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Crush Box Set: Books 1 to 3 (Crush Box Set, #1)
8.0
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Book
Box set 1 contains: First Kiss follows Charlie and Josh as love crosses boundaries they never...
MM Contemporary Romance Box Set
Perfect Strangers
6.0
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106 of 235 Book Perfect Strangers By Araminta Hall ⭐️⭐️⭐️ When Nancy Hennessy...
Small Eden
Book
A boy with his head in the clouds. A man with a head full of dreams. 1884. The symptoms of...
Historical Fiction 1864-1910
I, Julian
10.0
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In 1347, the first pestilence rages across the land. The young Julian of Norwich encounters the...
Historical Fiction
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Trees Grew Because I Bled There in Books
Apr 14, 2024
71 of 220
Book
The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: collected stories
By Eric LaRocca
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eight stories of dark fiction from a master storyteller. Exploring the shadow side of love, these are tales of grief, obsession, control. Intricate examinations of trauma and tragedy in raw, poetic prose. A woman imagines horrific scenarios whilst caring for her infant niece; on-line posts chronicle a cancer diagnosis; a couple in the park with their small child encounter a stranger with horrific consequences; a toxic relationship reaches a terrifying resolution…
This was a compilation of stories from a very talented authors. You get taken on a journey with these short stories. A few stories stood out from the crowd! The Strange things we become a story of how cancer destroys everything it touches and plays with the mind.
You’re not supposed to be here l, I think this is my favourite of them all a parents worst nightmare and a dark tale of secrets and desperation.
I’d also mention Where Flames Burned as Grass, would you sacrifice your child on the word of a complete stranger?
Really enjoyed these stories and the writing style.
Book
The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: collected stories
By Eric LaRocca
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eight stories of dark fiction from a master storyteller. Exploring the shadow side of love, these are tales of grief, obsession, control. Intricate examinations of trauma and tragedy in raw, poetic prose. A woman imagines horrific scenarios whilst caring for her infant niece; on-line posts chronicle a cancer diagnosis; a couple in the park with their small child encounter a stranger with horrific consequences; a toxic relationship reaches a terrifying resolution…
This was a compilation of stories from a very talented authors. You get taken on a journey with these short stories. A few stories stood out from the crowd! The Strange things we become a story of how cancer destroys everything it touches and plays with the mind.
You’re not supposed to be here l, I think this is my favourite of them all a parents worst nightmare and a dark tale of secrets and desperation.
I’d also mention Where Flames Burned as Grass, would you sacrifice your child on the word of a complete stranger?
Really enjoyed these stories and the writing style.
Caio (Limerent #1)
Book
Sarah Baker is a paralegal in a law firm in modern day Brooklyn. Her life is bouncing between her...
Paranormal Supernatural Legal Romance Thriller Series
Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated Ghosteen by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds in Music
Mar 3, 2020 (Updated Aug 6, 2020)
My intention was to listen to this twice through and then tell you what I thought about it. In the past, I have always admired Nick Cave more in theory than in practice. Finding his heavier touches a little too “noisy”. Typified by the 2004 release Abbatoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus, where I listened to the latter, gentler side over and over, and largely left the more raucous tracks on the former alone.
Because of this personal preference, I have ended up virtually listening to Ghosteen on loop for a full week, as it leans very definitely towards the softer side of his soul – at times almost ambient dreamscape, washing over you like tired thoughts just before sleep. And, often, that is what it became for me: a night album to drift away to.
It is an album about grief, regret, spirituality and humanism. There is a misconception that it is wholly inspired by the death of Cave’s son Arthur, but, in his own words, it was more the death of band member Conway Savage that allowed the themes and lyrics to become the work.
As always, it is Cave’s poetry that emerges as the backbone and soul of every song. The melodies wash over you, at times indistinguishable as separate tracks, and you begin to feel invited into a man’s heart and mind as he explores mortality, shifting between anger, acceptance, fear and hope, in a segue of sound that feels ultimately like a mood painting, defying criticism.
At times listening feels like an intrusion; like these thoughts are too personal to eavesdrop on. At other times, you feel taken by the hand and invited to look at something beautiful. If you allow yourself to be taken on this journey willingly, your empathy will be coaxed and encouraged, and it will be safe. Sadness is only one part of grief, seems to be the message, and it’s a message I relate to and adore.
Labels such as “art-rock” and “post-punk” get thrown at Cave, in futile efforts to pin him down. I think it best not to try. For me, he is truly one of a handful of musicians alive who can be called an artist without hyperbole. His work has texture and emotion that goes beyond how we normally judge music. Making it ok to not “like” a song, as long as it tells part of the story.
For sure his best work for quite a while. At times, so perfect it seems churlish to judge it at all.
Because of this personal preference, I have ended up virtually listening to Ghosteen on loop for a full week, as it leans very definitely towards the softer side of his soul – at times almost ambient dreamscape, washing over you like tired thoughts just before sleep. And, often, that is what it became for me: a night album to drift away to.
It is an album about grief, regret, spirituality and humanism. There is a misconception that it is wholly inspired by the death of Cave’s son Arthur, but, in his own words, it was more the death of band member Conway Savage that allowed the themes and lyrics to become the work.
As always, it is Cave’s poetry that emerges as the backbone and soul of every song. The melodies wash over you, at times indistinguishable as separate tracks, and you begin to feel invited into a man’s heart and mind as he explores mortality, shifting between anger, acceptance, fear and hope, in a segue of sound that feels ultimately like a mood painting, defying criticism.
At times listening feels like an intrusion; like these thoughts are too personal to eavesdrop on. At other times, you feel taken by the hand and invited to look at something beautiful. If you allow yourself to be taken on this journey willingly, your empathy will be coaxed and encouraged, and it will be safe. Sadness is only one part of grief, seems to be the message, and it’s a message I relate to and adore.
Labels such as “art-rock” and “post-punk” get thrown at Cave, in futile efforts to pin him down. I think it best not to try. For me, he is truly one of a handful of musicians alive who can be called an artist without hyperbole. His work has texture and emotion that goes beyond how we normally judge music. Making it ok to not “like” a song, as long as it tells part of the story.
For sure his best work for quite a while. At times, so perfect it seems churlish to judge it at all.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated The Museum of Broken Promises in Books
Apr 20, 2020
I am so excited to be part of the Book Buzz for The Museum of Broken Promises by Elizabeth Buchan. This lovely book is out on 02nd April, so don’t forget to grab your copy!
This book is quite emotional and heart-breaking from the very beginning until the very end. Based in Europe, in two timelines between now and 1985, we are witnesses to cold war, politics, fight for freedom and an extraordinary love story.
Today, Laure is living in Paris and she owns The Museum of Broken Promises - a place of wonder and sadness. Every object in the museum has been donated and each represents a moment of grief or terrible betrayal. Laure also has hidden objects of her own in there, from her own youth.
Back in 1985, Laure is in Prague, running away after her dad suddenly passes away. But her life here is very confusing. She is struggling to comprehend the dark politics that are taking over the city. But then she meets a young musician. And her love for him is forbidden and causes trouble and terrible consequences.
It is only years after having created the museum that Laure can finally come to terms with her past and celebrate the love she is feeling!
My Thoughts:
This is a very emotional book and I have learned that I need to be in a certain mood in order to be able to fully appreciate it. This is one of those books that leaves a tiny mark in your heart that you will always carry with you.
The story is amazing, we are witnessing a great life full of memories and stories of love, fight for freedom, betrayals, fears, ups and downs. It is so realistic that will make you shiver at times.
I have to admit, I found myself slightly confused at the beginning, trying to figure out which timeline I am currently in, but after a few chapters, I am able to make a difference and get a clearer picture of the story.
I loved the idea of this Museum of Broken Promises. It made me think of what object I could maybe leave there to represent my grief.
I have to admit, I didn’t truly connect with Laure as a main character. She seemed too closed in her own world and her sharing her story in the way that she did was very contradicting to me.
I loved Tomas though. He was my absolute favourite, the hero of this book.
This book is quite emotional and heart-breaking from the very beginning until the very end. Based in Europe, in two timelines between now and 1985, we are witnesses to cold war, politics, fight for freedom and an extraordinary love story.
Today, Laure is living in Paris and she owns The Museum of Broken Promises - a place of wonder and sadness. Every object in the museum has been donated and each represents a moment of grief or terrible betrayal. Laure also has hidden objects of her own in there, from her own youth.
Back in 1985, Laure is in Prague, running away after her dad suddenly passes away. But her life here is very confusing. She is struggling to comprehend the dark politics that are taking over the city. But then she meets a young musician. And her love for him is forbidden and causes trouble and terrible consequences.
It is only years after having created the museum that Laure can finally come to terms with her past and celebrate the love she is feeling!
My Thoughts:
This is a very emotional book and I have learned that I need to be in a certain mood in order to be able to fully appreciate it. This is one of those books that leaves a tiny mark in your heart that you will always carry with you.
The story is amazing, we are witnessing a great life full of memories and stories of love, fight for freedom, betrayals, fears, ups and downs. It is so realistic that will make you shiver at times.
I have to admit, I found myself slightly confused at the beginning, trying to figure out which timeline I am currently in, but after a few chapters, I am able to make a difference and get a clearer picture of the story.
I loved the idea of this Museum of Broken Promises. It made me think of what object I could maybe leave there to represent my grief.
I have to admit, I didn’t truly connect with Laure as a main character. She seemed too closed in her own world and her sharing her story in the way that she did was very contradicting to me.
I loved Tomas though. He was my absolute favourite, the hero of this book.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Switch in Books
Jan 7, 2021
A touching look at love and loss
Leena Cotton's way to deal with life is losing herself in her work. But when she's forced to take a two-month sabbatical, her usual focal point is gone. So Leena comes up with a plan: she'll escape to her grandmother Eileen's house, a beautiful little cottage in the lovely, quiet village of Hamleigh, and Eileen will come and stay in Leena's flat in London. To Leena, this sounds perfect; her grandmother, after all, though nearly eighty, is newly single and looking for another chance at love. Where better to find it than in bustling London? But switching places isn't as easy as it seems. In Hamleigh, Leena learns her grandmother's shoes are hard to fill, having to plan a local festival and deal with nosy neighbors. Meanwhile, in London, Eileen has to get up-to-speed with online dating and the hustle and bustle of a busy city. But, all may not be lost for the Cotton women.
Oh this book. It's just absolutely lovely. I wasn't sure if the idea of a "swapping places" book would come across as silly or trite, but in O'Leary's deft hands, it's perfect. She gives us a beautiful story about healing after grief (Leena's sabbatical comes because she blows a presentation as she's dealing with the grief of losing her sister; Eileen, obviously, has lost her granddaughter). But it's also funny, sweet, and romantic. The sadness is woven in with hope and beauty. It's one of those rare books that can make you both cry and laugh.
Eileen and Leena--what can I say about these characters? They are so real! I identified, of course, with workaholic Leena, and you just want to go into the book and save her (though she doesn't need it) as she struggles with her sister's death, feeling abandoned by her own grieving mother after the loss, and getting her life back on track. And Eileen? She's a total trip. Finally free to find love again, she's a wonderful and spunky woman that you cannot help but root for. The supporting cast is absolutely excellent--Leena's friends and flatmates, combined with the townspeople of Hamleigh, make for some of the most memorable supporting cast I can remember in quite some time. They all fit together perfectly in the story.
Overall, I defy you not to fall for this tale. Eileen's quest for love. Leena's quest to find herself again. O'Leary gives us a beautiful gift in THE SWITCH. One of my favorite reads of the year. 4.5+ stars.
Leena Cotton's way to deal with life is losing herself in her work. But when she's forced to take a two-month sabbatical, her usual focal point is gone. So Leena comes up with a plan: she'll escape to her grandmother Eileen's house, a beautiful little cottage in the lovely, quiet village of Hamleigh, and Eileen will come and stay in Leena's flat in London. To Leena, this sounds perfect; her grandmother, after all, though nearly eighty, is newly single and looking for another chance at love. Where better to find it than in bustling London? But switching places isn't as easy as it seems. In Hamleigh, Leena learns her grandmother's shoes are hard to fill, having to plan a local festival and deal with nosy neighbors. Meanwhile, in London, Eileen has to get up-to-speed with online dating and the hustle and bustle of a busy city. But, all may not be lost for the Cotton women.
Oh this book. It's just absolutely lovely. I wasn't sure if the idea of a "swapping places" book would come across as silly or trite, but in O'Leary's deft hands, it's perfect. She gives us a beautiful story about healing after grief (Leena's sabbatical comes because she blows a presentation as she's dealing with the grief of losing her sister; Eileen, obviously, has lost her granddaughter). But it's also funny, sweet, and romantic. The sadness is woven in with hope and beauty. It's one of those rare books that can make you both cry and laugh.
Eileen and Leena--what can I say about these characters? They are so real! I identified, of course, with workaholic Leena, and you just want to go into the book and save her (though she doesn't need it) as she struggles with her sister's death, feeling abandoned by her own grieving mother after the loss, and getting her life back on track. And Eileen? She's a total trip. Finally free to find love again, she's a wonderful and spunky woman that you cannot help but root for. The supporting cast is absolutely excellent--Leena's friends and flatmates, combined with the townspeople of Hamleigh, make for some of the most memorable supporting cast I can remember in quite some time. They all fit together perfectly in the story.
Overall, I defy you not to fall for this tale. Eileen's quest for love. Leena's quest to find herself again. O'Leary gives us a beautiful gift in THE SWITCH. One of my favorite reads of the year. 4.5+ stars.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated I'll Find You in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The protagonist in this story is Emily, a nurse, who is struggling with the loss of her sister Zoe. Zoe has been missing for over a year, and Emily still keeps looking for her. The rest is covered by the blurb pretty accurately. Emily is a very disturbed character, she has mental health issues and is trying to cling to normality very hard, but life keeps throwing unusual situations at her. I think Emily is a very interesting and unique character, and I did like her baffled but a very strong personality.
The narrative of this book is told from multiple perspectives, including the thoughts of a police officer – Geraldine, who shares her opinion about Emily and her situations. I was not a very big fan of Geraldine, she was quite boring and didn’t bring much to this story. The book was a slow burner for me, there is a lot of thinking done in this book, and I liked that sometimes, the author was trying to confuse the reader by suggesting ideas. This novel does carry some interesting twists and turns, and that made the book livelier. Author’s experience is shining through in this novel, she explains all the procedures done to the patients in great detail, and her knowledge about Bath is felt very strongly. The topics discussed in this book would be grief when your family member disappears; difficult child-parent relationships; mental health issues etc.
I am not really sure whether I liked the writing style of this book. I think it was quite repetitive, very detailed, and characters kept asking questions in the search for the answers. (I prefer to ask the questions myself) The chapters have a very decent length and do fly by quite quickly. I really liked the culmination in this novel, it was very unexpected and surprising. I really liked the ending of this book as well, I think it rounded up the story very nicely.
So, to conclude, this book carries a lot of grief, insecurities and confusion between what is real and what is not. The narrative is layered, unexpected, and I really had the urge to find out where Emily will be taken by all these events in her life. I think this book would be enjoyable for people interested in medicine and the fans of Shari Lapena. (I see some similarities between the writing styles) Do give this book a try, and I hope you will enjoy it!
The narrative of this book is told from multiple perspectives, including the thoughts of a police officer – Geraldine, who shares her opinion about Emily and her situations. I was not a very big fan of Geraldine, she was quite boring and didn’t bring much to this story. The book was a slow burner for me, there is a lot of thinking done in this book, and I liked that sometimes, the author was trying to confuse the reader by suggesting ideas. This novel does carry some interesting twists and turns, and that made the book livelier. Author’s experience is shining through in this novel, she explains all the procedures done to the patients in great detail, and her knowledge about Bath is felt very strongly. The topics discussed in this book would be grief when your family member disappears; difficult child-parent relationships; mental health issues etc.
I am not really sure whether I liked the writing style of this book. I think it was quite repetitive, very detailed, and characters kept asking questions in the search for the answers. (I prefer to ask the questions myself) The chapters have a very decent length and do fly by quite quickly. I really liked the culmination in this novel, it was very unexpected and surprising. I really liked the ending of this book as well, I think it rounded up the story very nicely.
So, to conclude, this book carries a lot of grief, insecurities and confusion between what is real and what is not. The narrative is layered, unexpected, and I really had the urge to find out where Emily will be taken by all these events in her life. I think this book would be enjoyable for people interested in medicine and the fans of Shari Lapena. (I see some similarities between the writing styles) Do give this book a try, and I hope you will enjoy it!