what they have been "killin'" each week, to provide a little lift at the end of the episode, and make the world appear a little less depressing.
Altogether, a cracking little podcast, definitely worth a listen.
At the end of each episode (starting fairly recently) the girls have a segment where they say what they have been "killin'" each week, to provide a little lift at the end of the episode, and make the world appear a little less depressing.
Altogether, a cracking little podcast, definitely worth a listen.
101 Ways is a cute fast book with tips on how to live your days enjoying your fashion, your every spare moment, and your life. These tips are simple and easy: “Wear what you love—don’t always go for designer names. Look for splendid pieces in undiscovered boutiques.” and “Take a bath—luxuriate in a warm bubble bath, step out feeling like a million bucks.” My favorite was # 16—“Pick up a book. Knowledge is power. and power is chic.” They’re the kind of thing that you read and follow just to give yourself a quick break, and a refreshing change, with tons of easy, fool-proof fashion tips.
The illustrations are beautiful! Here’s a photo of one of the pictures: http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-sER6e5xCaQ/S2ouqKKFpjI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/xxzMonyChU8/s1600-h/tip%2016%5B5%5D.jpg
Recommendation: Ages 12+ for lovers of fashion, bubble baths, and being themselves in a chic stylish way!
The illustrations are beautiful! Here’s a photo of one of the pictures: http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-sER6e5xCaQ/S2ouqKKFpjI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/xxzMonyChU8/s1600-h/tip%2016%5B5%5D.jpg
Recommendation: Ages 12+ for lovers of fashion, bubble baths, and being themselves in a chic stylish way!
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Change of Fortune (Ladies of Distinction, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
It is a well known fact that I ADORE Jen Turano. In fact, my friends like to tease me about my "That's Jen Turano" face from when I met her in Nashville last summer. However, I only discovered her books in January of 2015 with After a Fashion. Ever since, I have been building my library and now own all her books and have finally been able to start catching up on reading them!
A Change of Fortune is filled with the quirky humour that I have grown to love in Jen's writing. Fun characters, mystery, wit, and romance. A fun quick read that is sure to lift your spirits and bring a smile (or two) to your face. There are also plenty of situations that will keep you on the edge of your seat and biting your nails. You won't want to put it down until you know the ending. While Hamilton and Eliza must deal with hurts and betrayals from the past, God uses the troubling circumstances to bring them closer to Himself.
Set in New York City, 1880. The Gilded Age is one of my favorites to read. The fashion, the society, the adventure, is something you won't want to miss! A Change of Fortune is the first full length book in Jen's first series, Ladies of Distinction. Don't miss her other fabulous books.
A Change of Fortune is filled with the quirky humour that I have grown to love in Jen's writing. Fun characters, mystery, wit, and romance. A fun quick read that is sure to lift your spirits and bring a smile (or two) to your face. There are also plenty of situations that will keep you on the edge of your seat and biting your nails. You won't want to put it down until you know the ending. While Hamilton and Eliza must deal with hurts and betrayals from the past, God uses the troubling circumstances to bring them closer to Himself.
Set in New York City, 1880. The Gilded Age is one of my favorites to read. The fashion, the society, the adventure, is something you won't want to miss! A Change of Fortune is the first full length book in Jen's first series, Ladies of Distinction. Don't miss her other fabulous books.
The Marinated Meeple (1848 KP) rated Alhambra in Tabletop Games
May 31, 2018
Simple, (3 more)
Elegant
Good Depth
tons of expansions that make the game better
Great Tile Laying Game, with interesting economic system
I love this game, it's great. Simple elegant. each turn you either buy tile and add them to your city, or you take money to prepare for the next turn. which makes turns relatively quick. but the depth of press your luck and anticipating what others might want is strong. There are plenty of expansions. I have the big box and you can pick and choose which ones you want to use, but each makes the game longer, so prepare yourself for longer games, which sometimes you want, other time is can drag because of it. One expansion allows you to take a tile out of turn if you can pay for it with exact change, we love that one. and there are exchange cards which allows you to convert blue money to orange money and we adore those cards too. This game has the quick feel of Ticket to Ride, with the Tile laying of Carcassone, but also the market system and a reward for paying with the exact right amount, so you have to decide if it's worth over paying for or you can be patient and get it with just the right amount. Also I highly recommend checking out Grenada which is a just a little more depth to it.
Sarah (126 KP) rated Amazon Kindle in Apps
Feb 18, 2019
Great on All Devices
I love the Kindle App. I have it on my iMac, Macbook, Chromebook and Android phone, as well as using the native Kindle reader on the Amazon Fire tablet.
I love how, no matter what device I have with me, I can always read whatever book I currently have on the go, provided I either have an internet connection or I've already downloaded the book (I'm rarely without a connection - and if I know I'm going to be, then I'll make sure the book is downloaded before I go out!).
I have a Kindle Unlimited subscription - having the Kindle app installed on all my devices means I can really make the most of the subscription, reading a few pages of a book here, or a quick glance through a magazine there. It's definitely one of the first apps I install whenever I change or upgrade any of my devices.
I love how, no matter what device I have with me, I can always read whatever book I currently have on the go, provided I either have an internet connection or I've already downloaded the book (I'm rarely without a connection - and if I know I'm going to be, then I'll make sure the book is downloaded before I go out!).
I have a Kindle Unlimited subscription - having the Kindle app installed on all my devices means I can really make the most of the subscription, reading a few pages of a book here, or a quick glance through a magazine there. It's definitely one of the first apps I install whenever I change or upgrade any of my devices.
The Marinated Meeple (1848 KP) rated Guillotine in Tabletop Games
Oct 5, 2018
Simple, Easy, Elegant, Dark Humor (1 more)
Theme works perfectly even if it's a bit distasteful
A great travel card game.
This game is a must when we travel. It plays elegantly two players, and even better with more players making it slightly more chaotic. The whole game is using the cards in your hand to manipulate the line in order to collect the most powerful heads from the guillotine during the french revolution. This game is super easy to teach: Here's your cards, read what they do.... each turn you can play one of them to change the line. After playing your card (or not) you get to collect the next "head" in line.
For something this simple there really shouldn't be as much depth to this game, but it does have some good strategy, and really is a good time. Plus it's quick, we play a game in about 15 minutes.... perfect for having a drink on a balcony overlooking the ocean, and working on the line.
For something this simple there really shouldn't be as much depth to this game, but it does have some good strategy, and really is a good time. Plus it's quick, we play a game in about 15 minutes.... perfect for having a drink on a balcony overlooking the ocean, and working on the line.
Cumberland (1142 KP) rated The Wanderer in Books
Oct 7, 2018
Not A Lot Going On
This book is intended for middle grade readers, so I was expecting a simple story. It ended up being to simple. The author underestimates what the reader will follow and comprehen, and the story greatly suffers because of this. The characters were interesting, but I would have liked the writer to spend more time explaining the characters past and showing them develop new relationships. Cody and his dad particularly had a relationship that I would have liked to know more about.
I did enjoy the story style of change back and forth between Cody's and Sophie's journals. They both had unique views on the events happening around them, and Cody's point of view gave the reader some much needed insight on Sophie.
Overall this was a quick read, and it did have some strong points; however the story feels as if its missing something that keeps it from being anything special.
I did enjoy the story style of change back and forth between Cody's and Sophie's journals. They both had unique views on the events happening around them, and Cody's point of view gave the reader some much needed insight on Sophie.
Overall this was a quick read, and it did have some strong points; however the story feels as if its missing something that keeps it from being anything special.
Cumberland (1142 KP) rated Splintering in Books
Jan 18, 2019
Good Read
This book was written in poetry. I have been reading more books in this style lately and I really like them. This one follows the story of a family dealing with the aftermath of a break in. The poetry style was a good fit for all of the emotions the characters were displaying.
I also enjoyed the sibling relationships in this book. I thought it was extremely realistic how they were absolutely horrible to each other sometimes, but had each other's backs when it mattered.
I do have one fairly large complaint. The book alternates perspectives, and its not always clear who's point of view you are reading. The only indication is a slight change in font, and I think it would have really benefited the story if they had included the characters name at the top of the section.
Other than that I really enjoyed the story, and would suggest it to anyone looking for a quick read.
I also enjoyed the sibling relationships in this book. I thought it was extremely realistic how they were absolutely horrible to each other sometimes, but had each other's backs when it mattered.
I do have one fairly large complaint. The book alternates perspectives, and its not always clear who's point of view you are reading. The only indication is a slight change in font, and I think it would have really benefited the story if they had included the characters name at the top of the section.
Other than that I really enjoyed the story, and would suggest it to anyone looking for a quick read.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Muse in Books
Jan 30, 2022
18 of 230
Book
The Muse
By Jessie Burton
⭐️⭐️
Seductive, exhilarating and suspenseful, The Muse is an unforgettable novel about aspiration and identity, love and obsession, authenticity and deception – a masterpiece from Jessie Burton, the million-copy bestselling author of The Miniaturist.
A picture hides a thousand words . . .
On a hot July day in 1967, Odelle Bastien climbs the stone steps of the Skelton gallery in London, knowing that her life is about to change forever. Having struggled to find her place in the city since she arrived from Trinidad five years ago, she has been offered a job as a typist under the tutelage of the glamorous and enigmatic Marjorie Quick. But though Quick takes Odelle into her confidence, and unlocks a potential she didn't know she had, she remains a mystery – no more so than when a lost masterpiece with a secret history is delivered to the gallery.
The truth about the painting lies in 1936 and a large house in rural Spain, where Olive Schloss, the daughter of a renowned art dealer, is harbouring ambitions of her own. Into this fragile paradise come artist and revolutionary Isaac Robles and his half-sister Teresa, who immediately insinuate themselves into the Schloss family, with explosive and devastating consequences . . .
Oh it started so well and I was enjoying it but I just got so bored. I really wanted to enjoy this book but I couldn’t find anything to keep me hooked in! The characters were wushu washy and the story lost it appeal. Such a shame!
Book
The Muse
By Jessie Burton
⭐️⭐️
Seductive, exhilarating and suspenseful, The Muse is an unforgettable novel about aspiration and identity, love and obsession, authenticity and deception – a masterpiece from Jessie Burton, the million-copy bestselling author of The Miniaturist.
A picture hides a thousand words . . .
On a hot July day in 1967, Odelle Bastien climbs the stone steps of the Skelton gallery in London, knowing that her life is about to change forever. Having struggled to find her place in the city since she arrived from Trinidad five years ago, she has been offered a job as a typist under the tutelage of the glamorous and enigmatic Marjorie Quick. But though Quick takes Odelle into her confidence, and unlocks a potential she didn't know she had, she remains a mystery – no more so than when a lost masterpiece with a secret history is delivered to the gallery.
The truth about the painting lies in 1936 and a large house in rural Spain, where Olive Schloss, the daughter of a renowned art dealer, is harbouring ambitions of her own. Into this fragile paradise come artist and revolutionary Isaac Robles and his half-sister Teresa, who immediately insinuate themselves into the Schloss family, with explosive and devastating consequences . . .
Oh it started so well and I was enjoying it but I just got so bored. I really wanted to enjoy this book but I couldn’t find anything to keep me hooked in! The characters were wushu washy and the story lost it appeal. Such a shame!
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Wanted in Paradise in Books
Jun 18, 2019
Wanted in Paradise by Kate Ashenden is a quick-to-read romance thriller set on the tropical nation of the Maldives. The twenty-five-year-old protagonist, Jasmine Hartwell has been on a hellish journey: surviving a typhoon in the Philippines, which killed thousands of people, and quitting her job because she cannot stand the way her boss treats her. To top it off, her ex-boyfriend has disappeared, presumed dead. After sending her condolences to his good looking superstar brother, Romeo Moretti, Jasmine is offered the chance to join him in the Maldives to help set up a concert in aid of climate change.
Readers are aware that Jasmine has had a crush on Romeo since she met him five years ago but due to their current circumstances, it would not be right for them to form a relationship while her ex, Diego is still missing. That does not stop Jasmine having strong feelings for Romeo and vice versa, however, there is another love interest on the scene. The Sheikh has fallen for Jasmine but Romeo believes he is an evil character set on destroying the concert and taking over the islands. Not only does Jasmine have to contend with this love-triangle, but Romeo's publicist also seems fixed on making things unnecessarily hard for her.
It takes a while for the reader to warm to the characters, especially as the story is fast-paced. It also takes a moment to appreciate the complexities of the storyline; it is not only about romance, but it also encompasses natural disasters, the dangers of climate change and the ignorance and selfishness of those with power. By the closing chapters, readers are enthralled with the potential of a happy-ever-after but still in the knowledge that all could backfire at the last minute.
Wanted in Paradise is Kate Ashenden's debut novel, which, whilst it has room for improvement, gives a taster of her potential. It is the ideal book for those who want a quick read and to be transported to another part of the world to escape the challenged of everyday life.
Readers are aware that Jasmine has had a crush on Romeo since she met him five years ago but due to their current circumstances, it would not be right for them to form a relationship while her ex, Diego is still missing. That does not stop Jasmine having strong feelings for Romeo and vice versa, however, there is another love interest on the scene. The Sheikh has fallen for Jasmine but Romeo believes he is an evil character set on destroying the concert and taking over the islands. Not only does Jasmine have to contend with this love-triangle, but Romeo's publicist also seems fixed on making things unnecessarily hard for her.
It takes a while for the reader to warm to the characters, especially as the story is fast-paced. It also takes a moment to appreciate the complexities of the storyline; it is not only about romance, but it also encompasses natural disasters, the dangers of climate change and the ignorance and selfishness of those with power. By the closing chapters, readers are enthralled with the potential of a happy-ever-after but still in the knowledge that all could backfire at the last minute.
Wanted in Paradise is Kate Ashenden's debut novel, which, whilst it has room for improvement, gives a taster of her potential. It is the ideal book for those who want a quick read and to be transported to another part of the world to escape the challenged of everyday life.