Search
Search results
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Trusting Grace (Virtues and Vices of the Old West #3) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I absolutely love Maggie Brendan and her books. She creates wonderful stories filled with beautiful characters, lots of quirks, and a plot line that will pull you in instantly. Trusting Grace is the third book in this series, but the first one that I have read. I'm so glad that I did!
Grace, Robert and the children were all wonderful characters. They came to life instantly, pulling me in, capturing my heart. The interaction between Grace and Robert and Grace and the children left me smiling. The sparks that fly between Grace and Robert are endearing and I loved watching Robert come to terms with the way he feels about Grace.
This is a story of anger, love, letting go and moving on. A story of learning to trust again. God works His way into the story line, leaving the reader with messages of hope and faith in the end.
If you love a story that will not only warm your heart, but is filled with captivating characters, history, and hope, then look no further than this beautifully woven novel. This is worth 4 star praises and recommendations to all Christian fiction lovers. Ms. Brendan will leave you wanting more! I can't wait to go back and read the first two books in this lovely series.
Tell me, would you give love another shot and trust again, after being hurt? Leave a comment below for your chance to win a copy of one of Maggie Brendan's Virtues And Vices Of the Old West novels!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/revell-reads-review-trusting-grace-by-maggie-brendan/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Grace, Robert and the children were all wonderful characters. They came to life instantly, pulling me in, capturing my heart. The interaction between Grace and Robert and Grace and the children left me smiling. The sparks that fly between Grace and Robert are endearing and I loved watching Robert come to terms with the way he feels about Grace.
This is a story of anger, love, letting go and moving on. A story of learning to trust again. God works His way into the story line, leaving the reader with messages of hope and faith in the end.
If you love a story that will not only warm your heart, but is filled with captivating characters, history, and hope, then look no further than this beautifully woven novel. This is worth 4 star praises and recommendations to all Christian fiction lovers. Ms. Brendan will leave you wanting more! I can't wait to go back and read the first two books in this lovely series.
Tell me, would you give love another shot and trust again, after being hurt? Leave a comment below for your chance to win a copy of one of Maggie Brendan's Virtues And Vices Of the Old West novels!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/revell-reads-review-trusting-grace-by-maggie-brendan/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated BlacKkKlansman (2018) in Movies
May 14, 2019
Kkkracking
#blackkklansman is an incredible & #fun tribute to the #art of #blaxsploitation film making with a #powerful & very serious #message to tell. Although i found this movie extremely entertaining i left the #cinema feeling extremely #sad & #emotionally shook by it too. What #spikelee has made here is a film that feels very much like a commercial mainstream #comedy film but one thats injected with so much depth & real world drama/issues that its hard not to watch it like its an #educational trip back in time. It really has your #emotions running all over the place especially with its very current & real portrayals of #racism/hate & how it corrupts the weak minded/uneducated while also showing how hate inevitably leads to inhuman & diabolical acts of violence. Infact id say the release of #blackkklansman couldn't of come at a more important time especially with all the hate marches going on in the world & even in my hometown recently. Filmed in such a cool way with an amazing #soundtrack i felt instantly transported back in time & fully immersed from the get go. Lee also uses so many darkly lit, raw & intimate close ups & old filters it makes the viewer feel like we are really there beside the characters really getting to know each & every one of them too. Much like last years #detroit (which i actually prefer) the time period is very well recreated & the overall message here is also just as important & unavoidable too. While not being a film i could recommend to everyone (I think some people may miss the point or fail to see under the films accessible surface) but those who do see it will come away feeling not only entertained but extreamly moved.
#odeon #odeonlimitless #filmbuff #filmcritic #wednesdaywisdom #racist #klukluxklan #lovenothate #blacklivesmatter #empowerment #hate #love #adamdriver #johndavidwashington
#odeon #odeonlimitless #filmbuff #filmcritic #wednesdaywisdom #racist #klukluxklan #lovenothate #blacklivesmatter #empowerment #hate #love #adamdriver #johndavidwashington
Dana (24 KP) rated A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
After reading this book for forever, I have finally finished it.
I loved the character development of all of our favorites and the introduction of some new ones. The Soul Catcher is a favorite of mine, to be completely honest. She is amazing and I aspire to be as badass as she is one day.
Helene was more bearable in this book than the first one. I liked how she was independent and strong and didn't take shit from anyone. Plus, she wasn't as moony over Elias in this book which I adored.
Laia was a bad ass in her own right. I loved her strength as well. She is a persistent little one, isn't she? The only thing I didn't like about her story line was Keenan. He bugs the hell out of me and has from the beginning. (BTW, I knew there was something shady about him from the beginning.)
Elias is a cinnamon roll too precious for this world. Yes, he can kill people with basically just a look, but damn, he does it well. And he's always looking out for other people before himself. To be honest, he is my second favorite behind the Soul Catcher.
Tas and Bee were adorable and I hated them being hurt.
Darin, holy shit, man. I just feel bad for all of the shit he has gone through. Let's give the guy a break, maybe a cup of tea and some soup and a big warm blanket so he can curl up and sleep for a while.
The story line was well paced, and I really enjoyed it while I was reading it. Not like you could tell with my four month reading spell...but I honestly really enjoyed this book. I am glad we are getting two more after this one!!
I loved the character development of all of our favorites and the introduction of some new ones. The Soul Catcher is a favorite of mine, to be completely honest. She is amazing and I aspire to be as badass as she is one day.
Helene was more bearable in this book than the first one. I liked how she was independent and strong and didn't take shit from anyone. Plus, she wasn't as moony over Elias in this book which I adored.
Laia was a bad ass in her own right. I loved her strength as well. She is a persistent little one, isn't she? The only thing I didn't like about her story line was Keenan. He bugs the hell out of me and has from the beginning. (BTW, I knew there was something shady about him from the beginning.)
Elias is a cinnamon roll too precious for this world. Yes, he can kill people with basically just a look, but damn, he does it well. And he's always looking out for other people before himself. To be honest, he is my second favorite behind the Soul Catcher.
Tas and Bee were adorable and I hated them being hurt.
Darin, holy shit, man. I just feel bad for all of the shit he has gone through. Let's give the guy a break, maybe a cup of tea and some soup and a big warm blanket so he can curl up and sleep for a while.
The story line was well paced, and I really enjoyed it while I was reading it. Not like you could tell with my four month reading spell...but I honestly really enjoyed this book. I am glad we are getting two more after this one!!
Fred (860 KP) rated Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) in Movies
Jun 7, 2018
Han & Chewie's first meeting (7 more)
Don Glover as Lando
Ehrenreich as Han
Suotamo as Chewbacca
Woody as Beckett
The Kessel Run
The "HOLY SH*T!" cameo
The train robbery scene
Movie is very dark. And I mean dark, like "Put on the lights!" dark (1 more)
Music not as good as other Star Wars movies
Almost perfect Star Wars movie
I think people didn't like The Last Jedi & so, they didn't even want to give this a chance. Well, they're missing out, because Solo was awesome! As you can tell from my positives, I thought the actors were perfect for their roles. We get all of Solo's back story here. The first meeting of Han & Chewbacca. The meeting of Han & Lando. The "introduction" of the Millennium Falcon. The infamous Kessel Run, as well as the spice mines. Now I know why C-3PO was scared to be sent there.
The action scenes in this film are some of the best I've seen in a Star Wars movie. somewhat Maybe my favorite was the train robbery scene. It was intense! And the Falcon really takes a pounding in this one.
Like all prequels, there is the problem where we know nothing is going to happen to the main characters, since we know they live long enough to have been in the later films. But somehow, it doesn't matter with this film. I still felt suspense as Chewbacca hung on for dear life. If I have one problem, it's that the movie was very dark & I found it hard to see what was going on in some scenes. The focus was somewhat soft too. Not sure if that was the theater's problem though. I will definitely have to buy this when it comes out on Blu-ray.
If you haven't seen it yet, give yourselves a treat and see it when you can. Very fun!
The action scenes in this film are some of the best I've seen in a Star Wars movie. somewhat Maybe my favorite was the train robbery scene. It was intense! And the Falcon really takes a pounding in this one.
Like all prequels, there is the problem where we know nothing is going to happen to the main characters, since we know they live long enough to have been in the later films. But somehow, it doesn't matter with this film. I still felt suspense as Chewbacca hung on for dear life. If I have one problem, it's that the movie was very dark & I found it hard to see what was going on in some scenes. The focus was somewhat soft too. Not sure if that was the theater's problem though. I will definitely have to buy this when it comes out on Blu-ray.
If you haven't seen it yet, give yourselves a treat and see it when you can. Very fun!
Mike Wilder (20 KP) rated Horrible Bosses (2011) in Movies
May 30, 2018
Easily my favourite comedy of 2011
Contains spoilers, click to show
Easily my favourite comedy of 2011, with Crazy, Stupid, Love. coming a close second. The film is about three guys whose jobs are made hell by their bosses. They decide to kill them in a "Strangers on a train" style, where one kills another's boss so it can't be traced back to the employee. I wasn't sure what to expect from the cast that includes Kevin Spacey, Jason Bateman, Colin Farrell, Donald Sutherland, Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Aniston. Each fine actors but how would they fair in this film? Amazingly is how. Colin Farrell is almost unrecognizable as one of the bosses and Kevin Spacey is great as usual. However the stand out performance of the film is Jennifer Aniston. She plays a dentist, the boss of Dale (Charlie Day) and she is sexually harassing him. She really takes the role and plays it to perfection. Dale is her shy assistant who is engaged to Stacy (Lindsay Sloane). He is faithful to her and resists all advances from his over sexed boss. It is not a role we are used to seeing her play but it is a perfect performance. Another great performance was Jamie Foxx the murder consultant they hire. Horrible Bosses is a great comedy, almost a perfect comedy. The only flaw for me was it was all tied up a little too neatly. I saw the ending coming before it happened and it would have been nice to have an ending a little more surprising. Having said that I can't imagine how it could have been ended differently. The film doesn't have to resort to crude gags and just lets the script and performances of the cast tell the story. This works so well and full credit to the writers for a great comedy.
Merissa (13378 KP) rated Superluminary in Books
Nov 19, 2018
Superluminary (Powered Destinies #1) by Olivia Rising
Superluminary is the first book in the Powered Destinies series, and it is a LONG book.
We start off with Christina as she goes through her transition to become Mascot, with the devastating aftereffects. Then we meet up with Sarina, who transitions to become Dancer. Finally, we meet Andrey, who is Radiant. From the blurb, I somehow expected Christina, Sarina, and Radiant to be in contact with each other. I was very much mistaken. Although we hear from all three, none of them meet until Christina and Andrey meet towards the end of the book. Sarina and Christina don't meet at all.
There are headers before each chapter that you simply MUST take notice of. They tell you who is speaking, where, and when. It isn't always necessarily in date order, and it isn't always one of the three main characters speaking. I'm not quite sure why we get into the heads of so many of the other characters, as it detracted from the main storyline. As it is at the moment, there was no need to hear from Samael, or Kid, or any other.
This is a very character driven story, with plenty of action and intrigue. This is the first book in the series, so it does end of a cliffhanger. I am intrigued to know where it will go, as there are so many twists and turns, and you are not quite sure who are the 'good guys' and who are the bad.
For a very different book on superheroes, villains, and mere mortals, then I have no hesitation in recommending it.
* I received a copy of this book 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!
We start off with Christina as she goes through her transition to become Mascot, with the devastating aftereffects. Then we meet up with Sarina, who transitions to become Dancer. Finally, we meet Andrey, who is Radiant. From the blurb, I somehow expected Christina, Sarina, and Radiant to be in contact with each other. I was very much mistaken. Although we hear from all three, none of them meet until Christina and Andrey meet towards the end of the book. Sarina and Christina don't meet at all.
There are headers before each chapter that you simply MUST take notice of. They tell you who is speaking, where, and when. It isn't always necessarily in date order, and it isn't always one of the three main characters speaking. I'm not quite sure why we get into the heads of so many of the other characters, as it detracted from the main storyline. As it is at the moment, there was no need to hear from Samael, or Kid, or any other.
This is a very character driven story, with plenty of action and intrigue. This is the first book in the series, so it does end of a cliffhanger. I am intrigued to know where it will go, as there are so many twists and turns, and you are not quite sure who are the 'good guys' and who are the bad.
For a very different book on superheroes, villains, and mere mortals, then I have no hesitation in recommending it.
* I received a copy of this book 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!
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated In the Shadow of Denali (The Heart of Alaska #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Excuse me while I find a train headed to Alaska...THIS book makes me want to visit Alaska even more than I did before. The beauty and the majestic land is captured in a way that speaks to the adventurous corners of my heart. Denali in all its wonder, is a sight that I want to see with my own eyes. Tracie and Kimberley have brought us an incredible story of faith and forgiveness set in the heart of the frontier of Alaska. The dangers, beauty, and awe of the land are expressed in detail on every page.
There are multiple viewpoints in this book which I love, but can be maddening at times. As the reader we can see ALMOST the whole picture, there are a few details that must work themselves out as we read. But in other situations, I just wanted to slap the characters and tell them what was REALLY going on. That being said, I really do enjoy the specific viewpoints that the authors highlighted.
In the Shadow of Denali is filled with so many emotions. Heartbreak, unforgiveness, hatred towards God, jealousy, greed, and yet we also see tender love, strong family bond, sweet surrender to Christ, forgiveness, and inner beauty. This is a journey that I am excited to continue! Travel back to 1923 and experience the mountain for yourself. The book ends with a tender, romantic scene that simply took my breath away. I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment of Heart of Alaska.
I received a complimentary copy of In the Shadow of Denali from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
There are multiple viewpoints in this book which I love, but can be maddening at times. As the reader we can see ALMOST the whole picture, there are a few details that must work themselves out as we read. But in other situations, I just wanted to slap the characters and tell them what was REALLY going on. That being said, I really do enjoy the specific viewpoints that the authors highlighted.
In the Shadow of Denali is filled with so many emotions. Heartbreak, unforgiveness, hatred towards God, jealousy, greed, and yet we also see tender love, strong family bond, sweet surrender to Christ, forgiveness, and inner beauty. This is a journey that I am excited to continue! Travel back to 1923 and experience the mountain for yourself. The book ends with a tender, romantic scene that simply took my breath away. I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment of Heart of Alaska.
I received a complimentary copy of In the Shadow of Denali from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Debbiereadsbook (1554 KP) rated The Wayward Prince (Mind + Machine #2) in Books
Dec 10, 2018
great follow up to book one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
4 years ago, Sebastian stole The Wayward Prince from a young man called Ren. Now, Rem is back and offering Sebastian and his crew a job. Can Sebastian and Ren part again, with their hearts intact?
This is book two in the Mind + Machine series, and I would personally recommend you read book one, Machine Metal Magic, first. Jaime and Rylan plays a huge part here and there is some references to their story. Not necessary just a personal recommendation.
I really enjoyed this one! It's a great follow up to book one. Not quite a five star read but so very nearly!
It's also quite difficult to write a review for this book without giving anything away! There are plot twists all over, and I did not see a single one coming me! And the slightest slip up on my part would spoil that experience for someone else. So, this may well be very vague!
Loved Sebastian. He thinks he's a bad egg but really has a heart of gold. He loves his ship and his on-board family, waifs and strays he's picked up, or indeed, they've picked Sebastian up. And Ren? Well let's just say he's a sweetheart, and he wants to do right by everyone, even to his own heartbreak. But loved his solution to that heartbreak!
Loved the hints that come about each crew member's history! So many stories to tell, those people!
It's told from both men's point of view so we get it all from both of them and you know how happy that makes me feel!
Oh do you know what? I can't find anything wrong with this so . . . .
5 full stars.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
4 years ago, Sebastian stole The Wayward Prince from a young man called Ren. Now, Rem is back and offering Sebastian and his crew a job. Can Sebastian and Ren part again, with their hearts intact?
This is book two in the Mind + Machine series, and I would personally recommend you read book one, Machine Metal Magic, first. Jaime and Rylan plays a huge part here and there is some references to their story. Not necessary just a personal recommendation.
I really enjoyed this one! It's a great follow up to book one. Not quite a five star read but so very nearly!
It's also quite difficult to write a review for this book without giving anything away! There are plot twists all over, and I did not see a single one coming me! And the slightest slip up on my part would spoil that experience for someone else. So, this may well be very vague!
Loved Sebastian. He thinks he's a bad egg but really has a heart of gold. He loves his ship and his on-board family, waifs and strays he's picked up, or indeed, they've picked Sebastian up. And Ren? Well let's just say he's a sweetheart, and he wants to do right by everyone, even to his own heartbreak. But loved his solution to that heartbreak!
Loved the hints that come about each crew member's history! So many stories to tell, those people!
It's told from both men's point of view so we get it all from both of them and you know how happy that makes me feel!
Oh do you know what? I can't find anything wrong with this so . . . .
5 full stars.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Prophecy (1979) in Movies
Oct 27, 2019
The best rabid pig cat bear movie I've seen in a while!
Within the wilderness of Maine, local Native Americans are having trouble with a large logging over the destruction of their forests and some recent crimes which have gone unsolved. The Environmental Protection Agency is brought in to assess the situation and provide a possible solution.
As the people get to know each other, it is revealed the natives are also having problems including random sicknesses and abnormal births. It is also discovered wildlife in the area is erratic including an extremely large salmon and a tadpole as big as a full grown frog. The plant operator insists all protocols are being followed and no harmful chemicals are being released by the plant.
Further study reveals mercury is the culprit for all the local problems including the animal and human deformities and the mysterious ailment sweeping the village. There has always been local legend of the Katahdin which the natives also believe is possessing the spirit of a mutated bear which roams the forest.
The two opposing forces must band together and try and stop the mutant beast before it is too late!
I wasn't expecting much from this film I found on Prime, but was pleasantly surprised. You can certainly tell it is low budget, but that did not take away from the suspense, the creature effects and the bloody kills. The pacing was even throughout with few dull spots or stalls in the action. The sprawling Maine tree filled landscapes as well as the gorgeous river beltway added majesty to the look of the film and provided a remarkable setting.
Very entertaining.
As the people get to know each other, it is revealed the natives are also having problems including random sicknesses and abnormal births. It is also discovered wildlife in the area is erratic including an extremely large salmon and a tadpole as big as a full grown frog. The plant operator insists all protocols are being followed and no harmful chemicals are being released by the plant.
Further study reveals mercury is the culprit for all the local problems including the animal and human deformities and the mysterious ailment sweeping the village. There has always been local legend of the Katahdin which the natives also believe is possessing the spirit of a mutated bear which roams the forest.
The two opposing forces must band together and try and stop the mutant beast before it is too late!
I wasn't expecting much from this film I found on Prime, but was pleasantly surprised. You can certainly tell it is low budget, but that did not take away from the suspense, the creature effects and the bloody kills. The pacing was even throughout with few dull spots or stalls in the action. The sprawling Maine tree filled landscapes as well as the gorgeous river beltway added majesty to the look of the film and provided a remarkable setting.
Very entertaining.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Death of a Gigolo in Books
Oct 28, 2019
Jaine’s Latest Adventure is Fun as Always
Freeland writer Jaine Austen has landed a new job, this time for Bel Air heiress Daisy Kincaid. Daisy hires Jaine to write a romance novel entitled Fifty Shades of Turquoise. Jaine is working at Daisy’s house each day, so she is there for the arrival of Tommy, a young man who quickly worms his way into Daisy’s heart while alienating everyone else in Daisy’s life. To everyone’s horror, it isn’t long before the two announce their engagement. But when Tommy is murdered the day before the wedding, Jaine finds herself trying to figure out what really happened. Can she do it?
Yes, there are some strong sub-plots as well. Jaine is back with an ex. Will the romance bloom this time? Or will Jaine’s cat, Prozac, derail everything. Meanwhile, in a series of e-mails, we learn about the latest saga her parents are going through. All I will tell you is it involves a bad haircut and a sculpting class.
Those familiar with the series know what to expect, and they won’t be disappointed. Yes, the murder takes place a little late in the book, but the time isn’t wasted as everything is set up. Once Tommy dies, we are off to the races with plenty of twists and turns. Meanwhile, the two sub-plots weave in and out perfectly. There are tons of laughs along the way as all the stories build to their climaxes. The characters are more caricatures, but they fit this book perfectly. More realistic characters wouldn’t work here. Author Laura Levine used to write sitcoms, and that really is the best way to look at this book – as if your favorite sitcom characters were involved in a murder mystery. The result is light, fun, and delightful. So next time you need to smile, pick up this book.
Yes, there are some strong sub-plots as well. Jaine is back with an ex. Will the romance bloom this time? Or will Jaine’s cat, Prozac, derail everything. Meanwhile, in a series of e-mails, we learn about the latest saga her parents are going through. All I will tell you is it involves a bad haircut and a sculpting class.
Those familiar with the series know what to expect, and they won’t be disappointed. Yes, the murder takes place a little late in the book, but the time isn’t wasted as everything is set up. Once Tommy dies, we are off to the races with plenty of twists and turns. Meanwhile, the two sub-plots weave in and out perfectly. There are tons of laughs along the way as all the stories build to their climaxes. The characters are more caricatures, but they fit this book perfectly. More realistic characters wouldn’t work here. Author Laura Levine used to write sitcoms, and that really is the best way to look at this book – as if your favorite sitcom characters were involved in a murder mystery. The result is light, fun, and delightful. So next time you need to smile, pick up this book.