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John Bradley recommended Raining Stones (1993) in Movies (curated)
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Downton Abbey (2019) in Movies
Sep 16, 2019
The King and Queen, His Royal Highness, King George V and Queen Mary are visiting Downton Abbey! This is the premise set for the grand cinematic conclusion of the very popular BBC/PBS series that has told the saga of the Crawley family.
Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) will host the King and Queen for one night as they tour the country. This starts the frenzy of preparation at Downton Abbey. The entire cast from the television series returns to wrap up the epic tale of the family led by the Dowager Countess of Grantham (Dame Maggie Smith as the stoic, protective and acid tongued head of the Crawley Family). We get to view the intrigue and subterfuge that has been built upon the ages as the players in the game, maneuver their way through the challenges of royal protocol.
The daily run of Downton has been passed down to Lady Mary Talbot (Michelle Dockery), who now needs to insure that the house is in order and passes the inspection of the Royal Servants of the King. The kitchen is all a twitter with plans and preparation for shopping and meals. Come to find that the King and Queen has their own travelling butler and ladies maid that arrive beforehand to establish the household in order to provide the crown with the comforts that they are accustomed.
This film has been eagerly anticipated since the last season had aired. Fans all around the world have been waiting for this to wrap up the loose ends from the closing season of the television series. The film does exactly that. Taking each thread and weaving a complete conclusion of the stories that compelled millions around the world to stay tuned.
For those who have not seen the series but are wrangled to watch the movie, you will find the charm, elegance, humour and wit applied to the story. One is not required to have watched any, if all of the episodes of Downton in order to enjoy the storyline. The film is perfectly entertaining as a standalone film. Each character so well crafted and beautifully acted by the ensemble.
I recommend taking your favorite Downton fan to the cinema for an evening of grand proportions, romantic notions, charm and the glamour of 1927 England. Thoroughly enjoyable with or without previous show knowledge.
5 out of 5 for fans
4 out of 5 for non fans
Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) will host the King and Queen for one night as they tour the country. This starts the frenzy of preparation at Downton Abbey. The entire cast from the television series returns to wrap up the epic tale of the family led by the Dowager Countess of Grantham (Dame Maggie Smith as the stoic, protective and acid tongued head of the Crawley Family). We get to view the intrigue and subterfuge that has been built upon the ages as the players in the game, maneuver their way through the challenges of royal protocol.
The daily run of Downton has been passed down to Lady Mary Talbot (Michelle Dockery), who now needs to insure that the house is in order and passes the inspection of the Royal Servants of the King. The kitchen is all a twitter with plans and preparation for shopping and meals. Come to find that the King and Queen has their own travelling butler and ladies maid that arrive beforehand to establish the household in order to provide the crown with the comforts that they are accustomed.
This film has been eagerly anticipated since the last season had aired. Fans all around the world have been waiting for this to wrap up the loose ends from the closing season of the television series. The film does exactly that. Taking each thread and weaving a complete conclusion of the stories that compelled millions around the world to stay tuned.
For those who have not seen the series but are wrangled to watch the movie, you will find the charm, elegance, humour and wit applied to the story. One is not required to have watched any, if all of the episodes of Downton in order to enjoy the storyline. The film is perfectly entertaining as a standalone film. Each character so well crafted and beautifully acted by the ensemble.
I recommend taking your favorite Downton fan to the cinema for an evening of grand proportions, romantic notions, charm and the glamour of 1927 England. Thoroughly enjoyable with or without previous show knowledge.
5 out of 5 for fans
4 out of 5 for non fans
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated The Shape of Night in Books
Oct 11, 2019
This was a quick, fun read, and completely different from the author's previous titles - both her Rizzoli & Isles series and her stand-alone novels. I wouldn't call it romantic suspense, as it's being billed. There really isn't anything at all romantic about what happens to Ava. I'd call it paranormal mystery/suspense leaning toward gothic - and well done!
"After an unspeakable tragedy in Boston, Ava Collette flees to a remote village in Maine, where she rents an old house named Brodie’s Watch, hoping to work on a cookbook inspired by New England cuisine that she’s been trying to finish for months. In that isolated seaside mansion, Ava finally feels at peace . . . until she glimpses the long-dead sea captain who still resides there.
Rumor has it that Captain Jeremiah Brodie has haunted the house for more than a century. One night, Ava confronts the apparition, who feels all too real, and who welcomes her into his world—and into his arms. Even as Ava questions her own sanity, she eagerly looks forward to the captain’s ghostly visits. But she soon learns that the house she loves comes with a terrible secret, a secret that those in the village don’t want to reveal: Every woman who has ever lived in Brodie’s Watch has also died there. Is the ghost of Captain Brodie responsible, or is a flesh-and-blood killer at work?"
The descriptive passages are terrific, bringing a long-dead ghost to life in vivid detail. I had no trouble at all picturing the house as it was in the Captain's time, or believing the scenarios in which Ava found herself. I could absolutely see Hannibal the cat as he helped to rid the old house of its mouse population. I could almost taste the wonderful flavors in the meals Ava was testing for her cookbook. And I could very nearly smell the sea.
As with many of the author's previous works, she kept me guessing right up until the big reveal - which I did not see coming. The Shape of Night is a well-written, fast-paced read with a satisfying conclusion, and I'd love to see more like this from this author. (But of course, keep writing those Rizzoli & Isles stories, too, please.) 😊
"After an unspeakable tragedy in Boston, Ava Collette flees to a remote village in Maine, where she rents an old house named Brodie’s Watch, hoping to work on a cookbook inspired by New England cuisine that she’s been trying to finish for months. In that isolated seaside mansion, Ava finally feels at peace . . . until she glimpses the long-dead sea captain who still resides there.
Rumor has it that Captain Jeremiah Brodie has haunted the house for more than a century. One night, Ava confronts the apparition, who feels all too real, and who welcomes her into his world—and into his arms. Even as Ava questions her own sanity, she eagerly looks forward to the captain’s ghostly visits. But she soon learns that the house she loves comes with a terrible secret, a secret that those in the village don’t want to reveal: Every woman who has ever lived in Brodie’s Watch has also died there. Is the ghost of Captain Brodie responsible, or is a flesh-and-blood killer at work?"
The descriptive passages are terrific, bringing a long-dead ghost to life in vivid detail. I had no trouble at all picturing the house as it was in the Captain's time, or believing the scenarios in which Ava found herself. I could absolutely see Hannibal the cat as he helped to rid the old house of its mouse population. I could almost taste the wonderful flavors in the meals Ava was testing for her cookbook. And I could very nearly smell the sea.
As with many of the author's previous works, she kept me guessing right up until the big reveal - which I did not see coming. The Shape of Night is a well-written, fast-paced read with a satisfying conclusion, and I'd love to see more like this from this author. (But of course, keep writing those Rizzoli & Isles stories, too, please.) 😊
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Between the Lines in Books
Jun 7, 2018
I was given Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer by the PR company in England who is promoting it in exchange for an honest review.
The book is written by the best selling author Jodi Picoult and her teenage daughter Samantha Van Leer. The idea for this book was actually Van Leer's, and what a fantastic idea it was!
What happens after you close a book? What happens to the characters in the book? What if they actually had their own lives which went on after a book was closed?
Oliver is a character in a children's fairy tale. However, he wonders if there's something more out there. He wants to escape into the Otherworld which is the reader's world. He is sick of being stuck in a fairy tale doing the same things over and over with the same people.
Delilah is a 15 year old girl who just doesn't fit in. She daydreams about falling in love with her prince charming. However, her prince charming is a character in a children's fairy tale.
To sum up the plot, Delilah and Oliver try to find a way to get Oliver out of his fairy tale book. You are shown the struggles of which they try to do this. Will Delilah ever get to be with her prince?
I loved this book. Everything about it was great. The plot was well thought out and very original. I actually felt like I was part of the story. What also makes it great is it kind of feels like you are getting two stories for the price of one. The reader is told the actual fairy tale for the most part as well as the actual story.
The actual story is told from Oliver and Delilah's point of view which I love! That way you can get how each character is feeling.
Also, the other character is this book are very well thought out and say some amazing things! My favourite supporting character was the trusty steed Socks. He was always worrying about how he looked and would come out with some funny lines!
One other thing I enjoyed about this book was the illustrations. They are beautifully drawn, and I believe it makes this book that much more interesting.
If you are looking for something a bit different to read, don't pass up this book. It is amazing, and you won't be disappointed.
I give it a 5 out of 5.
(This review is also posted on my blog).
The book is written by the best selling author Jodi Picoult and her teenage daughter Samantha Van Leer. The idea for this book was actually Van Leer's, and what a fantastic idea it was!
What happens after you close a book? What happens to the characters in the book? What if they actually had their own lives which went on after a book was closed?
Oliver is a character in a children's fairy tale. However, he wonders if there's something more out there. He wants to escape into the Otherworld which is the reader's world. He is sick of being stuck in a fairy tale doing the same things over and over with the same people.
Delilah is a 15 year old girl who just doesn't fit in. She daydreams about falling in love with her prince charming. However, her prince charming is a character in a children's fairy tale.
To sum up the plot, Delilah and Oliver try to find a way to get Oliver out of his fairy tale book. You are shown the struggles of which they try to do this. Will Delilah ever get to be with her prince?
I loved this book. Everything about it was great. The plot was well thought out and very original. I actually felt like I was part of the story. What also makes it great is it kind of feels like you are getting two stories for the price of one. The reader is told the actual fairy tale for the most part as well as the actual story.
The actual story is told from Oliver and Delilah's point of view which I love! That way you can get how each character is feeling.
Also, the other character is this book are very well thought out and say some amazing things! My favourite supporting character was the trusty steed Socks. He was always worrying about how he looked and would come out with some funny lines!
One other thing I enjoyed about this book was the illustrations. They are beautifully drawn, and I believe it makes this book that much more interesting.
If you are looking for something a bit different to read, don't pass up this book. It is amazing, and you won't be disappointed.
I give it a 5 out of 5.
(This review is also posted on my blog).
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Escape from Witchwood Hollow in Books
Dec 7, 2018
<i>This eBook was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review </i>
Jordan Elizabeth combines contemporary and historical fiction in this mystical young adult novel.<i> Escape From Witchwood Hollow</i> begins in October 2001 with teenage Honoria who has recently moved to the countryside in New York. Not only is it a huge contrast from the life she knew in the city, there is also a local legend that she becomes fascinated with: if you go into the woods a witch will capture you and never let you leave.
This story, however, is not only about Honoria. Back in 1850, Albertine moves from England to New York to be with her father. Ignoring the rumours about Witchwood Hollow, she ventures into the woods hoping that it will be a shortcut to her father’s farm. When she becomes hopelessly lost she begins to question the actuality of the tale of the witch.
As the two stories go on they begin to merge together as Honoria investigates deeper into the legend and Albertine begins to learn the truth. It also appears that the two girls are in some way connected.
Although <i>Escape From Witchwood Hollow</i> is primarily focused on the paranormal aspect of the story, it also deals with the way in which a teenage girl deals with drastic change. Albertine is motherless and living as a maid, however that is nothing compared to the grief Honoria is dealing with. Her parents were two of the victims in the collapse of the World Trade Centers. Not only has she got to come to terms with the loss, she has to cope with moving house, changing schools and making new friends.
The concept of <i>Escape From Witchwood Hollow</i> sounds exciting yet, at least for me, it was not as interesting to read. I far more enjoyed the chapters focused on Albertine rather than Honoria. Perhaps that is because it is easier to admire Albertine’s sense independence and determination, whereas Honoria appears to have a more depressed view of the world (although that is not surprising judging what she has been through).
Overall,<i> Escape From Witchwood Hollow</i> is a decent book to read when you are looking for something quick that will pass the time. It is fast paced and becomes gripping towards the end - particularly when you realize there are not many pages left and nothing has yet been resolved – before coming to a shocking conclusion.
Jordan Elizabeth combines contemporary and historical fiction in this mystical young adult novel.<i> Escape From Witchwood Hollow</i> begins in October 2001 with teenage Honoria who has recently moved to the countryside in New York. Not only is it a huge contrast from the life she knew in the city, there is also a local legend that she becomes fascinated with: if you go into the woods a witch will capture you and never let you leave.
This story, however, is not only about Honoria. Back in 1850, Albertine moves from England to New York to be with her father. Ignoring the rumours about Witchwood Hollow, she ventures into the woods hoping that it will be a shortcut to her father’s farm. When she becomes hopelessly lost she begins to question the actuality of the tale of the witch.
As the two stories go on they begin to merge together as Honoria investigates deeper into the legend and Albertine begins to learn the truth. It also appears that the two girls are in some way connected.
Although <i>Escape From Witchwood Hollow</i> is primarily focused on the paranormal aspect of the story, it also deals with the way in which a teenage girl deals with drastic change. Albertine is motherless and living as a maid, however that is nothing compared to the grief Honoria is dealing with. Her parents were two of the victims in the collapse of the World Trade Centers. Not only has she got to come to terms with the loss, she has to cope with moving house, changing schools and making new friends.
The concept of <i>Escape From Witchwood Hollow</i> sounds exciting yet, at least for me, it was not as interesting to read. I far more enjoyed the chapters focused on Albertine rather than Honoria. Perhaps that is because it is easier to admire Albertine’s sense independence and determination, whereas Honoria appears to have a more depressed view of the world (although that is not surprising judging what she has been through).
Overall,<i> Escape From Witchwood Hollow</i> is a decent book to read when you are looking for something quick that will pass the time. It is fast paced and becomes gripping towards the end - particularly when you realize there are not many pages left and nothing has yet been resolved – before coming to a shocking conclusion.