Search
Search results
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Scone Cold Killer in Books
Jun 23, 2022
Gia Finds Trying to Outrun Her Past is Murder
Gia Morelli is trying to put her ex-husband’s financial scandal behind her as she moves from New York City to central Florida. Not only is she closer to her best friend, but she’s opening her own diner, the All-Day Breakfast Café. Her first day ends horribly, however, when she finds her ex in the dumpster behind the restaurant. What was he doing in Florida? Who killed him?
I love breakfast, so the hook of this series definitely appealed to me. While Gia’s phobias were a little over the top for me, I loved the character’s overall. The relationships Gia is forming are strong, and I can’t wait to spend more time with everyone. The story starts quickly, but it could have been a little stronger overall. Still, I couldn’t put the book down, finishing it in just a couple of days. Sadly, we don’t get any breakfast food recipes here, but the food talk definitely made me crave breakfast while I was reading. Overall, this was a solid debut, and I would definitely enjoy spending more time with the characters in the future.
I love breakfast, so the hook of this series definitely appealed to me. While Gia’s phobias were a little over the top for me, I loved the character’s overall. The relationships Gia is forming are strong, and I can’t wait to spend more time with everyone. The story starts quickly, but it could have been a little stronger overall. Still, I couldn’t put the book down, finishing it in just a couple of days. Sadly, we don’t get any breakfast food recipes here, but the food talk definitely made me crave breakfast while I was reading. Overall, this was a solid debut, and I would definitely enjoy spending more time with the characters in the future.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated City of the Dead in Books
Feb 27, 2023 (Updated Feb 27, 2023)
Breaking into a Museum is Only the Beginning
As this book opens, the team has been tasked with breaking into the British Museum and retrieving a couple of items from their exhibit on Egypt. These are sensitive items that the government doesn’t want to officially ask for back and doesn’t want to admit they even have. But the mission is not all it appears to be. What will happen when the team learns the truth?
Yes, I’m being vague in my teaser, but this is definitely a case where the fun comes in seeing how the plot evolves, so I’m giving as few spoilers as I can. There are plenty of twists that had me turning pages as fast as I could. I will say a matter of trust was resolved a little too easily for me to buy, but it was minor. As always, I love the characters, and I love watching their relationships. The growth here is great. We still get some laughs along with the adventure, too. The cliffhanger is going to make the wait for the next book even harder. Fans young and old will be delighted with this book.
Yes, I’m being vague in my teaser, but this is definitely a case where the fun comes in seeing how the plot evolves, so I’m giving as few spoilers as I can. There are plenty of twists that had me turning pages as fast as I could. I will say a matter of trust was resolved a little too easily for me to buy, but it was minor. As always, I love the characters, and I love watching their relationships. The growth here is great. We still get some laughs along with the adventure, too. The cliffhanger is going to make the wait for the next book even harder. Fans young and old will be delighted with this book.
Refuge (Relentless, #2)
9.0
Rate It
Book
To keep the people she loves safe, Sara left everything she knew behind. She soon learns this new...
Fantasy Paranormal Romance Young Adult
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Barbecue Can Be Deadly in Books
Oct 26, 2023
Brisket and Deadly Tension
Sho Tanaka’s sister Jenny is entering a local barbecue competition, and Sho and Levi Blue are going along to show their support. Sho immediately notices all the tension between the other professional contestants. But he isn’t prepared when he and Levi stumble over a dead body. With the evidence pointing to Jenny, Sho is quick to jump into the investigation. Who is cooking up more than barbecue?
Quite often when I start a mystery, it’s easy to see who the victim will be. That wasn’t the case here, which is something I loved. I did feel the pacing was off in the first half, but I still enjoyed the book and was satisfied when we reached the end. I love these characters. They are strong with great relationships. While the book deals with some serious topics, like early onset dementia and prescription drug addiction, it is a comedic mystery, and I laughed quite a few times. The competing tones are balanced perfectly, making for a richer reading experience. It’s going to be a long wait for me until the next in the series comes out. If you haven’t started this series yet, fix that today.
Quite often when I start a mystery, it’s easy to see who the victim will be. That wasn’t the case here, which is something I loved. I did feel the pacing was off in the first half, but I still enjoyed the book and was satisfied when we reached the end. I love these characters. They are strong with great relationships. While the book deals with some serious topics, like early onset dementia and prescription drug addiction, it is a comedic mystery, and I laughed quite a few times. The competing tones are balanced perfectly, making for a richer reading experience. It’s going to be a long wait for me until the next in the series comes out. If you haven’t started this series yet, fix that today.
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Face the Music (A Series of Falling Stars #2) by M.L. East in Books
Jun 7, 2022
independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is the second book in the a series of falling starts set and I thoroughly enjoyed this one as much as the first. I'm also glad it's not over yet as I'm not ready to say goodbye to any of the characters yet.
There are so many emotions and different feelings that are dealt with in this story the confusion that some of the members of the band deal with regarding themselves, sexuality, feelings certainties and hopes. It's a brilliant story to read that centres about relationships, different sexualities and also finding yourself and trying to understand your own self and worth. It sheds a whole different light on what seems to be a simple routine of a world famous K-pop band there is a lot more too it.
You are doing a fantastic job, M.L. East, at bringing very sensitive subjects to light in a calm and understanding manner with just enough humour in there just to make it not so heavy. Keep up the fantastic work well done.
5/5 stars a definite recommendation, please read the series!
This is the second book in the a series of falling starts set and I thoroughly enjoyed this one as much as the first. I'm also glad it's not over yet as I'm not ready to say goodbye to any of the characters yet.
There are so many emotions and different feelings that are dealt with in this story the confusion that some of the members of the band deal with regarding themselves, sexuality, feelings certainties and hopes. It's a brilliant story to read that centres about relationships, different sexualities and also finding yourself and trying to understand your own self and worth. It sheds a whole different light on what seems to be a simple routine of a world famous K-pop band there is a lot more too it.
You are doing a fantastic job, M.L. East, at bringing very sensitive subjects to light in a calm and understanding manner with just enough humour in there just to make it not so heavy. Keep up the fantastic work well done.
5/5 stars a definite recommendation, please read the series!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Murder at the Mushroom Festival in Books
Oct 8, 2022
Murder is Mushrooming
The community of Redwood Cove is getting ready for the annual mushroom festival. It includes a mushroom hunting contest that is bring out the worst in some of the residence. Kelly Jackson witnesses several fights, including between the people attending a mushroom class she is hosting at her bed and breakfast. However, she is still surprised when a dead body is found. As she and the Silver Sentinels, a group that works to solve problems in the community, start to investigate, they find motives beyond the mushroom festival. Can they figure out what is happening?
It was nice to get to reconnect with Kelly and her friends. They make a great group of characters, and I love seeing their relationships grow in this book. It was also interesting to watch the suspects evolve as the book progressed. The book managed to surprise me as to who the victim was going to be, something that doesn’t often happen. It kept me guessing on the killer until Kelly figured it out, too. If you are looking for a light cozy, this is the book for you.
It was nice to get to reconnect with Kelly and her friends. They make a great group of characters, and I love seeing their relationships grow in this book. It was also interesting to watch the suspects evolve as the book progressed. The book managed to surprise me as to who the victim was going to be, something that doesn’t often happen. It kept me guessing on the killer until Kelly figured it out, too. If you are looking for a light cozy, this is the book for you.
ClareR (5879 KP) rated Hello Beautiful in Books
May 9, 2023
Between finishing reading Hello Beautiful and writing this review, this book has exploded. Oprah has taken it under her wing and shown it as the wonderful piece of work that it is to her followers. So, it has already been read by a lot of people - and rightly so. I loved it. Books about families and family relationships, whether they’re a difficult or loving relationship, are one of my most favourite things.
There are most certainly echoes of Little Women, but if you’ve never read it, it won’t make much difference to your enjoyment. You might want to try Little Women at some point though!
William Waters grows up in a very dysfunctional family, and is drawn into the Padavano family when he marries Julia - it’s a family he comes to love.
With themes of mental illness, family loyalties, love in all of its forms and loss, it’s a big read for only around 400 pages. The story just sped by, and I was bereft when I turned the last page.
I loved the world of William Waters and the Padavano sisters.
Highly recommended.
There are most certainly echoes of Little Women, but if you’ve never read it, it won’t make much difference to your enjoyment. You might want to try Little Women at some point though!
William Waters grows up in a very dysfunctional family, and is drawn into the Padavano family when he marries Julia - it’s a family he comes to love.
With themes of mental illness, family loyalties, love in all of its forms and loss, it’s a big read for only around 400 pages. The story just sped by, and I was bereft when I turned the last page.
I loved the world of William Waters and the Padavano sisters.
Highly recommended.
ClareR (5879 KP) rated Swimming For Beginners in Books
Jan 27, 2024 (Updated Jan 27, 2024)
Well this was a thoroughly lovely read!
Loretta is a very prickly character, so much so, that I began to think quite early on that she was hiding something (and it all does become clear). I’ve met a fair few people like Loretta, people who don’t have great social skills and really struggle with small talk and work relationships - and in this day and age it should be noted and understood by employers. Not so much where Loretta works though.
Six year old Phoebe is a lovely child. Despite her trauma, she’s lively, talkative, charming and funny. Yes, she’s upset and cries - that’s just what you’d expect. I couldn’t help but think that her grandmother didn’t really help matters, but then she’s equally as upset. Which is why Loretta’s help is needed.
Phoebe is the making of Loretta. She not only makes her see that there’s more to life than her job, she also helps her to deal with her own past - and make some big changes in her life.
Swimming for Beginners is a feel-good read, it’s very sad in places and gives the reader ample opportunity to laugh as well. I loved it.
Loretta is a very prickly character, so much so, that I began to think quite early on that she was hiding something (and it all does become clear). I’ve met a fair few people like Loretta, people who don’t have great social skills and really struggle with small talk and work relationships - and in this day and age it should be noted and understood by employers. Not so much where Loretta works though.
Six year old Phoebe is a lovely child. Despite her trauma, she’s lively, talkative, charming and funny. Yes, she’s upset and cries - that’s just what you’d expect. I couldn’t help but think that her grandmother didn’t really help matters, but then she’s equally as upset. Which is why Loretta’s help is needed.
Phoebe is the making of Loretta. She not only makes her see that there’s more to life than her job, she also helps her to deal with her own past - and make some big changes in her life.
Swimming for Beginners is a feel-good read, it’s very sad in places and gives the reader ample opportunity to laugh as well. I loved it.
Gloria’s Gold
Book
Unmasking fraudsters and fakes of all kinds brings its own rewards - and plenty of trouble. ...
Witchcraft & Incantations For Love & Healing
Book
Tired of Attracting the Wrong Types of Love or Dating the Wrong Person? Learn why your...
Self-Help Relationships Spirituality