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Marc Riley recommended The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway by Genesis in Music (curated)
Erika (17788 KP) created a post in Dear Smashbomb....
Aug 31, 2019
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers [Audiobook] in Books
Apr 16, 2023
![Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/300/2ffa3ab2-a7f9-4edd-8d81-161ea4223300.jpg?m=1681658635)
After initially thinking "oh dear, I'm not going to like this", the more I listened the more I grew to love Vera Wong.
Vera lives on her own after the death of her husband, her son being successful and not in her life quite as much as she would like. Once a thriving tea shop, Vera Wang's World Famous Tea House is now on it's last legs having only one regular customer so when she discovers a dead body in the middle of her shop one morning, she decides it has to be murder and begins to investigate and find out who killed Marshall.
Using her own logic, Vera decides that those who turn up at her shop to ask questions about the body immediately become suspects and she begins to ingratiate herself into their lives using her forthright nature, a little bit of manipulation, fantastic cooking and, if course, tea.
As the story develops, we get to know each of the characters and suspects more so by the end, you don't want any of them to be guilty of murder but one of them must be surely?
This is definitely within the 'cosy mystery' genre and whilst there is little action, I was caught up in the story hook, line and sinker and desperate to know what the ultimate outcome was going to be and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
The narrator was excellent and she totally drew me into the story and into Vera's life. This, for me, was definitely a book to listen to rather than to read myself and I am hopeful that Vera will do more investigating in the future.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.
Vera lives on her own after the death of her husband, her son being successful and not in her life quite as much as she would like. Once a thriving tea shop, Vera Wang's World Famous Tea House is now on it's last legs having only one regular customer so when she discovers a dead body in the middle of her shop one morning, she decides it has to be murder and begins to investigate and find out who killed Marshall.
Using her own logic, Vera decides that those who turn up at her shop to ask questions about the body immediately become suspects and she begins to ingratiate herself into their lives using her forthright nature, a little bit of manipulation, fantastic cooking and, if course, tea.
As the story develops, we get to know each of the characters and suspects more so by the end, you don't want any of them to be guilty of murder but one of them must be surely?
This is definitely within the 'cosy mystery' genre and whilst there is little action, I was caught up in the story hook, line and sinker and desperate to know what the ultimate outcome was going to be and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
The narrator was excellent and she totally drew me into the story and into Vera's life. This, for me, was definitely a book to listen to rather than to read myself and I am hopeful that Vera will do more investigating in the future.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Hope (Indigo Dreams #2) in Books
Jun 7, 2023
In the second book of Indigo Dreams, we are with Indigo as she goes to school in New York. Not only does she have to contend with a roommate that she has nothing in common with, but also strict teachers, self-doubt and an inner core that needs strengthening.
Indigo's character changes throughout this book, as she learns more about herself and sees what she has allowed herself to become. Be warned, there are parts when I didn't like Indigo at all, and I was glad that she and Jesse weren't together as I didn't want him to see her like that! However, through a series of life lessons and help/advice given, Indigo is able to turn that around and become the person she wants to be, rather than one driven by her own fears. And yes, Jesse has a helping hand in this way too.
Grier Cooper in no way glamorises the hard work that goes into being a dancer. The descriptions are raw and real, managing to show the hard work and dedication that is needed. Exceedingly well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this was a thoroughly enjoyable second book. I am hoping for more from Indigo, as I really don't want her dreams to end. And, of course, if Jesse could feature some more, I would be very happy. 😉
For anyone with an interest in Young Adult Contemporary Dance stories, then I can highly recommend this book and this series, although I would recommend you read Wish first to get Indigo's full story.
* 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!
Apr 26, 2016
Indigo's character changes throughout this book, as she learns more about herself and sees what she has allowed herself to become. Be warned, there are parts when I didn't like Indigo at all, and I was glad that she and Jesse weren't together as I didn't want him to see her like that! However, through a series of life lessons and help/advice given, Indigo is able to turn that around and become the person she wants to be, rather than one driven by her own fears. And yes, Jesse has a helping hand in this way too.
Grier Cooper in no way glamorises the hard work that goes into being a dancer. The descriptions are raw and real, managing to show the hard work and dedication that is needed. Exceedingly well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this was a thoroughly enjoyable second book. I am hoping for more from Indigo, as I really don't want her dreams to end. And, of course, if Jesse could feature some more, I would be very happy. 😉
For anyone with an interest in Young Adult Contemporary Dance stories, then I can highly recommend this book and this series, although I would recommend you read Wish first to get Indigo's full story.
* 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!
Apr 26, 2016
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated Raw (2017) in Movies
Jul 28, 2017
Great lead actress (1 more)
Weird twist
WTF did I just watch... In a good way :)
Contains spoilers, click to show
What can be said about french horror that the amazing film Martyrs couldn't say?
A whole mouthful as made apparent by this entry from the land of Eiffel.
It starts slow, which in horror can make the viewer lose interest and get bored. But by the end of the first act you find yourself strangely intrigued by the story of Justine.
Who knew the students in veterinary school could be so harsh on rookies of the program. They shower them in blood and make them eat raw meat. Justine, a strict vegetarian protests, but her older sister makes her eat it, beginning a whirlwind of activity from the prudish Justine that seems completely out of character.
She and her roommate, who is supposed to be a girl, but is a gay young man, engage in pleasantries when she first gets there and a solid connection between the two characters is made.
During a botched Brazilian wax, Justine kicks a pair of scissors from her sister's hand, accidentally removing her ring finger in the process. Sister passes out, Justine calls the paramedics who tell her to put it on ice and rush her into the ER.
But Justine has other plans, she begins smelling the finger, then sucking the blood from the severed end, before snacking on the removed digit feverishly as Alex wakes up and awkwardly stares at her with a look of disbelief.
I'm not going to reveal anymore of this film, to do so would be rude and ignorant to the reader.
This movie is something that needs to be viewed to fully appreciate. It's utterly amazing to watch Justine's transformation.
As an avid horror fanatic, I can only make a recommendation that this film be watched by you the viewer, and your own assumptions be made.
I can lead you to the water, but I can't make you drink. But take my advice... Drink!!! Guzzle!!!! CHUG IT TIL YOU CAN'T DRINK ANYMORE!!!!
A whole mouthful as made apparent by this entry from the land of Eiffel.
It starts slow, which in horror can make the viewer lose interest and get bored. But by the end of the first act you find yourself strangely intrigued by the story of Justine.
Who knew the students in veterinary school could be so harsh on rookies of the program. They shower them in blood and make them eat raw meat. Justine, a strict vegetarian protests, but her older sister makes her eat it, beginning a whirlwind of activity from the prudish Justine that seems completely out of character.
She and her roommate, who is supposed to be a girl, but is a gay young man, engage in pleasantries when she first gets there and a solid connection between the two characters is made.
During a botched Brazilian wax, Justine kicks a pair of scissors from her sister's hand, accidentally removing her ring finger in the process. Sister passes out, Justine calls the paramedics who tell her to put it on ice and rush her into the ER.
But Justine has other plans, she begins smelling the finger, then sucking the blood from the severed end, before snacking on the removed digit feverishly as Alex wakes up and awkwardly stares at her with a look of disbelief.
I'm not going to reveal anymore of this film, to do so would be rude and ignorant to the reader.
This movie is something that needs to be viewed to fully appreciate. It's utterly amazing to watch Justine's transformation.
As an avid horror fanatic, I can only make a recommendation that this film be watched by you the viewer, and your own assumptions be made.
I can lead you to the water, but I can't make you drink. But take my advice... Drink!!! Guzzle!!!! CHUG IT TIL YOU CAN'T DRINK ANYMORE!!!!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated How to Roast a Lamb: New Greek Classic Cooking in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Review: this is a beautiful (huge! like, 2 inches thick.) book bursting with incredible pictures that make me crave salad like i never have before and make octopus actually look edible (and appealing), information that I never would have known or thought about about the ingredients, and fantastic (and some… interesting…)recipes. A typical recipe will include a beautiful full page photograph, description of the food, very easy to read and easy to follow instructions, extra ideas and variations, and little notes and tips and pieces of advice.
There are eleven categories: My Father’s Garden, Open Water, Dinner family style, My First Recipes, The hunting trip, a Lamb and a Goat, Psilakis Birthday Dinners, Kefi—A time to dance, Big party cooking, Anthos—the new world, and The Aegean Pantry. the back of the book includes recipes by type of dish and even metric conversions.
Each section is headed off with a two or three page story about Michael’s life and lots of photographs. some of the stories are sweet, like him remembering cooking for his parents for the first time. some are things i can relate to, like the thrill and pride of learning to dance. (though I never learned to dance on an empty glass beer bottle.) and some stories are sad and sweet, like him telling the time he watched his father kill the lamb that was his friend for Easter dinner.
a quick sampling of the recipes, some that sound fantastic:
*Warm Feta with Tomato, Olive and pepper salad
*Whole Spit roasted lamb
*Grilled watermelon and grilled manouri (which sounds discussing but the photograph looks incredible)
*roasted scallops with cauliflower, tart dried cherries, and capers in brown butter sauce
*Steak with bone marrow htippiti
*Dumplings with sausage, dandelion greens, sundried tomato and pine nuts
Now I’m hungry.
Recommendation: anyone who enjoys cooking really good food, gourmet, beautiful photographs of really good food, or just loves cooking in general.
There are eleven categories: My Father’s Garden, Open Water, Dinner family style, My First Recipes, The hunting trip, a Lamb and a Goat, Psilakis Birthday Dinners, Kefi—A time to dance, Big party cooking, Anthos—the new world, and The Aegean Pantry. the back of the book includes recipes by type of dish and even metric conversions.
Each section is headed off with a two or three page story about Michael’s life and lots of photographs. some of the stories are sweet, like him remembering cooking for his parents for the first time. some are things i can relate to, like the thrill and pride of learning to dance. (though I never learned to dance on an empty glass beer bottle.) and some stories are sad and sweet, like him telling the time he watched his father kill the lamb that was his friend for Easter dinner.
a quick sampling of the recipes, some that sound fantastic:
*Warm Feta with Tomato, Olive and pepper salad
*Whole Spit roasted lamb
*Grilled watermelon and grilled manouri (which sounds discussing but the photograph looks incredible)
*roasted scallops with cauliflower, tart dried cherries, and capers in brown butter sauce
*Steak with bone marrow htippiti
*Dumplings with sausage, dandelion greens, sundried tomato and pine nuts
Now I’m hungry.
Recommendation: anyone who enjoys cooking really good food, gourmet, beautiful photographs of really good food, or just loves cooking in general.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Beach Club in Books
May 10, 2018
Mac Peterson has been the manager for the Nantucket Beach Club and hotel for the past 12 years. When he was 18 years old, he stepped off the ferry and right into Bill Elliott the owner and was given a job that wasn't initially meant for him. But he made the best of his situation and now here he is at a crossroads in his life. He is now 30 years old, he has his family farm in Iowa that he needs to make a decision on, he's been dating Maribelle for 6 years and she's ready for the next step, and he has to decide if the Beach Club is really where he is supposed to be. Filled with guest problems along with personal turmoil from all of the employees, this summer is bound to be one none of them will forget.
Elin Hilderbrand is a new author to me. Over the past year, I have started to read her books and really enjoy the stories. It makes me want to visit Nantucket for sure. This book really resonated with me though because of the few references to the area I live in now.
This is a very interesting story about one season at the Nantucket Beach Club and Hotel. A staple in the community for years. Most people who enjoy the hotel come back every year and look forward to Mac being there when they arrive and helping them throughout their entire stay. Mac isn't sure who he would be without the Beach Club. When his girlfriend of 6 years give him an ultimatum, Mac isn't sure how to take it or what he's going to do. With advice and issues around every corner, he finally figures out exactly what it is he is going to do.
The story ends leaving you wondering what exactly is going to happen next for Mac and what kind of adventures he will have in the following summers at the Beach Club. If he indeed intends to stay there.
Elin Hilderbrand is a new author to me. Over the past year, I have started to read her books and really enjoy the stories. It makes me want to visit Nantucket for sure. This book really resonated with me though because of the few references to the area I live in now.
This is a very interesting story about one season at the Nantucket Beach Club and Hotel. A staple in the community for years. Most people who enjoy the hotel come back every year and look forward to Mac being there when they arrive and helping them throughout their entire stay. Mac isn't sure who he would be without the Beach Club. When his girlfriend of 6 years give him an ultimatum, Mac isn't sure how to take it or what he's going to do. With advice and issues around every corner, he finally figures out exactly what it is he is going to do.
The story ends leaving you wondering what exactly is going to happen next for Mac and what kind of adventures he will have in the following summers at the Beach Club. If he indeed intends to stay there.
I'm married to my best friend. That's what I tell people who don't know me and want to know who my husband is. He's my best friend. When we met, I was leery of another relationship. My first marriage was not the greatest. Too many bad things happening. I didn't trust any guy. But, my husband patiently persisted and one day I took a leap of Faith after praying hard, and 4 years later we are still married. Do we fight? Oh Lord, do we ever! But, one thing I can say is we stay friends through it all. We work our problems out. We seek advice if we need it. We never give up.
Kevin A. Thompson is an author I'd not heard of before, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this book, especially with it being a non fiction book. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! He takes three key aspects to making a marriage work and tells us why they work. It's definitely something I have taken to heart and really want to work on with my husband! The way Mr. Thompson describes these aspects really make me reflect on my marriage now. Four years of happiness with my best friend, sure. But, there is more that we can be doing to really make it work.
This is a 4 star worthy book, in my opinion! I enjoyed his writing style, as it makes it easy to read this non fiction book and to not get bored reading it. If you are in a happy marriage, or a marriage that you aren't sure if it's going to make it, then I highly recommend this read! It will help you think and reflect on what your doing now, and what could improve it. Definitely a great partner read with your spouse! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/review-friends-partners-and-lovers-what-it-takes-to-make-your-marriage-work-by-kevin-a-thompson/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Kevin A. Thompson is an author I'd not heard of before, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this book, especially with it being a non fiction book. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! He takes three key aspects to making a marriage work and tells us why they work. It's definitely something I have taken to heart and really want to work on with my husband! The way Mr. Thompson describes these aspects really make me reflect on my marriage now. Four years of happiness with my best friend, sure. But, there is more that we can be doing to really make it work.
This is a 4 star worthy book, in my opinion! I enjoyed his writing style, as it makes it easy to read this non fiction book and to not get bored reading it. If you are in a happy marriage, or a marriage that you aren't sure if it's going to make it, then I highly recommend this read! It will help you think and reflect on what your doing now, and what could improve it. Definitely a great partner read with your spouse! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/review-friends-partners-and-lovers-what-it-takes-to-make-your-marriage-work-by-kevin-a-thompson/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Frecklesxoxo (6 KP) rated The Good Daughter in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I received an arc copy from Netgalley of this book for an open and honest review.
Recently I have been reading young adults and supernatural books, these are great I love them, I love the supernatural genre and I think the stories are fun,however, I have read a lot of them and this book really honed in on the fact that I have really missed a good old fashioned Suspenseful Thriller! It's absolutely amazing,I was hooked like a fish on a rod, I literally could not put this book down it got to the point where I'm reading it to the very last second before I need to leave for work or I can't quite go to sleep yet I just have to finish this chapter.
The writing is spectacular she has this amazing ability to really bring you into the story,you are invested in the characters, you want to know them, you want to be with them, you feel their pain, their joy and you want what they want and you're afraid when they're afraid and I think that's just such a fantastic skill set to have.
I love the characters I think Sam and Charlie are great and they really work of each other and I love rusty especially nearing the end when you find out more about him, you really find out who he is and what makes him tick and I think he has some really good advice that he gave them.
This book is painful and it's sad and it's tough but there is a light at the end of the tunnel there is good in it as well and I really don't want to say anymore as I don't want to say anything about the story as I don't want to spoil it but it is an amazing story and I truly recommend this.
Recently I have been reading young adults and supernatural books, these are great I love them, I love the supernatural genre and I think the stories are fun,however, I have read a lot of them and this book really honed in on the fact that I have really missed a good old fashioned Suspenseful Thriller! It's absolutely amazing,I was hooked like a fish on a rod, I literally could not put this book down it got to the point where I'm reading it to the very last second before I need to leave for work or I can't quite go to sleep yet I just have to finish this chapter.
The writing is spectacular she has this amazing ability to really bring you into the story,you are invested in the characters, you want to know them, you want to be with them, you feel their pain, their joy and you want what they want and you're afraid when they're afraid and I think that's just such a fantastic skill set to have.
I love the characters I think Sam and Charlie are great and they really work of each other and I love rusty especially nearing the end when you find out more about him, you really find out who he is and what makes him tick and I think he has some really good advice that he gave them.
This book is painful and it's sad and it's tough but there is a light at the end of the tunnel there is good in it as well and I really don't want to say anymore as I don't want to say anything about the story as I don't want to spoil it but it is an amazing story and I truly recommend this.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated The Balance Plan: Six Steps to Optimize Your Hormonal Health in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Nourishment not Deprivation!
Have you ever thought you struggle to lose weight even when you don’t eat properly? What about not being able to live without your tea, coffee or chocolate fix on a daily basis? Are you always saying how exhausted you are?
More than likely you have said something along these lines, but did you know that these complaints are often down to a hormonal imbalance?
The Balance Plan by Angelique Panagos tackles how to deal with all those issues and more, whilst offering practical advice, and suggestions for overcoming things like always feeling hungry but never feeling satisfied, or constantly feeling bloated.
Split up into four parts there are recipes, meal plans and full on explanations about how to optimise your hormonal health. To achieve this Angelique has created a six-step method (the six pillars of balance) which include; nourish (eating correctly), balance (stabilising ourselves by planning ahead), nurture (looking after ourselves), cleanse (cleansing our bodies), move (exercises) and restore (pampering).
In addition we hear about how hormones work and what exactly they are, through “The Sassy Six” and how to recognise what is happening to our bodies. From PMS, toxins, to stress and the menopause — major transitions in a woman’s life — it’s all covered.
This is an empowering book which highlights how we should celebrate our feminine cycle, by learning to understand and support our hormonal balance through a journey of gentle consistent lifestyle changes. Yeah, I know that sounds a bit hippy-ish, but it’s not at all. The Balance Plan helps to show us how we don’t need to reach for the pills for a quick fix, only to gloss over what is really happening to our bodies.
This is a thoroughly educational read, that should be on every woman’s bookshelf. Imagine if you can sleep better, enhance digestion, elevate energy levels, lose weight, reduce stress and feel happier. This book plans to help you do just that!
Have you ever thought you struggle to lose weight even when you don’t eat properly? What about not being able to live without your tea, coffee or chocolate fix on a daily basis? Are you always saying how exhausted you are?
More than likely you have said something along these lines, but did you know that these complaints are often down to a hormonal imbalance?
The Balance Plan by Angelique Panagos tackles how to deal with all those issues and more, whilst offering practical advice, and suggestions for overcoming things like always feeling hungry but never feeling satisfied, or constantly feeling bloated.
Split up into four parts there are recipes, meal plans and full on explanations about how to optimise your hormonal health. To achieve this Angelique has created a six-step method (the six pillars of balance) which include; nourish (eating correctly), balance (stabilising ourselves by planning ahead), nurture (looking after ourselves), cleanse (cleansing our bodies), move (exercises) and restore (pampering).
In addition we hear about how hormones work and what exactly they are, through “The Sassy Six” and how to recognise what is happening to our bodies. From PMS, toxins, to stress and the menopause — major transitions in a woman’s life — it’s all covered.
This is an empowering book which highlights how we should celebrate our feminine cycle, by learning to understand and support our hormonal balance through a journey of gentle consistent lifestyle changes. Yeah, I know that sounds a bit hippy-ish, but it’s not at all. The Balance Plan helps to show us how we don’t need to reach for the pills for a quick fix, only to gloss over what is really happening to our bodies.
This is a thoroughly educational read, that should be on every woman’s bookshelf. Imagine if you can sleep better, enhance digestion, elevate energy levels, lose weight, reduce stress and feel happier. This book plans to help you do just that!