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Merissa (12906 KP) rated Forrest's #Win (Recovery Road #1) in Books

Apr 8, 2021 (Updated Jul 27, 2023)  
Forrest's #Win (Recovery Road #1)
Forrest's #Win (Recovery Road #1)
Jennifer Cody | 2021 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
FORREST'S #WIN is the first book in the Recovery Road series, and WOW! Just, WOW! This story deals with the (on-page) rape of one of the main characters, and the healing process both of them undertake following that.

Okay, so first things first. The rape scene. Yes, it's on-page and yes, it's horrible. However, I felt it was written exceptionally well, giving the horror of the situation without sensationalising it. It is over fairly quickly and then the focus is on the recovery. If rape is a trigger for you, then I would think exceedingly carefully about whether this is the book for you.

Right then, moving on. Blake and Forrest are best friends first and foremost. Blake jokes about being Forrest's house-husband before he even realises he is attracted to him. For me, one of the best bits of the book is when Blake is there for Forrest, no matter what. Forrest needs a hug? He gets one. He needs to hold Blake's hand during therapy? Consider it done. Only once does he pull away from Forrest, and that is because of questions raised by the therapist.

I loved how these two worked through the therapy, their relationship growing and changing in the process. Forrest with his schedules cracked me up, but it worked for him. Faith throws a whole new aspect to the story, but once again, our main two deal with it by pulling together and communicating! Ahh, what a refreshing change!

One of the things that jarred me, to begin with, was how Forrest and Blake spoke to each other at times, but it quickly just became part of them. Plus, they were using and implementing tools given to them in therapy, which made me happy.

Overall, this is a beautiful, heartwarming story about something horrible and the recovery process, culminating in a HEA so much brighter than the two main characters could have envisaged. I loved every word and HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book. I can't wait to see what comes next. Just make sure you take heed of the Trigger Warning.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* 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 8, 2021
  
Night Swim (2024)
Night Swim (2024)
2024 | Horror
6
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Movie Rating
The first major release of 2024 has arrived in the form of “Night Swim” and the Blumhouse production looks to follow on the success of “M3gan” and

their other recent hit “Five Nights at Freddy’s”.

The movie stars Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon as Ray and Eve Walter; a married couple trying to raise their two children and deal with Ray’s M.S.
diagnosis. Ray is a former Major League Baseball player and holds out hope that he can overcome his situation and make a return to his profession even if those around him do not.

A life on the road has caused Ray to miss many events such as the birth of their daughter as well as be distant from their son. A new job at a prestigious school offers Eve a chance to have the needed insurance for Ray and work to do while she completes her degree.

The family opt to purchase a home with a pool versus renting as the ability to finally have some stability and use the pool for therapy is a welcome combination. This is enhanced by the discovery that the pool is
actually filled by a natural water source which Ray believes is healing him and rapidly putting him on the road to recovery.

Things are not as they seem as the pool holds some dark and deadly secrets that go back for decades and the family soon finds themselves dealing
with forces beyond their control as they desperately try to survive.

The film has an interesting premise though at times I did think about various other films and some of the shock moments failed to get me as they did others in the audience but I am not one who startles easily.

The cast was strong but at times I found myself not caring as much for the outcomes of certain characters as I was more concerned with the overall
explanation behind the supernatural elements of the film.

Despite this, it was an enjoyable watch that provided something a bit different than the usual monster or psycho on the loose horror film and Co-Writer/ Director Bryce McGuire has adapted his short film well into a
film which provides just enough of what the core audience wants to make it an effective horror entry.

3 stars out of 5
  
I picked this book up from the library. I read the back on the cover and one of the story caught my attention or interest. So I picked it up and checked it out to read. It one I read from start to finish. It was hard to put down. I love Christmas stories anytime of year but the season is one of my favorites. In this case, these four novellas tell the story of one December in Lancaster County. These four some way connect to each other but not in a series kind of way.

In A Miracle For Miriam, you learn about the deep hurt that causes Miriam to disappear into herself. Seth caused the hurt when they were both fourteen years old. Most of us remember our hurts and some of us have allowed those hurts to influence us as adults. It’s a beautiful love story in which other characters from the other three novellas are introduced.

A Choice to Forgive opens with Lydia answering a knock at her door and discovering her first love, Daniel Smucker, standing confidently on her doorstep. He promised to marry her when they were young and mysteriously disappeared on Christmas. Lydia marries his brother, Elam, who happens to comfort her during her difficult heart break. She becomes a widow when he dies of a heart attack. Those feelings of love for Daniel rise again and she struggles to forgive him for running away. He tries to explain the difficult and complicated situation that sent him away, and the secret that he and his brother kept from her causes an enormous emotional struggle.

One Child by Barbara Cameron addresses Sarah and David’s struggle over their miscarriage. Sarah prays to Derr Herr for a child. It’s the only gift she wants on Christmas. Mysterious visitors bring unexpected joy during a particularly bad blizzard. It’s a story of healing, love, and friendship.

Christmas Cradles tells the story of Anna Stolis and Asa Mast. Anna has never been married. She has become a midwife. Asa Mast also never married. A tragedy occurred during his rumschpringe years that brought him to this point. His father is very ill, refusing to go to the hospital on Christmas. Anna has three deliveries during the night. Normally, his father, Samuel, accompanies Anna’s Aunt Ruth (also a midwife), but with Aunt Ruth taking the evening off and Samuel sick, Asa joins Anna in her delivery runs. It is a love story of two insecure people who never thought they could fall in love.