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A Star Is Born (2018)
A Star Is Born (2018)
2018 | Drama, Romance
The story that's been resurrected more times than Dracula is back again, this time with Bradley Cooper as troubled country-rocker Jackson Maine, and Lady Gaga as the aspiring singer-songwriter who starts off as his protege/girlfriend but whose talent threatens to eclipse his. Better bring your hankies (or some kind of absorbent cloth, anyway).

Well, the good news is that Cooper can sing and Gaga can act, so the film hangs together as a dramatic musical, but it's still probably at its best when Cooper is acting and Gaga is singing. Some of the songs are absolutely lovely, but to be quite honest, the film goes on a bit too long, especially the wallowing-in-existential-misery stuff near the end. It's also made quite clear from the opening moments that Cooper's character has problems, so the story kind of comes across as one last detour on the way down than a genuine romantic tragedy.

Still, well acted, well sung, convincing stuff: the kind of old-fashioned meaty melodrama that often does very well for itself both critically and commercially, though it may have come out a bit too early to really storm the Oscars next year. Brace yourself for a remake of The Bodyguard with Katy Perry or Taylor Swift, I shouldn't wonder.
  
Shine Like the Dawn
Shine Like the Dawn
Carrie Turansky | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have not read many of Carrie's books yet, but I love the settings she has chosen. Shine Like the Dawn takes place in 1903, at the beginning of the Edwardian Era we see so many new inventions and exciting contraptions, like motor vehicles!

This story starts with tragedy and through the difficult lessons and circumstances that both Nathaniel and Maggie find themselves in, it was so good to see them act and react as normal human beings. And through it all, they learn and grow. Maggie is full of questions and is determined to seek justice, no matter the risk or cost. Nate is such a protector, of the ones he loves and the ones that he is responsible for.

Filled with unanswered questions, Maggie dives into an investigation. With Nate's help will she be able to solve a tragic mystery that is now years since past? Will she learn how to trust God to give her the answers she NEEDS, even if they aren't the answers she WANTS? Be swept back in time to solve the crime and bring justice to Heatherton alongside Margaret Lounsbury.

I received a complimentary uncorrected proof of Shine Like the Dawn from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
The Switch House
The Switch House
Tim Meyer | 2018 | Horror
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wow! Talk about a fast-paced, no bull read! Tim Meyer really jumps right into the middle of a huge mess with his novella, The Switch House. Angela and Terry have had an unfortunate tragedy take place in their lives: the disappearance of a child. Aided by Angela’s sudden onslaught of strange visions and nightmares, a rift forms between husband and wife and Angela is left to figure things out for herself.

Because this book is short, I can’t go too far into detail without letting loose a spoiler or two, so I’ll keep this review pretty vague. What I can say is this: if you’re a fan of vividly gory scenes, this is a must-read. If you’re a fan of the occult and ritualistic scenes, this book is for you. If you like your horror with a bit of a psychological twist, please DO grab The Switch House.

Seriously, Meyer doesn’t disappoint. Brimming with non-stop action, The Switch House is an excellently crafted novella of terror. Easily completable in one sitting, I cannot recommend this book enough. From fully developed characters to a twisting plot that you’ll never see coming, Meyer is an ace and an author to look out for. I can’t wait to read more of his work.

The Switch House was received free of charge. All opinions expressed are purely my own and without bias.