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Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated City Fun in Books
Jun 16, 2018
City Fun by Margaret Hillert is a book with bright illustrations that are colorful, and show diversity. In this book, two friends have a day in the city. Some of the activities are they go to the park, the library, ride a bus, and watch some construction. The illustrations are bright and colorful. The story has limited words, the illustrations in itself tell a story. I believe that children will enjoy pointing to objects in the picture, and talking about the story beyond the word as they learn to read. These books would be a great addition to a home and class library for young children who are learning to read.
The Learning to Read series is easy to read. The series uses site vocabulary that is printed in the back of the book. The book captures the imaginations of beginning readers and help them on their way to independent reading. The books can be read aloud to young children or the children can read the books themselves.
The Learning to Read series is easy to read. The series uses site vocabulary that is printed in the back of the book. The book captures the imaginations of beginning readers and help them on their way to independent reading. The books can be read aloud to young children or the children can read the books themselves.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated The Girl in The Tower: The Winternight Trilogy in Books
Jul 10, 2018
I just finished this book and all I can do is wish that I was still reading it. Katherine Arden is a masterful story weaver. I was completely lost in this world. I loved it and truly wish that I was still in this world that Katherine Arden wove.
I had doubts that this book could match the first in the series and I was wrong. It is just a beautiful and just as powerful. I cannot even imagine picking up another fantasy in the next few weeks simply because this book has created a world that I do not wish to leave.
The characters are the same characters that we all found and loved in "The Bear and the Nightingale" but they have matured and shown great growth. The plot was unique and it engulfs you in flames. It really is beautiful.
If you're a fan of Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters series this will be an enchanting read for you. It has the beautiful characters and world that you are accustomed to.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had doubts that this book could match the first in the series and I was wrong. It is just a beautiful and just as powerful. I cannot even imagine picking up another fantasy in the next few weeks simply because this book has created a world that I do not wish to leave.
The characters are the same characters that we all found and loved in "The Bear and the Nightingale" but they have matured and shown great growth. The plot was unique and it engulfs you in flames. It really is beautiful.
If you're a fan of Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters series this will be an enchanting read for you. It has the beautiful characters and world that you are accustomed to.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Haylee (0 KP) rated Ash vs Evil Dead - Season 1 in TV
Jul 12, 2018
I have never enjoyed horror films so when a friend convinced me to watch Ash vs Evil Dead, a continuation of a classic horror film reviving both tha characters and their actors into a new chapter of the Evil Dead story, I was expecting to enjoy it. I went into the show with minimal knowledge other than the fact that it was horror based and the film remake they had done a few years back. Surprisingly one episode turned into two and he next thing I know I had finished the entire first season. I also enjoyed that he show took the time to show flashbacks to the originals films so that viewers who haven’t see them could still know the history of the series before the show while also moving forward and past that history. In fact I plan to watch the original films now and I look forward to the continuation of the television series as well. I seriously recommend everyone to give the film a chance.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2084 KP) rated Death by Dumpling in Books
Jul 18, 2018
Lana Finds Herself Delivering Death
Lana Lee has landed back at her parents’ Chinese restaurant as a waitress in an effort to get her life back together. She thinks she’s hit rock bottom, but she’s wrong. Not too long after delivering Mr. Feng his usual order of dumplings, the man is found dead. Somehow, he got shellfish dumplings instead of the pork he ordered. With the police looking at everyone at the restaurant, Lana starts poking around to clear herself and the rest of the employees. But is one of them really guilty?
This was a very fun debut. The mystery is good, although the pacing does lag a bit in the middle. It does pick up again in the final third, giving us some great twists and turns before we reach the logical climax. The characters are mostly strong, which some room to grow as the series progresses. I did feel that Lana’s mother was the weakest characters, and I hope she is fleshed out more as the series progresses. I will definitely be back for seconds.
This was a very fun debut. The mystery is good, although the pacing does lag a bit in the middle. It does pick up again in the final third, giving us some great twists and turns before we reach the logical climax. The characters are mostly strong, which some room to grow as the series progresses. I did feel that Lana’s mother was the weakest characters, and I hope she is fleshed out more as the series progresses. I will definitely be back for seconds.
The Rain follows siblings Simone and Rasmus as they try to find their father and the unlikely group of teens they meet as they navigate this new world and it’s challenges.
There are many storylines as each main characters backstory gets explained in a separate episode, via short flashbacks. I really enjoyed this as it was nice to get to know the other characters not just Simone and Rasmus.
As with any good teen drama there is love, jealousy and heartbreak, as the teens deal with the addition of Simone and Rasmus to their group and everything they have been through since the deadly rain began.
It is obviously a Danish series so it has been dubbed with English voices which just means the speech and voices don’t always match up, however I quickly stopped noticing.
My one criticism would be the ending as it seemed very anti climactic. I’m not sure if this was because they were uncertain if there would be a season 2 or not. However it would not stop me from recommending the series.
There are many storylines as each main characters backstory gets explained in a separate episode, via short flashbacks. I really enjoyed this as it was nice to get to know the other characters not just Simone and Rasmus.
As with any good teen drama there is love, jealousy and heartbreak, as the teens deal with the addition of Simone and Rasmus to their group and everything they have been through since the deadly rain began.
It is obviously a Danish series so it has been dubbed with English voices which just means the speech and voices don’t always match up, however I quickly stopped noticing.
My one criticism would be the ending as it seemed very anti climactic. I’m not sure if this was because they were uncertain if there would be a season 2 or not. However it would not stop me from recommending the series.
Reiko LJ (126 KP) rated Hearts in Atlantis in Books
Jul 26, 2018
Hearts in lukewarm water
As someone who hasn't read any of the Dark Tower series outside of the mentions in King's short stories it was interesting to have a reference pop up again. Coupled with the "The Little Sisters of Eluria" from 'Everything's Eventual' it's enough to pique my interest in the series.
And on that note, the first section of this book was probably the best. A great reflection on the ideals and struggles of adolescence with a hearty mix of emotion and the ties that bind us.
What followed was a slog of a read. It was nice to follow the threads of connection between the original three friends through the years but most of the time it was just a chore.
It seems as though I always struggle when King's work that veers from the supernatural or strange. He meanders around with unnecessary details and where it matters, leaves too much unsaid.
Another mediocre one for me.
And on that note, the first section of this book was probably the best. A great reflection on the ideals and struggles of adolescence with a hearty mix of emotion and the ties that bind us.
What followed was a slog of a read. It was nice to follow the threads of connection between the original three friends through the years but most of the time it was just a chore.
It seems as though I always struggle when King's work that veers from the supernatural or strange. He meanders around with unnecessary details and where it matters, leaves too much unsaid.
Another mediocre one for me.
Sue (5 KP) rated The Pajama Frame in Books
Aug 13, 2018
The Pajama Frame is book #5 in the Madison Night Mystery series. While the books can be read as stand-alone, each preceding book builds on the characters and their relationships.
When her octogenarian friend dies and leaves interior decorator Madison Night a pajama factory, Madison is faced with a decades-old tragedy and a more recent murder. All Madison wants to do is hide from the drama, but when estranged family members and special interest groups want to get into the sealed factory, Madison realizes she is caught having to solve a mystery before she becomes the next victim.
As with previous Madison Night books, I found the character of Madison delightful and refreshing. She is no-nonsense, quirky, snarky, and a throwback to Doris Day. Who wouldn’t enjoy an independent woman that dresses and enjoys decorations from the era of the fifties and sixties? Add to the mix a love/hate relationship with the chief of police Tex and a few witty friends & neighbors; you have the perfect chemistry for a delightful cozy mystery series.
When her octogenarian friend dies and leaves interior decorator Madison Night a pajama factory, Madison is faced with a decades-old tragedy and a more recent murder. All Madison wants to do is hide from the drama, but when estranged family members and special interest groups want to get into the sealed factory, Madison realizes she is caught having to solve a mystery before she becomes the next victim.
As with previous Madison Night books, I found the character of Madison delightful and refreshing. She is no-nonsense, quirky, snarky, and a throwback to Doris Day. Who wouldn’t enjoy an independent woman that dresses and enjoys decorations from the era of the fifties and sixties? Add to the mix a love/hate relationship with the chief of police Tex and a few witty friends & neighbors; you have the perfect chemistry for a delightful cozy mystery series.
Recently divorced Jasmine feels like she has failed everyone; her husband, her kids, and herself. Her ex-husband left her for a younger model, her daughter blames her for the divorce & won’t speak to her, and her son broke his leg as a call for attention.
While making a new friend, a mistake made at a women’s shelter leaves Jasmine in danger and doubting her safety. She seeks the help and guidance of her bible study group the Planted. As she finds a new job and perspective in life, Jasmine is brought closer to God and those she loves.
This is the fifth book in the Christian suspense series, Planted Flowers. As with the other books in the Planted series, this is more than just a book of mystery and romance. The underlining story has to do with finding faith, strength, understanding, and support while gaining a deeper relationship with God and his teachings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While making a new friend, a mistake made at a women’s shelter leaves Jasmine in danger and doubting her safety. She seeks the help and guidance of her bible study group the Planted. As she finds a new job and perspective in life, Jasmine is brought closer to God and those she loves.
This is the fifth book in the Christian suspense series, Planted Flowers. As with the other books in the Planted series, this is more than just a book of mystery and romance. The underlining story has to do with finding faith, strength, understanding, and support while gaining a deeper relationship with God and his teachings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Love...and Sleepless Nights in Books
Aug 13, 2018
Fun and lighthearted
Whilst Nick Spalding will never win any literary prizes for this series of books, he really does well to sum up real life situations and emotions. The writing is good but what really makes this story entertaining is the characters. Laura and Jamie are a very relatable couple and their diary/blog entries are so down to earth and realistic. I doubt anyone could read this book (or any others in the series) and not find a handful of comments, thoughts or situations that they’ve experienced in their own life. This story is also pretty funny and I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions.
It may not be the most thought provoking or insightful of reads, but this is a great fun and lighthearted story that is refreshingly short - I finished it in less than 2 hours so it’s one you can easily get through. One I’d recommend trying if you’re stuck with a fairly long commute - I may leave books 3 and 4 for my next long distance train journey for work!
It may not be the most thought provoking or insightful of reads, but this is a great fun and lighthearted story that is refreshingly short - I finished it in less than 2 hours so it’s one you can easily get through. One I’d recommend trying if you’re stuck with a fairly long commute - I may leave books 3 and 4 for my next long distance train journey for work!
Alicia S (193 KP) rated Game Saver (Game #3) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
Yet another fabulous book in the Game series!! I love everything BJ Harvey writes and Abi and Cade's story sucked me in from page one. These two were beyond perfect together and I loved every moment of their journey. Dr. Caden Carsen III has grown up in a family with money, his father in politics and his mother the perfect Stepford Wife... yet he wants none of it and is determined to be his own man. When his parents decide to start stepping in with woman to put on his arm he decides to take matters into his own hands and ask Abi, a one-night stand from 10 months ago, to be his pretend girlfriend.... These two go in expecting so much less and end up with so much more.... This book was a trip to read as both Abi and Cade are such incredible characters and the banter between the two of them is off the charts adorable, not to mention I laughed my a$$ off throughout most of the book!? HIGHLY recommended author, book & series!!!