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ClareR (6253 KP) rated Forget You Know Me in Books
Jan 16, 2019
Talking is good!
This is my first Jessica Strawser book, and I don't think it will be my last. From other reviews, it would seem that this is a departure from the 'thriller' genre of her previous novels: it's definitely more 'Literary Fiction'. There's no real mystery (ok, just the one), and everyone's cards are pretty much laid out on the table. It's just that they all seem incapable of talking to one another: Molly and Liza, once best friends, become more and more estranged as they live so far from one another. Daniel and Molly, although they are married, seem to be growing apart, and due to the demands of work and children, do not seem to have any time for one another. The takeaway message in this seems to be - just talk to each other, for goodness sakes! Relationships need effort from all sides!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my copy of this book to read and enjoy!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my copy of this book to read and enjoy!
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.
ClareR (6253 KP) rated Bitter Orange in Books
Dec 21, 2018
A Fantastic Book!
Frances Jellico lies dying in a hospital bed in the present day. She has flash backs to 1969 when she was asked to go to a large, dilapidated country house to assess the gardens for its new owner. She leaves London just after her mother dies - a mother who she had taken care of on her own for a long time. Already there when she arrives are Cara and Peter. He is an antiques expert, and Cara is his wife.
There is such a lot going on in this book: Cara and Peter have a strained relationship, Cara is clearly unwell; the vicar in the local church is not happy in his work, and Frances seems completely incapable of understanding relationships - her upbringing seems to have been very sheltered.
This is such a good story. I enjoyed uncovering the layers and the last few chapters were stunning and completely unexpected.
There is such a lot going on in this book: Cara and Peter have a strained relationship, Cara is clearly unwell; the vicar in the local church is not happy in his work, and Frances seems completely incapable of understanding relationships - her upbringing seems to have been very sheltered.
This is such a good story. I enjoyed uncovering the layers and the last few chapters were stunning and completely unexpected.
AJaneClark (3975 KP) rated Bones Of The Lost in Books
Dec 6, 2019 (Updated Dec 6, 2019)
Always gets the bad guy
In the 16th instalment of the bones series by Kathy Reichs, Dr Temperance Brennan is travelling from Charlotte to Afghanistan and back again. With appearances from all the regular characters, Temperance sets out to solve the murder of a mystery Jane Doe, and the potential unlawful killing of Afghani villagers.
Temperance aims to give the girl an identity, and figure out just who is to blame for cutting her life short. All the while Tempe is dealing with her own issues, the lack of contact from her on/off lover Andy, her unconventional relationships with her ex -husband, her flaky sister and her daughter.
Reichs always writes very well, including using the correct terminology, allowing readers to get a grasp of how the characters are really feeling, and keeping you on the edge of the mystery with little tiny bites of the truth, dotted with the odd red herring.
Temperance aims to give the girl an identity, and figure out just who is to blame for cutting her life short. All the while Tempe is dealing with her own issues, the lack of contact from her on/off lover Andy, her unconventional relationships with her ex -husband, her flaky sister and her daughter.
Reichs always writes very well, including using the correct terminology, allowing readers to get a grasp of how the characters are really feeling, and keeping you on the edge of the mystery with little tiny bites of the truth, dotted with the odd red herring.
AJaneClark (3975 KP) rated Forever Pucked (Pucked #4) in Books
Jan 18, 2020
Happy Ever Afters
Book 4 in the series brings us back round to the original characters. Alex “MC” Waters and his beautiful fiancée Violet Hall!
Alex ends up spectacularly getting injured out of the NHL when he has a run in with another team, whilst Violet gets a promotion at work.
After the scare that Alex’s injuries caused, they have both reassessed what they want in life and Violet finally agrees to set a date for the wedding. But in true typical Violet style, things will have to change... much like Alex’s mums hair!
We see again all the other characters we have been introduced to in the series, and it’s so nice to be able to follow the progression of the relationships, and how they all interlink and interact with one another.
The series continues to be well written and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the ongoing humour and individual character styles. Helena is nothing if not consistent! I look forward to finishing the series!
Alex ends up spectacularly getting injured out of the NHL when he has a run in with another team, whilst Violet gets a promotion at work.
After the scare that Alex’s injuries caused, they have both reassessed what they want in life and Violet finally agrees to set a date for the wedding. But in true typical Violet style, things will have to change... much like Alex’s mums hair!
We see again all the other characters we have been introduced to in the series, and it’s so nice to be able to follow the progression of the relationships, and how they all interlink and interact with one another.
The series continues to be well written and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the ongoing humour and individual character styles. Helena is nothing if not consistent! I look forward to finishing the series!
Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated Casino (1995) in Movies
Mar 3, 2020
In many ways, I prefer this film to Goodfellas. It has a slower burn, but feels more mature and grounded, somehow. The acting generally from all the regulars is top of the game stuff; especially Sharon Stone, who surprised many by just how good she could be, and is a rare mention in this genre for a female stealing the show! The lush visuals afforded by the glamour of the casino itself dazzles the eye. The suits are there, the attitudes are there. Much more than a lot of “ganster” films, however, this one focuses on relationships at its core. The glitz and crime are a context for looking at the people underneath and how they fail one another. It demonstrates how you can have it all in life and still despair. Criticised for lacking focus and a rock solid script, it can’t be denied there are faults, but it is still one hell of a ride!
Russ Troutt (291 KP) rated While We're Young (2015) in Movies
Aug 2, 2019
I feel like I, along with most of my friends, have reached that age where adulthood has became far too real. Sadly, we get caught up in daily routines of work, relationships, and such. Not that our lives aren't great, just not in the moment and as spontaneous as we used to be. This is a great little movie about such a couple who befriends a younger, more hip couple that reminds them of their younger selves. Are their current friends right in thinking they are crazy and going through a midlife crisis or is this young, hipster couple the best thing to walk into their lives? Guess you'll just have to watch it and find out. Maybe afterwards you'll dust off some of your VHS's and see if remember how to rewind or break out your old vinyl collection for a spin. For God's sake, avoid fedoras and skinny jeans though.
A Maze In Love
Games and Stickers
5.0
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What is love? Isn’t it a maze of smiles, winks, carelessly spoken words, omissions and hints? A...
The Wait: A Powerful Practice to Finding the Love of Your Life and the Life You Love
DeVon Franklin, Meagan Good and Tim Vandehey
10.0
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In this New York Times bestseller, Hollywood power couple DeVon Franklin and Meagan Good candidly...