Search
Search results
Aurora recommended track American Beauty by Thomas Newman in American Beauty: Original Motion Picture Score by Thomas Newman in Music (curated)
7.0
Album
Favorite
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated How the Finch Stole Christmas! (Meg Langslow #22) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
This Christmas, Meg’s husband Michael has turned his one-man production of A Christmas Carol into a full play. In an effort to bring in more people to watch, Malcolm Haver has been cast as Scrooge. Malcolm is best known for a part in a cult TV show from 30 years ago, but he does have a loyal fan base. Unfortunately, he also has a habit of showing up late and drunk. In an effort to find out where Malcolm is getting his alcohol, Meg follows him from the theater one day. Where will Malcolm lead her?
While my teaser doesn’t reveal much of it, there is a mystery, even a murder, in this book. It’s just best to watch it all unfold for yourself. I did feel the ending was a tad weak, and the pacing was a little uneven early on, but these are minor complaints. I love these characters, and they are in fine form here. We get some laughs as grins along the way as always. Really, it’s hard to not have fun while reading this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/12/book-review-how-finch-stole-christmas.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
While my teaser doesn’t reveal much of it, there is a mystery, even a murder, in this book. It’s just best to watch it all unfold for yourself. I did feel the ending was a tad weak, and the pacing was a little uneven early on, but these are minor complaints. I love these characters, and they are in fine form here. We get some laughs as grins along the way as always. Really, it’s hard to not have fun while reading this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/12/book-review-how-finch-stole-christmas.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) in Movies
Jul 13, 2018 (Updated Jul 13, 2018)
Fantastic animation style (3 more)
Great music
Great acting
A unique story
My favourite movie of all time
This is by far my favourite movie of all time.
Created my Tim Burton who is also my favourite director (yes I know he didn't direct this)
The style he uses in incredible. It's all stop motion which basically means he builds real life models, takes a picture of it in a pose and then takes another in a slightly different pose then and another and another until the pictures come together to look like a moving model. It's incredible and if you watch the behind the scenes you can see the effort they put into this movie and it shows.
The character designs are so good as well as the locations.
The plot is pretty much halloweentown finds Christmas for the first time. It's fun, funny, emotional, even creepy and it's just a good time all the way through.
The music is fantastic. Every song is unique and catchy and you will find the soundtrack on my phone. Actors are incredible and at perfect for the roles they play.
People tend to ask if it's a Halloween or Christmas movie but I watch it anytime of the year.
Created my Tim Burton who is also my favourite director (yes I know he didn't direct this)
The style he uses in incredible. It's all stop motion which basically means he builds real life models, takes a picture of it in a pose and then takes another in a slightly different pose then and another and another until the pictures come together to look like a moving model. It's incredible and if you watch the behind the scenes you can see the effort they put into this movie and it shows.
The character designs are so good as well as the locations.
The plot is pretty much halloweentown finds Christmas for the first time. It's fun, funny, emotional, even creepy and it's just a good time all the way through.
The music is fantastic. Every song is unique and catchy and you will find the soundtrack on my phone. Actors are incredible and at perfect for the roles they play.
People tend to ask if it's a Halloween or Christmas movie but I watch it anytime of the year.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Last Christmas (2019) in Movies
Nov 27, 2019
Lacking in romance & comedy
The trailer made this film look awful, and whilst it isnt quite as bad as it looked, it left me feeling rather underwhelmed.
For a rom-com set at Christmas, it's surprisingly lacking in romance, comedy and even festive spirit. The romance feels rather forced and there isn't any sort of spark between the two main characters at all, so it's quite unbelievable. I like Emilia Clarke, but even she can't save the lack of connection. There are a few funny lines in the film, but the rest of the script seems out of place, badly written and the intended humour falls flat. And trying to be relevant with some Brexit references doesn't work either.
Even the plot itself isn't great. It varies from typical rom-com to a predictable twist and even the George Michael/Wham theme didn't work. I was expected to be overwhelmed with music but instead you'd barely notice this was meant to be the theme at all. Admittedly the twist may go some way to explaining some of my above niggles, but not all of them. This is one of those strange films that isn't good but isn't terrible enough to hate every minute of it either. Definitely not a christmas classic though!
For a rom-com set at Christmas, it's surprisingly lacking in romance, comedy and even festive spirit. The romance feels rather forced and there isn't any sort of spark between the two main characters at all, so it's quite unbelievable. I like Emilia Clarke, but even she can't save the lack of connection. There are a few funny lines in the film, but the rest of the script seems out of place, badly written and the intended humour falls flat. And trying to be relevant with some Brexit references doesn't work either.
Even the plot itself isn't great. It varies from typical rom-com to a predictable twist and even the George Michael/Wham theme didn't work. I was expected to be overwhelmed with music but instead you'd barely notice this was meant to be the theme at all. Admittedly the twist may go some way to explaining some of my above niggles, but not all of them. This is one of those strange films that isn't good but isn't terrible enough to hate every minute of it either. Definitely not a christmas classic though!
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Sand & Mistletoe in Books
Feb 23, 2021
Sand and Mistletoe… two things that ordinarily do not go together but in signature Chautona Havig style they somehow go together perfectly. This book is a stand-alone that does have a Christmas theme; however, I think it can be enjoyed year-round.
From the beginning, I was sucked into Porta and Reece’s story. It was realistic, filled with sarcasm, wit, and self-reflection. I felt like I got to really know the characters and their personalities throughout the book and I got to watch them grow. Which is a big plus in my book. I also enjoyed how Chautona Havig incorporated so much about the deaf culture and how she conveyed ASL conversations seamlessly into the storyline it was interesting to read. Reese’s son Duncan was fun and a great addition to the array of characters in this book. I loved the big family atmosphere and enjoyed the typical family arguments/emotions through the book, as they added a very realistic bent to the book.
Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creative storyline, fun twists, and great characters. Now I am ready to go to the beach for Christmas too! Thanks, Chautona Having
From the beginning, I was sucked into Porta and Reece’s story. It was realistic, filled with sarcasm, wit, and self-reflection. I felt like I got to really know the characters and their personalities throughout the book and I got to watch them grow. Which is a big plus in my book. I also enjoyed how Chautona Havig incorporated so much about the deaf culture and how she conveyed ASL conversations seamlessly into the storyline it was interesting to read. Reese’s son Duncan was fun and a great addition to the array of characters in this book. I loved the big family atmosphere and enjoyed the typical family arguments/emotions through the book, as they added a very realistic bent to the book.
Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creative storyline, fun twists, and great characters. Now I am ready to go to the beach for Christmas too! Thanks, Chautona Having
The Adults
7.0
Rate It
Book
A couple, now separated. Their daughter. Their new partners. One epic Christmas vacation. What could...
fiction
Merissa (12934 KP) rated A Little Christmas: Ozzy's Secret (Season Two) in Books
Nov 30, 2023
A LITTLE CHRISTMAS: OZZY'S SECRET is part of the multi-author series A Little Christmas Season Two.
It starts off very dark, with Ozzy saying red but being talked out of it. He is in a bad way and doesn't realise how he's being groomed and humiliated, with his own wants and needs being ignored. Trent rescues him but has his own issues to deal with before he can be with Ozzy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story but there were parts I wanted more of - in particular, I wanted Ozzy to open up to Trent with all he had been through, and to see Trent treasure him as the Little Prince he calls him. Although his back would take time to heal, I felt as though we saw more of that, plus the trauma from the other abuse, than we did seeing Trent and Ozzy together, healing and loving each other.
A great story and a great addition to the series. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 30, 2023
It starts off very dark, with Ozzy saying red but being talked out of it. He is in a bad way and doesn't realise how he's being groomed and humiliated, with his own wants and needs being ignored. Trent rescues him but has his own issues to deal with before he can be with Ozzy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story but there were parts I wanted more of - in particular, I wanted Ozzy to open up to Trent with all he had been through, and to see Trent treasure him as the Little Prince he calls him. Although his back would take time to heal, I felt as though we saw more of that, plus the trauma from the other abuse, than we did seeing Trent and Ozzy together, healing and loving each other.
A great story and a great addition to the series. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 30, 2023
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated White Christmas Pie in Books
Jul 24, 2019
This story is about Will Henderson and his troubled past. What happen to Will that he feels like he could not feel loved. Will he find answers about what happen to him. We also meet a young woman that is Amish. Will their be a romance between Karen and Will?
We also have a desperate father looking for his son. Who this father and is search for his son. Was ever happen that created Will feel abandonment. The couple that Will is living with seem to have decided to adopt him.
Karen is looking for answers but what kind of answers. When she starts looking it seems to have her run into Will Henderson life. What will Karen decide and Will Henderson decide to do? Will Henderson become Amish or will they not.
This sweet story is lovely and done well. Their seem that the White Christmas Pie recipe has a message and the key to this lovely mystery Will Henderson past. This recipe seem to help Karen as well. This is wonderful for the holiday season and how it ends.
We also have a desperate father looking for his son. Who this father and is search for his son. Was ever happen that created Will feel abandonment. The couple that Will is living with seem to have decided to adopt him.
Karen is looking for answers but what kind of answers. When she starts looking it seems to have her run into Will Henderson life. What will Karen decide and Will Henderson decide to do? Will Henderson become Amish or will they not.
This sweet story is lovely and done well. Their seem that the White Christmas Pie recipe has a message and the key to this lovely mystery Will Henderson past. This recipe seem to help Karen as well. This is wonderful for the holiday season and how it ends.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Gingerbread Cookies and Gunshots in Books
Jan 4, 2024
Missing Child at Christmas
Lucy Stone gets involved when a four-year-old boy is kidnapped in her community. With no clues to go on, Lucy begins to think that something much larger is happening. Is she right?
Even though I don’t normally read this series, I didn't have any trouble jumping into the characters here. There was enough explanation of who people were that I could follow along. The bits about those I assume are series regulars didn't mean quite as much to me, but I enjoyed meeting everyone. This is on the serious side of the cozy spectrum, and the atmosphere was carried perfectly throughout the story. Lucy did seem to jump to one conclusion, but since she was proved right with evidence later on, I can't call it a major flaw. There are two recipes at the end of this story to enjoy later. This is probably my favorite of the stories I’ve read from Leslie Meier.
NOTE: This is a novella, roughly 100 pages along.
NOTE 2: This was originally published in the anthology Gingerbread Cookie Murder.
Even though I don’t normally read this series, I didn't have any trouble jumping into the characters here. There was enough explanation of who people were that I could follow along. The bits about those I assume are series regulars didn't mean quite as much to me, but I enjoyed meeting everyone. This is on the serious side of the cozy spectrum, and the atmosphere was carried perfectly throughout the story. Lucy did seem to jump to one conclusion, but since she was proved right with evidence later on, I can't call it a major flaw. There are two recipes at the end of this story to enjoy later. This is probably my favorite of the stories I’ve read from Leslie Meier.
NOTE: This is a novella, roughly 100 pages along.
NOTE 2: This was originally published in the anthology Gingerbread Cookie Murder.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Drowned Under in Books
Mar 20, 2019
Cyd’s Cruising to Find Missing Passengers
It’s the week before Christmas, and Cyd is dreading the upcoming holiday filled with rumors, whispers, and awkward family moments. Then Barry Manzoni comes to her for help. Barry is a childhood friend and Cyd’s ex-husband. His parents are on an Australian cruise, and they vanished part way through. Even though they didn’t book with Redondo Travel, Cyd still begins to use her contacts to see what she can learn. In fact, she uses one of those contacts to get herself booked on the next cruise their ship is taking, which is following the same route. Okay, so she might be using the trip to avoid Christmas with her family, but she does want to help Barry.
After a whirlwind trip half way around the world, she arrives on the ship only to find a dead body. The crew want to say it is a tragic accident, but Cyd suspects foul play. Does this tie into the disappearance of the Manzonis? Can Cyd trust anyone on board?
If you haven’t read the first book in the series, a warning – this book does by necessity spoil some of the events of the first book in the series. If you have read the first book, you know exactly what to expect here, and you won’t be disappointed. We’ve got a fast-paced story with twists that keep Cyd hopping as she tries to uncover what exactly is happening. There is a strong screwball comedy element that keeps us laughing, although some events and Cyd herself keeps us grounded. I did feel the book got a bit frantic at times, but it never lasted too long. The characters are a little caricature as well, but that just makes them fit perfectly into this world. There is a smattering of foul language here. We also have a very strong sub-plot with another endangered animal, but there is no animal cruelty involved this time around. I enjoyed the different take on the Christmas setting – since the book is set mostly off the coast of Australia, we don’t have cold and snow, after all. This is a fun ride, so pick up this book and hold on tight.
After a whirlwind trip half way around the world, she arrives on the ship only to find a dead body. The crew want to say it is a tragic accident, but Cyd suspects foul play. Does this tie into the disappearance of the Manzonis? Can Cyd trust anyone on board?
If you haven’t read the first book in the series, a warning – this book does by necessity spoil some of the events of the first book in the series. If you have read the first book, you know exactly what to expect here, and you won’t be disappointed. We’ve got a fast-paced story with twists that keep Cyd hopping as she tries to uncover what exactly is happening. There is a strong screwball comedy element that keeps us laughing, although some events and Cyd herself keeps us grounded. I did feel the book got a bit frantic at times, but it never lasted too long. The characters are a little caricature as well, but that just makes them fit perfectly into this world. There is a smattering of foul language here. We also have a very strong sub-plot with another endangered animal, but there is no animal cruelty involved this time around. I enjoyed the different take on the Christmas setting – since the book is set mostly off the coast of Australia, we don’t have cold and snow, after all. This is a fun ride, so pick up this book and hold on tight.