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Where We Begin, (The Berkshires, #1)
Where We Begin, (The Berkshires, #1)
Janey King | 2020
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was my first time reading a book by Janey King, it is the first book in her series titled The Berkshire Series, and it is her debut novel; so a Trifecta of firsts! The main characters, Hannah, and Collin are an interesting mix match of characteristics and so much heart packed into them both. I enjoyed Janey King's portrayal of their lives and the struggles they faced in the past and together in the present. It was a very realistic and blunt (I do mean blunt) portrayal of the struggles we all go through. I did enjoy the overall plot of overcoming your past and finding happiness with where you are at. One thing I did struggle with was the continual emphasis on sex, it was a constant mention in both mental and verbal conversations. Just not my usual cuppa tea as I like to focus on the story. But it is still a good storyline and I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
Dogs + Faith = An Inspiring book!

I have read all the books in the Independence Island series so far and have been enchanted by their realistic approaches to life and the way they each uniquely emphasize our need for a Savior. Tabitha Bouldin is a new to me author that I so glad to have found through this series. I LOVED the way she showed faith through her characters, the struggles of any small business, and her commitment to showing the realities of life. Melody and Zeke played so well off each other and were a great combination. Mishaps off the Mainland is one of my favorite stories so far in the Independence Island series and I am so looking forward to reading more books by Tabitha Bouldin (can you say going on a binge read?)

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the strong faith aspects, the relatable characters, and for leaving me thinking even after I am done with the book.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
I have no idea where to even begin telling you about this sweet story!

V. Joy Palmer put together a wonderful story that brought together two people and gave them a second chance at their dreams, all the while not shying away from mistakes of our pasts and keeping it real, blunt, and honest. One of the few authors I have read who can do it in a non-offensive way, rather V. Joy Palmer did it biblically and with great emphasis on second chances and healing. I enjoyed how Kaylee and Gabe reflected on the past and that they seemed real. They both really grew as the book progressed and I was very happy with the way the story rounded out at the end; Plus, it was nice to see some familiar faces from previous books.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the realistic characters that were easily relatable, the faith filled pages, and for being an honest story.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Nov 10, 2020 (Updated Nov 10, 2020)  
Sneak a peek at the mature Middle Grade realistic fiction novel ARACELI'S PATH: AMONG ANGELS AND DEVEILS IN JUAREZ by Marion Surles on my blog. Read about her cause Love and Literacy in her guest post. (It's a fantastic cause!) Enter the GIVEAWAY to win autographed copies of Araceli’s Path and Grit in Juarez (choice of English or Spanish) by Marion Surles, Day of the Dead shopping bag & plate, Mexican coin purse, and Mexican candy - two winners!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2020/11/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-aracelis.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
Araceli comes from a blended, dysfunctional family held together by the love of a grandmother. Rubí is being raised by a single mother who works as a prostitute. Both young girls are affected not only by their mothers' choices but also by the violence and culture of Juarez, Mexico.

Can they overcome the cards they have been dealt, or are they destined to follow the same paths as their mothers?

Follow the lives of Araceli and Rubí from childhood to young adulthood and listen for children everywhere who are voiceless, trapped in their own cultures.
     
The Exterminating Angel (1962)
The Exterminating Angel (1962)
1962 | Drama, Fantasy
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Favorite

"The Exterminating Angel is a surrealistic movie. It’s about a bunch of people from high society in Mexico who, after one night at the opera, decide to have drinks in the house of one of them, and they cannot get out. And they spend about three months there, and you don’t know why they cannot get out, but they cannot. [Laughs] It’s a very, very beautiful and interesting story — also risky, and very misunderstood at the time that the movie opened. But you know, that’s what happened sometimes; after the second World War, naturalism and realism won the battle, so it was imposed that cinema had to be realistic always. But there was a time that it was not like that; Russians were doing expressionist movies, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari for example in Germany, and all these German directors, they were doing another type of approach to movies in formal terms. And in Spain, too, we had Luis Bunuel who was doing this type of surreal movies that were very interesting. Now they can be revised in sort of a different way, with time passed. But Luis Bunuel is definitely one of my favorite directors of all time."

Source
  
Bag of Bones
Bag of Bones
Stephen King | 1998 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.3 (44 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is my first encounter with this famous author and I was quite pleased with it. When I started reading the book it didn’t make me very excited. To this time I think that it could’ve been at least 150 pages less than it actually was. In my opinion, the beginning was too dragged and the information which actually was necessary could’ve fit in couple chapters. Once Mike actually gets to Sara Laughs then all the fun begins. I liked the characters chosen for this novel, they were realistic and very believable.

The plot was quite layered, and there were multiple stories unfolding in this book, that kept me intrigued. The book is perfect for a big screen, and if the right crew would’ve worked on it could be an amazing thriller. I had an opportunity to see the screen making with Pierce Brosnan and it didn’t make me very happy. I loved Mr King’s writing style and little clues of what will happen. So, overall, I had a slow beginning with this book but once I got to the fun bit I couldn’t put it away. I will definitely indulge myself into more of Mr King’s writing.
  
The Furies
The Furies
Katie Lowe | 2019 | Thriller
6
6.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
This novel may be better than expected, simply due to the disservice done by comparing it to The Craft. Inevitably, one begins reading this story actively looking for likenesses and parallels with the movie which most likely masks the true plot that, in my opinion, is much more realistic and powerful than witchcraft and “friendships”. The need for adolescents to belong, especially those who feel left out or different is so strong that they often forgo their own identities and end up with a “mob mentality” of sorts which contributes to actions they may not otherwise engage in on their own. As an adult reading this novel, I had to remind myself of my own adolescence and the possibilities portrayed in this novel, every time I began to roll my eyes at the thought of people behaving this way. The “academics” depicted were a bit unnecessary for me, dragging the story into a lull more times that advisable. The slight element of the supernatural or the hint of it enhances the minutiae people will cling to in order to believe and belong. Not my favorite read but certainly more layered and real than some others.