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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2516 KP) rated Murder on Mistletoe Lane in Books
Dec 19, 2023 (Updated Dec 19, 2023)
Stella and Lyndy’s First Christmas Together Involves Murder
It’s late December 1905, and Stella and Lyndy are excited to spend their first Christmas together. Stella is a little confused by the house guests her in-laws have invited and the tension just below the surface their presence creates. But when a servant is killed, run down on the side of the road, she can’t help but investigate. Can she figure out what happened?
This is another strong entry in the series. I was glad that Stella and Lyndy were home since it meant that the supporting characters were back. I loved watching those relationships and characters grow more complex yet again here. There is a lot happening in this book, and the plots weave in and out of each other before reaching the logical climax. I did have a niggle with the climax, but it was a small one. The tone is a little somber, but it is in keeping with the rest of the series. On the other hand, all the scenes involving Christmas put me in the Christmas spirit, even if not everything was familiar. As always, the multiple view points of the narration were put to fantastic use. Those who enjoy historical mysteries will be glad they picked this one up.
This is another strong entry in the series. I was glad that Stella and Lyndy were home since it meant that the supporting characters were back. I loved watching those relationships and characters grow more complex yet again here. There is a lot happening in this book, and the plots weave in and out of each other before reaching the logical climax. I did have a niggle with the climax, but it was a small one. The tone is a little somber, but it is in keeping with the rest of the series. On the other hand, all the scenes involving Christmas put me in the Christmas spirit, even if not everything was familiar. As always, the multiple view points of the narration were put to fantastic use. Those who enjoy historical mysteries will be glad they picked this one up.
Merissa (13878 KP) rated Fallen (Everwood Falls #2) in Books
Apr 12, 2024
FALLEN is the second book in the Everwood Falls series, and this time we follow Lucien and Isabel as they navigate Lucien's curse and Isabel's lack of memories. She is also dealing with her own problems, such as a stalker who is trying to kill her.
It was wonderful seeing the familiar characters again, although it did take me a moment to get them sorted in my head. I love seeing how they all live and work together with their different strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately for me, that means I also forget which one is a what. I get there though!
I thought the mystery side was well done, giving plenty of opportunities to see it all building as it comes together. The only part that got me (as such) was how Lucien and Isabel went from avoiding each other to declaring their love. It just seemed a little fast (if you ignore the prior two thousand years) with no real build-up to it.
A great addition to the series and a welcome return to Everwood Falls. I look forward to reading more in the future.
** 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!
Apr 12, 2024
It was wonderful seeing the familiar characters again, although it did take me a moment to get them sorted in my head. I love seeing how they all live and work together with their different strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately for me, that means I also forget which one is a what. I get there though!
I thought the mystery side was well done, giving plenty of opportunities to see it all building as it comes together. The only part that got me (as such) was how Lucien and Isabel went from avoiding each other to declaring their love. It just seemed a little fast (if you ignore the prior two thousand years) with no real build-up to it.
A great addition to the series and a welcome return to Everwood Falls. I look forward to reading more in the future.
** 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!
Apr 12, 2024
ClareR (6106 KP) rated Hold Back the Night in Books
Jul 7, 2024
I’m still reeling from this book, and I read it about a month ago.
Hold Back the Night is set in 3 timelines:
1959, Annie and Ruth are training to be psychiatric nurses in an institution that believes they’re at the forefront of treatment. They learn to speed-shave and dress male patients, hold down women receiving ECT, and take part in conversion therapy for some male patients. “Conversion therapy” sounds pretty harmless, doesn’t it? In reality it wasn’t.
1983, Annie is widowed and bringing up her daughter, Rosie, alone. She meets a young man who is ill, and his friend. She learns that he has been evicted because he has HIV. Annie offers them a home and nursing care. Soon her home becomes a haven for infected, homeless, shunned boys. I think in the back of her mind, she knows she’s trying to make amends for her part in the conversion therapies she took part in.
Which brings us to the third timeline in 2020, and Covid.
There are some parallels to be drawn (uncertainty, fear), but this timeline wraps everything up together, and Annie faces up to her part in 1959.
I loved this book, and the way the timelines wove together really helped me to understand Annie and her reasons for doing just what she did - rightly or wrongly.
Definitely one of my books of the year.
Hold Back the Night is set in 3 timelines:
1959, Annie and Ruth are training to be psychiatric nurses in an institution that believes they’re at the forefront of treatment. They learn to speed-shave and dress male patients, hold down women receiving ECT, and take part in conversion therapy for some male patients. “Conversion therapy” sounds pretty harmless, doesn’t it? In reality it wasn’t.
1983, Annie is widowed and bringing up her daughter, Rosie, alone. She meets a young man who is ill, and his friend. She learns that he has been evicted because he has HIV. Annie offers them a home and nursing care. Soon her home becomes a haven for infected, homeless, shunned boys. I think in the back of her mind, she knows she’s trying to make amends for her part in the conversion therapies she took part in.
Which brings us to the third timeline in 2020, and Covid.
There are some parallels to be drawn (uncertainty, fear), but this timeline wraps everything up together, and Annie faces up to her part in 1959.
I loved this book, and the way the timelines wove together really helped me to understand Annie and her reasons for doing just what she did - rightly or wrongly.
Definitely one of my books of the year.
Merissa (13878 KP) rated Mated in Ink (Love Sync Ink) in Books
Feb 26, 2026
MATED IN INK is part of the Love Sync Ink series, although I haven't read any of the other stories in the series, and I don't feel as though it made any difference to my enjoyment of this one.
This is an omegaverse story, where shifters are secret. Gabe is a human omega, and Mika is a meerkat shifter alpha. Gabe has always been told by his omega father what he should look for in an alpha, and Mika is none of those things. However, Gabe has a magic tattoo that points him in the right direction, and both he and Mika like pushing the boundaries on what should be 'right' or 'expected' of a designation.
Talia, Mika's mum, is an absolute hoot, and I loved how Gabe compared her to the mafia. Gabe's dad took some time to win me over, but it became clear why he acted the way he did. One of the things I enjoyed about this story was that it didn't just end when they got together. Instead, you see how they settle into life together, a wedding, births, and best friends. I'm hoping for a story about Jett and his phoenix!
All in all, a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Feb 26, 2026
This is an omegaverse story, where shifters are secret. Gabe is a human omega, and Mika is a meerkat shifter alpha. Gabe has always been told by his omega father what he should look for in an alpha, and Mika is none of those things. However, Gabe has a magic tattoo that points him in the right direction, and both he and Mika like pushing the boundaries on what should be 'right' or 'expected' of a designation.
Talia, Mika's mum, is an absolute hoot, and I loved how Gabe compared her to the mafia. Gabe's dad took some time to win me over, but it became clear why he acted the way he did. One of the things I enjoyed about this story was that it didn't just end when they got together. Instead, you see how they settle into life together, a wedding, births, and best friends. I'm hoping for a story about Jett and his phoenix!
All in all, a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Feb 26, 2026
Pumped (Mars Fitness #3)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Love is co-parenting with my worst enemy. Owen Everest is an irresponsible, delinquent,...
Contemporary MM Romance Enemies-to-Lovers Grumpy/Sunshine
Lindsay (1807 KP) rated War at the Ice Cream Store 2: Rocky Road vs The Sundae Storm in Books
May 27, 2025
This book is similar to the first book. We meet a few more new characters. One is Sheriff Mults, I believe. We are also introduced to Allen Halfgallon. This book gets more fun. It is funny and loveable. I just loved the characters and their personalities. I also like the wordplay. It is like reading the words in a song.
I like how they try to help and come up with an idea together to save the day. Vanilli Nice calls for help and then tells them about the war emergency at the ice cream store. Will they be able to save the day? Or will the Sundae Storm win out?
We are then introduced to Rocky Road. Will he be able to save the day? Will the frozen treats be able to save the day, and or will the shop be closed on a perfect summer day?
The story can be told by just looking at the pictures. The pictures are colorful and enjoyable to look at. I enjoy the way the story plays out. Will they rally together to save the historical day, or will they not? I like the Newman telling the story through his eyes as if on the news in weather report style. We also see it through the ice cream flavor point of view.
I like how they try to help and come up with an idea together to save the day. Vanilli Nice calls for help and then tells them about the war emergency at the ice cream store. Will they be able to save the day? Or will the Sundae Storm win out?
We are then introduced to Rocky Road. Will he be able to save the day? Will the frozen treats be able to save the day, and or will the shop be closed on a perfect summer day?
The story can be told by just looking at the pictures. The pictures are colorful and enjoyable to look at. I enjoy the way the story plays out. Will they rally together to save the historical day, or will they not? I like the Newman telling the story through his eyes as if on the news in weather report style. We also see it through the ice cream flavor point of view.
InkyBooks (43 KP) rated Paintbrush in Books
Nov 4, 2017
Contains spoilers, click to show
This was a pleasant story to read. I loved how it covered real life situations and friendships. Mitchell and Josie have been friends practically their whole lives and when a bad situation happens in Mitchell’s life Josie is there for him. Their friendship takes a turn and they find themselves developing new feelings and taking new paths they didn’t think they would together. I loved how the author covered how bad situations can alter people’s lives and still have a positive outcome. How friendships can be formed by people who are complete opposites and how not everyone is how they appear to be.
Colby Peterson (2 KP) rated Justice League (2017) in Movies
Dec 3, 2017
The characters were cool. (1 more)
The action was exciting and fight scenes were intense.
Good movie
The movie was good and I did really enjoy it. It seemed to be missing something and I’m not sure what. I don’t know if something got lost with a different director taking over to finish it up when the original director had to leave for family reasons. But there just wasnt an element there that could have been. There wasn’t enough character building before they all are together and fighting Steppenwolf.
Vicky (1 KP) rated The Greatest Showman (2017) in Movies
Jan 8, 2018
Amazing Soundtrack (1 more)
Amazing Cast
I must say after listening to the soundtrack on repeat for at least two days I was slightly worried that the film wouldn't live up to the music but it was absolutely amazing! I loved every second and was not bored once. The storyline was just as amazing as the soundtrack and I must say that the soundtrack and story fitted together incredibly well. The dance numbers and stunts were awesome. And I'll be honest when I say I never wanted it to end. Definitely one I will be re-watching a lot. One of my favourite films of 2017 by far!
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Kinda Funny Games Daily in Podcasts
Jan 11, 2018
A Daily Dose of Kinda Funny Goodness
This show was started after Colin left Kinda Funny as a sort of substitute for PS I Love You, the show that Greg and Colin used to do together each week. Unfortunately Games Daily isn't anywhere near as good as PSILY used to be, but it is still pretty entertaining. Plus NoClip's Danny O'Dwyer is on fairly regularly and I always like to hear what he has to say.