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Rachel King (13 KP) rated Summer of Secrets (Seasons of the Heart, #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I know very little about the Amish lifestyle, though there is a similar community near where I live. This book was a good introduction to their beliefs and practices without the details getting in the way of the plot. Tidbits of the Dutch language are also interspersed throughout the dialogue to make it more realistic. Food plays a prominent role in the plot, with several of the main characters running a restaurant together called "Sweet Season." Many of the recipes featured in the back of the book were served up in the restaurant, and many descriptions of the food sparked my appetite, such as the cinnamon rolls and orange knots. So many of the Amish ways focus on Plain living, such as an old-fashioned washing machine and garden-grown fruits and vegetables. While some aspects could be considered inconvenient, such as no telephones except for businesses, other practices make for a healthier lifestyle. "Modern" society could certainly learn a few things from the Amish.
The characters were easily relate-able, even with such polar opposites as Rachel - high-maintenance and emotional - and her long-lost sister, Tiffany/ Rebecca - withdrawn and goth. I also rather liked Micah, Rachel's fiance, for his desires to help others and be responsible while also being honest with himself. Rebecca is the perfect dichotomy to the Amish faith, as she questions everything and behaves and dresses nothing like the Plain people, though she was born in the community. Miriam, the triplet's widowed mother, is also a subtle example of how even the women can gain independence and self-sufficiency by operating her own restaurant with the aid of her daughters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially for its conservative approach to romance and drama, and I know that I will be delving into more Amish literature.
The characters were easily relate-able, even with such polar opposites as Rachel - high-maintenance and emotional - and her long-lost sister, Tiffany/ Rebecca - withdrawn and goth. I also rather liked Micah, Rachel's fiance, for his desires to help others and be responsible while also being honest with himself. Rebecca is the perfect dichotomy to the Amish faith, as she questions everything and behaves and dresses nothing like the Plain people, though she was born in the community. Miriam, the triplet's widowed mother, is also a subtle example of how even the women can gain independence and self-sufficiency by operating her own restaurant with the aid of her daughters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially for its conservative approach to romance and drama, and I know that I will be delving into more Amish literature.
Sam (74 KP) rated How Do You Like Me Now? in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Okay, so I think I’m the only person left who hasn’t read anything by Holly Bourne before this point. I didn’t even realise she was a YA author before checking out her twitter, and I’m definitely going to get some of her YA novels now.
Tori is an author of a self-help novel about how to survive your twenties. Now in her thirties, she’s lost, unhappy, and worried about where her life is going. On top of that, she has got another inspirational book about how brilliant and perfect her life is waiting to be written.
Only her life isn’t perfect. She’s falling out of love with ‘The One’, constantly worried about looking too old and not seeming perfect enough on social media for her fans, and she feels unsuccessful.
It was really nice to read an honest book for once that shows that someone’s persona on social media is not who they really are. Tori is constantly posting on social media about how perfect her relationship is and how successful she is, when really, her life is the exact opposite.
The novel focused on Tori trying to find her happiness again without hurting people around her, and trying to write her next novel that thousands of people are desparate for.
The whole book was a nice surprise, as it was brutally honest and still an entertaining read. I devoured it in a couple of days, never wanting to put it down.
I did feel that the plot was lacking a bit. It did just seem like the whole thing was a bit of a sub-plot, but that did make it a nice, easy, and quick read.
I will definitely be checking out more of Holly Bourne’s books now.
Tori is an author of a self-help novel about how to survive your twenties. Now in her thirties, she’s lost, unhappy, and worried about where her life is going. On top of that, she has got another inspirational book about how brilliant and perfect her life is waiting to be written.
Only her life isn’t perfect. She’s falling out of love with ‘The One’, constantly worried about looking too old and not seeming perfect enough on social media for her fans, and she feels unsuccessful.
It was really nice to read an honest book for once that shows that someone’s persona on social media is not who they really are. Tori is constantly posting on social media about how perfect her relationship is and how successful she is, when really, her life is the exact opposite.
The novel focused on Tori trying to find her happiness again without hurting people around her, and trying to write her next novel that thousands of people are desparate for.
The whole book was a nice surprise, as it was brutally honest and still an entertaining read. I devoured it in a couple of days, never wanting to put it down.
I did feel that the plot was lacking a bit. It did just seem like the whole thing was a bit of a sub-plot, but that did make it a nice, easy, and quick read.
I will definitely be checking out more of Holly Bourne’s books now.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Chrissy Metz stars on the NBC hit show, This is US as Kate Pearson, one of the triplets. If you have never seen this show, you don't need to have, to read this book, but I think you might afterwards. This book chronicles her life from when she was a young child to her life today after making it on such a great show. It goes through her struggles with her weight and being accepted by family as well as outsiders. And her main focus is being happy with the person she is no matter her size or job.
I would categorize this book as a Self-Help Memoir. Chrissy gives explains how she overcame many obstacles in her life and shares these lessons with her readers. She is a strong independent woman, moving her whole life from Gainsville, Florida to Los Angeles, California to pursue her acting career. This was not something that came easy for her and she spent 9 years as a agent helping others with their acting careers before she was able to really start her own.
I could relate to Chrissy in a lot of aspects in this book, her advice is stuff we've all heard before, but her examples of how she applied it to her own circumstances, made the book more relateable to me.
Chrissy Metz is Kate Pearson. She explains this in her book of how the struggles Kate goes through are exactly the issues she had, as if the role was written specifically for her. Chrissy seems very down to earth and a person who you would want to be friends with. I look forward to following her journey on This is US and any other projects she may be involved in.
I would categorize this book as a Self-Help Memoir. Chrissy gives explains how she overcame many obstacles in her life and shares these lessons with her readers. She is a strong independent woman, moving her whole life from Gainsville, Florida to Los Angeles, California to pursue her acting career. This was not something that came easy for her and she spent 9 years as a agent helping others with their acting careers before she was able to really start her own.
I could relate to Chrissy in a lot of aspects in this book, her advice is stuff we've all heard before, but her examples of how she applied it to her own circumstances, made the book more relateable to me.
Chrissy Metz is Kate Pearson. She explains this in her book of how the struggles Kate goes through are exactly the issues she had, as if the role was written specifically for her. Chrissy seems very down to earth and a person who you would want to be friends with. I look forward to following her journey on This is US and any other projects she may be involved in.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Hopefuls in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Beth is less than thrilled when her husband, Matt, announces they are moving to Washington, DC. Beth loves New York City and all that comes with it, and DC is an intense culture shock. Matt is involved with President Obama's campaign and the couple's life revolves completely around politics. Beth, a writer, tires easily of the endless business talk and her husband's obsession with politics and the DC scene. Soon Matt and Beth meet Jimmy and Ashleigh. Jimmy works at the White House as well. The couples become fast friends, sharing meals, parties, and vacations. But as Jimmy raises in the ranks in politics, the friendship becomes quickly threatened by jealousy.
I was intrigued by the premise of this book--a relationship set to the backdrop of the Obama campaign and administration. Living close to the DC area, I can say that Close's description of many DC citizens is spot on: the Blackberrys, the obsession with security clearance and work standing, the fashion. She's excellent at weaving a story in the details.
The problem, however, is that Beth--the novel's narrator--is just so dull. She's beyond passive, willing to watch life unravel as she watches. It doesn't seem as if Beth is interested in anything, beyond whining. After a while, I just became so frustrated with her, I wanted to scream. It doesn't help that her husband, Matt, is similarly self-absorbed, and Jimmy and Ashleigh aren't any more likable. The book sort of bumps along, with no real movement to swing it along, or a character with any redeeming quality of any sort (good or bad). Even the DC details can't save this often frustrating novel from its own irksome and passive characters. 2.5 stars.
I was intrigued by the premise of this book--a relationship set to the backdrop of the Obama campaign and administration. Living close to the DC area, I can say that Close's description of many DC citizens is spot on: the Blackberrys, the obsession with security clearance and work standing, the fashion. She's excellent at weaving a story in the details.
The problem, however, is that Beth--the novel's narrator--is just so dull. She's beyond passive, willing to watch life unravel as she watches. It doesn't seem as if Beth is interested in anything, beyond whining. After a while, I just became so frustrated with her, I wanted to scream. It doesn't help that her husband, Matt, is similarly self-absorbed, and Jimmy and Ashleigh aren't any more likable. The book sort of bumps along, with no real movement to swing it along, or a character with any redeeming quality of any sort (good or bad). Even the DC details can't save this often frustrating novel from its own irksome and passive characters. 2.5 stars.
Debbie Orazi (15 KP) rated eBookStage in Apps
Apr 4, 2018
eBookStage is a free daily email that notifies you about free eBooks and discounted audio-books. You choose the genres you'd like to get notified about — with categories ranging from mysteries to self help — and we send you great eBook and audio-book deals in those categories directly to your inbox.
eBookStage doesn't actually sell books. We simply alert you by email to fantastic limited-time offers that become available on retailers like Amazon's Kindle store, Barnes and Noble's Nook store, Apple's iBooks, Google books and others. Book authors and publishers offer deals at these sites for promotional purposes, and our staff works with them to determine the best ones to feature to our readers' community.
eBookStage features eBooks ranging from top-tier publishers to critically acclaimed independent authors. Our team of experts makes sure that we're only featuring amazing deals on quality books that you'll love.
As a special offer for our customers, we have a huge inventory of eBooks now on sale for half price and more. Now that's a deal! This sale will not last long, so place your order today and join our mailing list to receive future deals.
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Click on the Register Now link on the page.
Enter Your Details
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Favorite Categories
Select the types of ebooks or audio books you’re interested in, and which format you like to read.
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Click On Submit and you will receive a daily email with amazing free and cheap eBooks or audio deals.
We have free kindle books, Apple iBooks and more.
Join eBookstage now for free and enjoy reading amazing free and discounted eBook Deals!!
Welcome to eBookstage, the place where you can find all the great deals from Amazon Kindle Store or any other retailer such as Barnes and Noble or even Apple.
eBookStage doesn't actually sell books. We simply alert you by email to fantastic limited-time offers that become available on retailers like Amazon's Kindle store, Barnes and Noble's Nook store, Apple's iBooks, Google books and others. Book authors and publishers offer deals at these sites for promotional purposes, and our staff works with them to determine the best ones to feature to our readers' community.
eBookStage features eBooks ranging from top-tier publishers to critically acclaimed independent authors. Our team of experts makes sure that we're only featuring amazing deals on quality books that you'll love.
As a special offer for our customers, we have a huge inventory of eBooks now on sale for half price and more. Now that's a deal! This sale will not last long, so place your order today and join our mailing list to receive future deals.
How To Start?
Subscribe
Click on the Register Now link on the page.
Enter Your Details
Just Your Name and Email Address
Favorite Categories
Select the types of ebooks or audio books you’re interested in, and which format you like to read.
Submit
Click On Submit and you will receive a daily email with amazing free and cheap eBooks or audio deals.
We have free kindle books, Apple iBooks and more.
Join eBookstage now for free and enjoy reading amazing free and discounted eBook Deals!!
Welcome to eBookstage, the place where you can find all the great deals from Amazon Kindle Store or any other retailer such as Barnes and Noble or even Apple.
Carma (21 KP) rated Chasing Eva in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Eva and Clive met long ago at one of the parties their fathers held around the holidays. Their fathers had been friends and business associates for quite some time and at one party Eva and Clive had their first kiss. Fast-forward many years later to a chance meeting in the elevator of their mutual building. Now thrown together as someone is trying to manipulate her company, she relies on Clive to help her navigate this new normal.
Chasing Eva is a romantic suspense read continuing in the next 2 books in the series Loving Eva and Killing Eva. This was a first read for this author and overall I enjoyed her writing style. I felt though a little confused as to how Eva didn’t remember kissing Clive (not the most common name) all those years ago. And if Clive knew so much about Eva through the years, didn’t know she was running her fathers company and just a few floors down from his office.
So that aside, this story was an interesting read for me. I haven’t been reading too much in the romantic suspense genre lately (though at one time it was a mainstay) and this one I would classify as more romantic than suspenseful. It gives a good baseline for where Clive and Eva have grown since that first kiss, and how they can come together now and try a relationship. Eva has some self-doubts after seeing some of the women Clive has dated, but in the end he shows her that he has eyes for only her.
This new to me author gets 4 stars for this introduction to her series. I am almost through with Loving Eva and then on to Killing Eva to see how this triology ends. All opinions expressed are my own, no review expectation was given.
Chasing Eva is a romantic suspense read continuing in the next 2 books in the series Loving Eva and Killing Eva. This was a first read for this author and overall I enjoyed her writing style. I felt though a little confused as to how Eva didn’t remember kissing Clive (not the most common name) all those years ago. And if Clive knew so much about Eva through the years, didn’t know she was running her fathers company and just a few floors down from his office.
So that aside, this story was an interesting read for me. I haven’t been reading too much in the romantic suspense genre lately (though at one time it was a mainstay) and this one I would classify as more romantic than suspenseful. It gives a good baseline for where Clive and Eva have grown since that first kiss, and how they can come together now and try a relationship. Eva has some self-doubts after seeing some of the women Clive has dated, but in the end he shows her that he has eyes for only her.
This new to me author gets 4 stars for this introduction to her series. I am almost through with Loving Eva and then on to Killing Eva to see how this triology ends. All opinions expressed are my own, no review expectation was given.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj (Van Wilder 2) (2006) in Movies
Aug 14, 2019
It has been four years since audiences last met Taj Mahal Badalandabad(Kal Penn), as he interned under Van Wilder in the film of the same name.
In Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj, we catch up with a more seasoned and confident Taj as he embarks on a trip to England in order to earn his teaching Doctorate under an advisor program.
From a outrageous encounter on his flight to England to running afoul of the snobbish Pipp Everett (Daniel Percival), Taj soon finds himself watching over a house full of some of the most dysfunctional people he has ever seen.
Undaunted, Taj decides to mentor his charges in much the same way that Van Wilder helped him, and hopes to help them earn a sense of dignity and self respect.
When Taj encounters the lovely Charlotte (Charlie) Higginson (Lauren Cohan), he earns the wrath of Pipp who happens to be dating Charlotte and already has a strong dislike for Taj and his students.
What follows is a fun, if predictable romp, where Taj and company must battle Pipp and his minions and prevail.
While this version contains its share of gross out comedy, there are some genuine fun and light-hearted moments. While it will not be remembered as one of the great comedies, of the year, there are some enjoyable moments in the film, especially Kal Penn who carries the film as well as he can with the material he is given.
In many ways the film plays out as a by the numbers comedy, yet there are some fun moments here, and if you were a fan of the first film, you just might find this your cup of tea.
In Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj, we catch up with a more seasoned and confident Taj as he embarks on a trip to England in order to earn his teaching Doctorate under an advisor program.
From a outrageous encounter on his flight to England to running afoul of the snobbish Pipp Everett (Daniel Percival), Taj soon finds himself watching over a house full of some of the most dysfunctional people he has ever seen.
Undaunted, Taj decides to mentor his charges in much the same way that Van Wilder helped him, and hopes to help them earn a sense of dignity and self respect.
When Taj encounters the lovely Charlotte (Charlie) Higginson (Lauren Cohan), he earns the wrath of Pipp who happens to be dating Charlotte and already has a strong dislike for Taj and his students.
What follows is a fun, if predictable romp, where Taj and company must battle Pipp and his minions and prevail.
While this version contains its share of gross out comedy, there are some genuine fun and light-hearted moments. While it will not be remembered as one of the great comedies, of the year, there are some enjoyable moments in the film, especially Kal Penn who carries the film as well as he can with the material he is given.
In many ways the film plays out as a by the numbers comedy, yet there are some fun moments here, and if you were a fan of the first film, you just might find this your cup of tea.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Life and Times of William Boule in Books
Nov 19, 2019
It took me a long time to get around to reading a Max China book and I had heard a lot of good things about his work. I was not disappointed.
This novel forms a sequel to The Sister but I didn't feel I needed to read that to enjoy this as the characters are introduced and explained well. Carla Black is a journalist who wants to flush out the titular serial killer from his hideaway in Morocco. Meanwhile Miller, a missing persons investigator and former lover of Carla, suspects she may run into trouble and follows on to help her. When Boule runs into Carla unexpectedly, she and Miller end up in a race to safety with the serial killer in determined pursuit.
There are so many things that make this book stand out. China's descriptions of the dusty streets of Morocco, full of colours and smells are extremely immersive. His characters are all very solid and well-drawn. I particularly liked the local police chief who turns out to be a very shrewd and resourceful operator in his own right at working out what is going on. Boule is suitably amoral and nasty, a real sociopath but when the narrative is from his point of view the reader finds out his self-justification for his actions.
China keeps the reader guessing with the direction the plot is going to take next and the pace is frantic, the chase scenes desperate and nerve wracking and the pauses in action claustrophobic with menace. Everything gathers pace and momentum neatly until the final showdown which is perfectly pitched in terms of drama.
I really was impressed by this book and China is an outstanding writer.
(Contains violence and sexual scenes and references)
This novel forms a sequel to The Sister but I didn't feel I needed to read that to enjoy this as the characters are introduced and explained well. Carla Black is a journalist who wants to flush out the titular serial killer from his hideaway in Morocco. Meanwhile Miller, a missing persons investigator and former lover of Carla, suspects she may run into trouble and follows on to help her. When Boule runs into Carla unexpectedly, she and Miller end up in a race to safety with the serial killer in determined pursuit.
There are so many things that make this book stand out. China's descriptions of the dusty streets of Morocco, full of colours and smells are extremely immersive. His characters are all very solid and well-drawn. I particularly liked the local police chief who turns out to be a very shrewd and resourceful operator in his own right at working out what is going on. Boule is suitably amoral and nasty, a real sociopath but when the narrative is from his point of view the reader finds out his self-justification for his actions.
China keeps the reader guessing with the direction the plot is going to take next and the pace is frantic, the chase scenes desperate and nerve wracking and the pauses in action claustrophobic with menace. Everything gathers pace and momentum neatly until the final showdown which is perfectly pitched in terms of drama.
I really was impressed by this book and China is an outstanding writer.
(Contains violence and sexual scenes and references)
Shameful Bodies: Religion and the Culture of Physical Improvement
Book
What happens when your body doesn't look how it's supposed to look, or feel how it's supposed to...