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Chrissy (8 KP) rated Bewitching Hannah in Books
Jan 25, 2018
Bewitching Hannah is a page turner about 16-year-old Hannah. It tells an amazing tale of how her life changes, challenges she faces, and survival. Hannah has lost both of her parents, and goes to live with her Aunt J. When she starts school, she makes new friends, and frenemies. Although dealing with these high school mean girls does not happen in the normal fashion.
Hannah has spent her entire life trying to be ordinary. With help from her new friends, a new love, and her aunt, she comes to terms with the fact that she is anything but ordinary. She embraces who and what she is to save the ones she loves and all the people in her town.
This is a powerful tale of self-acceptance with magical elements. There are characters you grow to love, and others you grow to hate. An incredible read, one that I couldnt put down.
I voluntarily received an early reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Hannah has spent her entire life trying to be ordinary. With help from her new friends, a new love, and her aunt, she comes to terms with the fact that she is anything but ordinary. She embraces who and what she is to save the ones she loves and all the people in her town.
This is a powerful tale of self-acceptance with magical elements. There are characters you grow to love, and others you grow to hate. An incredible read, one that I couldnt put down.
I voluntarily received an early reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated Spectre (Zoe Martinique #2) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Hmm. <i>Spectre</i> feels less like a sequel to <i>Wraith</i> than a chapter two, if that makes any sense. Both books are full-sized novels, but they're so closely related that book two wouldn't make any sense without having read book 1 (and the novella in between). Unfortunately, <i>Spectre</i> ends on a cliff-hanger. I hate that.
At least I know (from her blog) that Weldon is working on the third book. I can only hope that it comes out soon and wraps up all the loose threads without introducing new ones that aren't left hanging again.
I do have to agree with another GR reviewer who mentioned that the main character carries on more like a 13-year-old kid than a 28-year-old woman. I have to agree. I understand that losing one parent early might, for some people, to a closer relationship with the surviving parent—but give me a break! Zoë apparently needs to move across the country to learn to live without Mommy. Or maybe Mommy should move?
At least I know (from her blog) that Weldon is working on the third book. I can only hope that it comes out soon and wraps up all the loose threads without introducing new ones that aren't left hanging again.
I do have to agree with another GR reviewer who mentioned that the main character carries on more like a 13-year-old kid than a 28-year-old woman. I have to agree. I understand that losing one parent early might, for some people, to a closer relationship with the surviving parent—but give me a break! Zoë apparently needs to move across the country to learn to live without Mommy. Or maybe Mommy should move?
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Die Like an Eagle (Meg Langslow, #20) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Meg’s twins have joined the local youth baseball league, and Meg is quickly learning what a tyrant Biff Brown, the head of the league, can be. While most of the parents hate him, he hasn’t damped the enthusiasm any, and most of the town turns out for opening day. However, there is a major delay when Meg finds a dead body in the field’s only porta potty.
The politics of local baseball seemed to be more of the focus than the mystery this time, although Meg still spends plenty of time investigating. I’m not complaining, however, since there were so many great scenes and so much conflict I couldn’t put the book down. We get some nice twists before the logical conclusion as well. It’s always wonderful to spend time with these characters, and one I’d been wanting to see showed up again here, which I loved. This may be book 20, but the series is still going strong.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-die-like-eagle-by-donna.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The politics of local baseball seemed to be more of the focus than the mystery this time, although Meg still spends plenty of time investigating. I’m not complaining, however, since there were so many great scenes and so much conflict I couldn’t put the book down. We get some nice twists before the logical conclusion as well. It’s always wonderful to spend time with these characters, and one I’d been wanting to see showed up again here, which I loved. This may be book 20, but the series is still going strong.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-die-like-eagle-by-donna.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Dana (24 KP) rated Misguided Angel (Blue Bloods, #5) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I hate giving out low scores to books. It makes me sad to have yo do this. It could have been that I hadn't read the previous books in a while, but this one just didn't get me interested. I read it because I was on my to read shelf and I wanted it off. Nothing good really happened in this book. I was often left wondering if and when something important would happen. The characters were flat, as was the story line. I was really hoping for this to blow me away, but it just fell flat. I didn't enjoy the fact that the story was split up into three narrators. This led to a short amount of time for any real action to happen with the characters. Instead of making the story lines appeal to the readers, they were quite repetitive in what was going on. Whether it was escaping from Venators or trying to find a killer, it was all the same. I was very disappointed by this novel.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Peter Rabbit (2018) in Movies
Mar 28, 2018
Childhood memories, ruined
I'll be frankly honest, I knew I was going to hate this film. For one, I didn't want to watch it and got dragged against my will for a friends birthday. And I also really don't like James Corden, so this was destined to fail in my eyes.
And it really did fail. James Corden just isn't right as Peter and I really couldn't listen to him and the rest of the voice actors seemed to not quite fit either. Domhnall Gleeson is a great actor but he really hams it up to the point it gets cringeworthy. The CGI was horrific and painful to watch at times too. What happened to good old fashioned animation (which the film does use briefly)? And the script and jokes are cheesy and really miss the mark - I'll admit to having a discerning sense of humour but I didn't laugh once.
This is great puerile fun for the little ones, but all it did for me is ruin all the fond memories I have of Beatrix Potter stories from my childhood.
And it really did fail. James Corden just isn't right as Peter and I really couldn't listen to him and the rest of the voice actors seemed to not quite fit either. Domhnall Gleeson is a great actor but he really hams it up to the point it gets cringeworthy. The CGI was horrific and painful to watch at times too. What happened to good old fashioned animation (which the film does use briefly)? And the script and jokes are cheesy and really miss the mark - I'll admit to having a discerning sense of humour but I didn't laugh once.
This is great puerile fun for the little ones, but all it did for me is ruin all the fond memories I have of Beatrix Potter stories from my childhood.
Gail (4 KP) rated Brant (Secrets #2) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Brant by D.B James
Four Stars
Yes!!! This book was sooo good. I need my own personal Brant. Tessa was just perfect her personality was similar to a lot of my friends and even myself. She had it bad at the beginning of her adult life but she came out of it stronger but still afraid. Once we lose our fear that’s when we stop sensing the trouble. I hate the thought of women and sometimes men too going through abuse. Feeling like its your fault. Never really trusting another person again. Brant was just fabulous he treated Tessa like we all want to be treated. He sent thoughtful gifts and put his heart on the line without expecting her to do the same. The danger throughout the story wasn’t really big so it didn’t really effect how I viewed the story. The plot twist was funny even though it was meant to be serious. I am excited to se what else this author has to offer. The writing style was smooth and the chapters flowed together perfectly.
Four Stars
Yes!!! This book was sooo good. I need my own personal Brant. Tessa was just perfect her personality was similar to a lot of my friends and even myself. She had it bad at the beginning of her adult life but she came out of it stronger but still afraid. Once we lose our fear that’s when we stop sensing the trouble. I hate the thought of women and sometimes men too going through abuse. Feeling like its your fault. Never really trusting another person again. Brant was just fabulous he treated Tessa like we all want to be treated. He sent thoughtful gifts and put his heart on the line without expecting her to do the same. The danger throughout the story wasn’t really big so it didn’t really effect how I viewed the story. The plot twist was funny even though it was meant to be serious. I am excited to se what else this author has to offer. The writing style was smooth and the chapters flowed together perfectly.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #6) in Books
Jul 10, 2018
Review Updated as of 12/21/2017:
J. R. Ward has a way of making you love and hate characters. Lover Enshrined infuriated me and made me cry tears of happiness. This is the story of Phury which is about as messed up as anyone would expect. You see a lot of the addict in him and you get to know him better in this novel.
I liked this book just like all of the others in this series but I will say that it frustrated me to the point of having to change back to reading the book instead of listening. The narrator did a great job but there is just something about reading while frustrated vs. listening while frustrated.
This book brings you new characters to fall in love with and relate to. The characters are well thought out and are still unique and interesting. J.R. Ward definitely knows how to make characters that you will fall in love with and relate to.
All in all, it's a good book.
J. R. Ward has a way of making you love and hate characters. Lover Enshrined infuriated me and made me cry tears of happiness. This is the story of Phury which is about as messed up as anyone would expect. You see a lot of the addict in him and you get to know him better in this novel.
I liked this book just like all of the others in this series but I will say that it frustrated me to the point of having to change back to reading the book instead of listening. The narrator did a great job but there is just something about reading while frustrated vs. listening while frustrated.
This book brings you new characters to fall in love with and relate to. The characters are well thought out and are still unique and interesting. J.R. Ward definitely knows how to make characters that you will fall in love with and relate to.
All in all, it's a good book.
Tifflynn032418 (59 KP) rated Big Little Lies in Books
Jul 17, 2018
It took me a while before i finally picked this book up but i am so glad that i did. The story can be a little slow at times but not so much that you want to give up on it. You cant help but love all the main characters and hate the ones who deserve to be hated. You know right from the beginning that someone dies and you spend the entire book guessing who and hoping it's not certain characters. The book covers the topics of bullying and domestic abuse so it can be a little touchy for some but not so intense that its too hard to read. I have been known to figure out the ending of some books but i can definitely say that i did not see this one coming. The surprise ending was most certainly that. My mouth was literally hanging open when it all came together. I love the way the author writes and i can not wait to read the rest of her books.
Sue (5 KP) rated The Pajama Frame in Books
Aug 13, 2018
The Pajama Frame is book #5 in the Madison Night Mystery series. While the books can be read as stand-alone, each preceding book builds on the characters and their relationships.
When her octogenarian friend dies and leaves interior decorator Madison Night a pajama factory, Madison is faced with a decades-old tragedy and a more recent murder. All Madison wants to do is hide from the drama, but when estranged family members and special interest groups want to get into the sealed factory, Madison realizes she is caught having to solve a mystery before she becomes the next victim.
As with previous Madison Night books, I found the character of Madison delightful and refreshing. She is no-nonsense, quirky, snarky, and a throwback to Doris Day. Who wouldn’t enjoy an independent woman that dresses and enjoys decorations from the era of the fifties and sixties? Add to the mix a love/hate relationship with the chief of police Tex and a few witty friends & neighbors; you have the perfect chemistry for a delightful cozy mystery series.
When her octogenarian friend dies and leaves interior decorator Madison Night a pajama factory, Madison is faced with a decades-old tragedy and a more recent murder. All Madison wants to do is hide from the drama, but when estranged family members and special interest groups want to get into the sealed factory, Madison realizes she is caught having to solve a mystery before she becomes the next victim.
As with previous Madison Night books, I found the character of Madison delightful and refreshing. She is no-nonsense, quirky, snarky, and a throwback to Doris Day. Who wouldn’t enjoy an independent woman that dresses and enjoys decorations from the era of the fifties and sixties? Add to the mix a love/hate relationship with the chief of police Tex and a few witty friends & neighbors; you have the perfect chemistry for a delightful cozy mystery series.
Connie (244 KP) rated Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1) in Books
Sep 14, 2018
I steuggle with finding books that really draw me in. As a fast reader, I also strugfle with page count, and I hate books that are predictable. Scythe fit me needs, and the exceeded them.
In a world where death is a myth and the Thundercloud (today's "cloud's" big brother) rules, it seems that no one could live a less-than-perfect life. But with humans able to "turn the corner" and become young again, where will the new blood go?
Enter the Scythes. Killing machines wrapped in rainbow colors, they glean the sould of others based on statistics of how people would have died in the Age of Mortality. But Scythe Farraday has changed the game--instead of just one apprentice, he has taken two. Now Citra and Rowan have a choice to make... Because there is only one ring to be granted.
This was a stunning un-put-downable book that kept me enthralled, guessing, and truly bound up in its pages. If you haven't read this yet, give it a shot!
In a world where death is a myth and the Thundercloud (today's "cloud's" big brother) rules, it seems that no one could live a less-than-perfect life. But with humans able to "turn the corner" and become young again, where will the new blood go?
Enter the Scythes. Killing machines wrapped in rainbow colors, they glean the sould of others based on statistics of how people would have died in the Age of Mortality. But Scythe Farraday has changed the game--instead of just one apprentice, he has taken two. Now Citra and Rowan have a choice to make... Because there is only one ring to be granted.
This was a stunning un-put-downable book that kept me enthralled, guessing, and truly bound up in its pages. If you haven't read this yet, give it a shot!