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ClareR (5784 KP) rated Queenie Malone's Paradise Hotel in Books
May 9, 2021
Queenie Malone’s Paradise Hotel is only the second book by Ruth Hogan that I’ve read (The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes was the first), and I had only read the first 20% of this book when I pre-ordered her latest book Madame Burova. That’s how much I loved this book.
This story is told from two points of view: 6 year old Tilly and 46 year old Tilda. We see Tilly in flashbacks as Tilda goes to her late mothers seaside home to clear out her belongings.
Tilly had been an outgoing, happy child, who adored her Daddy. But one day he leaves the house and doesn’t return. Her Mummy tells her that he’s dead. Tilly doesn’t really seem to understand the concept of ‘dead’. Indeed, Tilly doesn’t seem to understand that there are people she sees that others don’t seem to notice - dead people (this isn’t a huge theme in this book , so if you don’t like reading about the supernatural, it doesn’t dominate. But I like the supernatural, so 🤷🏼♀️). This is such a lovely story filled with very likeable people, such as the flamboyant Queenie Malone and her mother, who has a different Hollywood starlet name according to the day of the week.
In the present day, Tilda starts to work through her feelings of resentment towards her mother: the way that she felt abandoned when went to boarding school, in particular.
Tilda is a very solitary figure - a polar opposite to her childhood self, in fact. When she finds her mothers diaries and starts to read them, there are many revelations that explain her mothers motivations - some of them very sad.
This is another wonderful book from Ruth Hogan, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it (I bought a copy for my mum as soon as I finished it, in fact!).
This story is told from two points of view: 6 year old Tilly and 46 year old Tilda. We see Tilly in flashbacks as Tilda goes to her late mothers seaside home to clear out her belongings.
Tilly had been an outgoing, happy child, who adored her Daddy. But one day he leaves the house and doesn’t return. Her Mummy tells her that he’s dead. Tilly doesn’t really seem to understand the concept of ‘dead’. Indeed, Tilly doesn’t seem to understand that there are people she sees that others don’t seem to notice - dead people (this isn’t a huge theme in this book , so if you don’t like reading about the supernatural, it doesn’t dominate. But I like the supernatural, so 🤷🏼♀️). This is such a lovely story filled with very likeable people, such as the flamboyant Queenie Malone and her mother, who has a different Hollywood starlet name according to the day of the week.
In the present day, Tilda starts to work through her feelings of resentment towards her mother: the way that she felt abandoned when went to boarding school, in particular.
Tilda is a very solitary figure - a polar opposite to her childhood self, in fact. When she finds her mothers diaries and starts to read them, there are many revelations that explain her mothers motivations - some of them very sad.
This is another wonderful book from Ruth Hogan, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it (I bought a copy for my mum as soon as I finished it, in fact!).
Merissa (12351 KP) rated Secret Legacy (The Windhaven Witches #1) in Books
Sep 11, 2020
Secret Legacy is the first book in The Windhaven Witches series and is full of quotes from Buffy, which I loved! Autumn thinks she is a 'normal' person and her mum encourages her to think that way. Her dad is supernatural but she doesn't have much to do with him. So imagine her surprise when she receives a full scholarship to a prestigious school that she never even applied for. She decides to go for it and then is swept away by forgotten memories, unknown abilities, and mysteries.
The one thing I wasn't too keen on is the Wade situation. Not only was it insta-love but there is seriously something off with that dude and Autumn never seems to notice! And please don't tell me about his silver eyes any more! I just can't cope!!
Apart from that, there was plenty here to keep me occupied and turning the pages. I would love to know more about the other main characters and the school Autumn is attending but, maybe, that is something that will follow in later books.
There are some usual tropes in this book - from normal girl with untold powers to slightly dodgy boyfriend - but it is entertaining. The world-building could do with some work as I have questions about how the supernatural fits into everything but, on the whole, it wasn't bad.
A great start to a new series and I can't wait to find out more. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The one thing I wasn't too keen on is the Wade situation. Not only was it insta-love but there is seriously something off with that dude and Autumn never seems to notice! And please don't tell me about his silver eyes any more! I just can't cope!!
Apart from that, there was plenty here to keep me occupied and turning the pages. I would love to know more about the other main characters and the school Autumn is attending but, maybe, that is something that will follow in later books.
There are some usual tropes in this book - from normal girl with untold powers to slightly dodgy boyfriend - but it is entertaining. The world-building could do with some work as I have questions about how the supernatural fits into everything but, on the whole, it wasn't bad.
A great start to a new series and I can't wait to find out more. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Elder Sign
8.1
Rate It
Tabletop Game
Game description from the publisher: It is 1926, and the museum's extensive collection of exotic...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Recipe for Disaster (Violetta Massoni #2) in Books
Aug 24, 2021
137 of 250
Kindle
Recipe for Disaster (Violetta Massoni book2)
By Theda Vallee
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Mix two parts mystery, a dash of danger, and a sparkling heap of fabulous….
Etta Massoni used to work in her families bakery, now she chases supernatural baddies, trying her best to keep Stella-her attitude ridden magic -and her family in check.
When the cities nightclubs fall prey to an ancient curse, the bodies start piling up. The supernatural world is under threat of exposure, her team is in shambles, and a group of drag queens needs saving.
When the Massoni family decides to fight, they go all in, even if it means Nonna has to learn to twerk in the name of justice.
Ok this has to be one of those books that just hits you in the face! It’s so bloody funny and I mean hilariously so. Nonna and aunt Sophia have to be 2 of the best characters I’ve ever encountered and that’s before we meet the the Queens! I didn’t think Theda Valle could beat Stir until Petrified (Violetta Massoni book 1) but this just killed it and I loved that first book so much! This lady has some serious talent and I really can’t wait to see what else she produces. Aswell as the funny side the serious side comes through just as powerful it really is a treasure you find when you give these Indie authors support. It’s not that often I get excited like this over a book or author that’s got some serious talent although not sure my husband would agree when I’m laughing that hard I wake him at 2am 😂😂😂.
Kindle
Recipe for Disaster (Violetta Massoni book2)
By Theda Vallee
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Mix two parts mystery, a dash of danger, and a sparkling heap of fabulous….
Etta Massoni used to work in her families bakery, now she chases supernatural baddies, trying her best to keep Stella-her attitude ridden magic -and her family in check.
When the cities nightclubs fall prey to an ancient curse, the bodies start piling up. The supernatural world is under threat of exposure, her team is in shambles, and a group of drag queens needs saving.
When the Massoni family decides to fight, they go all in, even if it means Nonna has to learn to twerk in the name of justice.
Ok this has to be one of those books that just hits you in the face! It’s so bloody funny and I mean hilariously so. Nonna and aunt Sophia have to be 2 of the best characters I’ve ever encountered and that’s before we meet the the Queens! I didn’t think Theda Valle could beat Stir until Petrified (Violetta Massoni book 1) but this just killed it and I loved that first book so much! This lady has some serious talent and I really can’t wait to see what else she produces. Aswell as the funny side the serious side comes through just as powerful it really is a treasure you find when you give these Indie authors support. It’s not that often I get excited like this over a book or author that’s got some serious talent although not sure my husband would agree when I’m laughing that hard I wake him at 2am 😂😂😂.
Signs and Wonders (Witchbane #7)
Book
When a coven of dark warlocks killed Seth Tanner’s brother, Seth became a man driven by vengeance,...
Paranormal MM Romantic Suspense
Merissa (12351 KP) rated Amends (Diana Hawthorne Supernatural Mystery #2) in Books
Jul 29, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
AMENDS is the second book in the Diana Hawthorne Supernatural Mystery series and we continue where book one left off, so I recommend you read that one first.
Diana doesn't want to be the Oracle of Delphi any longer. After all, she has her own life now. Apollo tries to make her see things his way but she resists him all the way. The interaction between these two was hilarious and I loved every word.
Along with Blake and Ren, we are introduced to Kyros. Think crazy grand-dad who only wants what's best for Diana. Diana and crew help a young boy who manages to bring them all together, including Demetri who is still being off with Diana because of the whole Violet Flame debacle.
It didn't take me long to read this book as I was hooked from the outset. I can't wait to see more of Apollo and Diana. And Ren, well, let me just say I love reading about him, but I think he would drive me crazy if I knew him in real life!
The big bad has now been named and I can't wait to see the impact on future stories. Plus, knowing how Diana and co will sort things out. I may be wrong but it looks like there might be a crossover from Diana Hawthorne to the Windhaven Witches in book three, which is something to look forward to.
For a witty, fast-paced supernatural mystery, I can definitely recommend Amends and I can't wait for Immortals.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 29, 2021
Diana doesn't want to be the Oracle of Delphi any longer. After all, she has her own life now. Apollo tries to make her see things his way but she resists him all the way. The interaction between these two was hilarious and I loved every word.
Along with Blake and Ren, we are introduced to Kyros. Think crazy grand-dad who only wants what's best for Diana. Diana and crew help a young boy who manages to bring them all together, including Demetri who is still being off with Diana because of the whole Violet Flame debacle.
It didn't take me long to read this book as I was hooked from the outset. I can't wait to see more of Apollo and Diana. And Ren, well, let me just say I love reading about him, but I think he would drive me crazy if I knew him in real life!
The big bad has now been named and I can't wait to see the impact on future stories. Plus, knowing how Diana and co will sort things out. I may be wrong but it looks like there might be a crossover from Diana Hawthorne to the Windhaven Witches in book three, which is something to look forward to.
For a witty, fast-paced supernatural mystery, I can definitely recommend Amends and I can't wait for Immortals.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 29, 2021
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Written in the Blood (The String Diaries #2) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Written in the Blood was a mystical, thrilling, gripping adventure that feels like it takes place far away in a distant land, but like it could also take place right in your hometown. The mystery never dissipates, even as the story continues to grow and develop. Even as I learned more about these strange people and their strange enemies, it was like they still remained a marvelous mystery.
The climax was shocking, the conclusion was beautiful and full of hope. I loved every minute of the adventure and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a kick-ass heroine and good plot with a hint of the supernatural in their life.
apparently this is the second book in the series, but I didn’t know until I looked it up on Goodreads. It was wonderful by itself.
Recommendation: ages 17+ for intense scenes
The climax was shocking, the conclusion was beautiful and full of hope. I loved every minute of the adventure and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a kick-ass heroine and good plot with a hint of the supernatural in their life.
apparently this is the second book in the series, but I didn’t know until I looked it up on Goodreads. It was wonderful by itself.
Recommendation: ages 17+ for intense scenes
Domonique (0 KP) rated Sleeping Beauties in Books
May 12, 2018
This was so good!! Super long, though I shouldn't be surprised as it is a Stephen King/Own King novel, but I thought it would go by quicker if I was listening to it as an audiobook, but that was not the case! Even still though, it was so good. The idea that all of the women have feel asleep and the men have to learn to fend for themselves, I would love to see a world like that. Of course, being female, I'd be asleep as well, but I think its definitely an interesting concept. I loved the characters, especially the character of Evie because she was so fascinating and the idea of a supernatural woman taking the futures of all women into her hands and being even more powerful that a man, that's some heady stuff.
Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated Halloween (2007) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
Rob Zombie was an inspired choice to helm the 2007 reboot of the series and the resulting film was very good indeed. Opting to focus more on Michael’s backstory was an intriguing change to the formula and a risky one at that.
Many fans concluded that it lessened the impact of Michael’s murders. Showing him as an abused child took away the supernatural elements that made Carpenter’s masterpiece so terrifying in 1978.
Nevertheless, I thought the idea worked well, and although Zombie’s film is a case of style over substance in some sequences, it’s a good reboot and one that manages to raise itself well above its horror stablemates at the time of release.
It also had an absolutely cracking soundtrack, but the less said about the disappointing sequel the better.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2017/10/28/halloween-movies-top-5/
Many fans concluded that it lessened the impact of Michael’s murders. Showing him as an abused child took away the supernatural elements that made Carpenter’s masterpiece so terrifying in 1978.
Nevertheless, I thought the idea worked well, and although Zombie’s film is a case of style over substance in some sequences, it’s a good reboot and one that manages to raise itself well above its horror stablemates at the time of release.
It also had an absolutely cracking soundtrack, but the less said about the disappointing sequel the better.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2017/10/28/halloween-movies-top-5/
Dalicat (20 KP) rated charlie parker series in Books
Aug 30, 2018
Charlie Parker has captured my soul
I picked up one of these novels off the Library shelf at random and have been unable to stop reading the series since (currently awaiting the next one). These novels tackle all the great themes of love and loss, of Good and Evil, of fall and redemption. The author's journalistic background is evident in the painstaking research that has been carried out to create these works. Charlie Parker is the most intriguing and multidimensional fictional detective I have encountered. Oh, and John Connolly's prose sometimes makes me have to stop and catch my breath so I can pause and just reread the magical combination of words I have discovered like diamonds in a mine.