Search
Search results
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Cautious Maiden (The Everstone Chronicles, #4) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Where do I even begin? This quote pretty much sums up this book. "Truly, what a conundrum Vance Everstone was becoming." When I began The Everstone Chronicles I utterly despised Vance. However, his story should be an encouragement to us all, that through God's forgiveness and redemption ANYONE can change. Wow, just wow!
Violet Hawthorne has been raised to be a lady, a woman of upstanding morals, with a brother who is quite the opposite. Violet wants nothing more than to be free to live her own life unhindered by the past...or present...circumstances.
As Violet and Vance are (quite literally) thrown together, they begin to see each others weaknesses and strengths. Vance is such an encourager, but has difficulties opening his heart to Violet. Violet is wonderfully creative and has compassion and overflows with forgiveness. But she is timid and fearful of doing or saying the wrong thing, she severely lacks self confidence. As events progress she must decide the life that she wants to live.
This storyline is wonderfully creative and moving. Vance's need to protect Violet and his ever growing love for her is beyond romantic and sweet. Written in first person we only get to see things from Violet's perspective. Although we don't see much growth in her self confidence, we see her growth in her spiritual life. She comes to the realization that putting her trust in man will disappoint, but trusting in God is what she truly needs.
In conclusion, this entire series is moving and inspiring. The Everstone family has seen it's share of heartbreak and trials. But through it all, they have kept their eyes on the Lord and they have been brought closer together. Dawn Crandall has created a lovely series and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
I received a free copy of The Cautious Maiden from Whitaker House. I was not required to write a review and this does not influence my review, positive or otherwise. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Violet Hawthorne has been raised to be a lady, a woman of upstanding morals, with a brother who is quite the opposite. Violet wants nothing more than to be free to live her own life unhindered by the past...or present...circumstances.
As Violet and Vance are (quite literally) thrown together, they begin to see each others weaknesses and strengths. Vance is such an encourager, but has difficulties opening his heart to Violet. Violet is wonderfully creative and has compassion and overflows with forgiveness. But she is timid and fearful of doing or saying the wrong thing, she severely lacks self confidence. As events progress she must decide the life that she wants to live.
This storyline is wonderfully creative and moving. Vance's need to protect Violet and his ever growing love for her is beyond romantic and sweet. Written in first person we only get to see things from Violet's perspective. Although we don't see much growth in her self confidence, we see her growth in her spiritual life. She comes to the realization that putting her trust in man will disappoint, but trusting in God is what she truly needs.
In conclusion, this entire series is moving and inspiring. The Everstone family has seen it's share of heartbreak and trials. But through it all, they have kept their eyes on the Lord and they have been brought closer together. Dawn Crandall has created a lovely series and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
I received a free copy of The Cautious Maiden from Whitaker House. I was not required to write a review and this does not influence my review, positive or otherwise. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Running From Twenty Four in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
“Sometimes life isn’t all unicorns puking rainbows when you’re young, free and single in London town.” What Sam thinks is going to be a night of consoling her best friend Jason after the death of his father turns into a drunken night ending in tragedy. Whilst sitting in a pub until the early hours of the morning, Sam and her friends become acquainted with barmaid Toni who invites them to a house party. Too drunk to turn the offer down they all end up at a flat owned by the eccentric Ulysses, drinking cocktails full of who knows what, surrounded by dozens of dressed up people.
Tragic circumstances cause the five 20-somethings to pull together after making poor decisions in an attempt to deal with a certain result of the party. Lack of common sense makes their night worse before it can get better, but thankfully it all turns out all right in the end.
As well as the drunken storyline, the reader learns more about the character Sam, from her dull job to her learning to live with her sexuality. Although the beginning of the story portrays Sam as a girl without much care in the world, it turns out she is suffering with frequent anxiety attacks and depression.
<i>Running From Twenty Four</i> is about people in their twenties trying to find their way in life whilst also dealing with grief and heartbreak. It also comes with a message about appreciating what you have now and not worrying so much about everything else.
<i>Running From Twenty Four</i> by Shem Douglas is a short story that can be read within a couple of hours, however some readers may be uncomfortable with some of the themes, particularly suicidal ideation. Despite some of the morbid topics the story is entertaining and humorous, ideal for readers in their twenties who feel they have not quite found their path in life.
“Sometimes life isn’t all unicorns puking rainbows when you’re young, free and single in London town.” What Sam thinks is going to be a night of consoling her best friend Jason after the death of his father turns into a drunken night ending in tragedy. Whilst sitting in a pub until the early hours of the morning, Sam and her friends become acquainted with barmaid Toni who invites them to a house party. Too drunk to turn the offer down they all end up at a flat owned by the eccentric Ulysses, drinking cocktails full of who knows what, surrounded by dozens of dressed up people.
Tragic circumstances cause the five 20-somethings to pull together after making poor decisions in an attempt to deal with a certain result of the party. Lack of common sense makes their night worse before it can get better, but thankfully it all turns out all right in the end.
As well as the drunken storyline, the reader learns more about the character Sam, from her dull job to her learning to live with her sexuality. Although the beginning of the story portrays Sam as a girl without much care in the world, it turns out she is suffering with frequent anxiety attacks and depression.
<i>Running From Twenty Four</i> is about people in their twenties trying to find their way in life whilst also dealing with grief and heartbreak. It also comes with a message about appreciating what you have now and not worrying so much about everything else.
<i>Running From Twenty Four</i> by Shem Douglas is a short story that can be read within a couple of hours, however some readers may be uncomfortable with some of the themes, particularly suicidal ideation. Despite some of the morbid topics the story is entertaining and humorous, ideal for readers in their twenties who feel they have not quite found their path in life.
Hara05 (11 KP) rated The Haunting of Hill House in TV
Jun 30, 2019
The Haunting Of Hill House has brought horror back.
In an era of horrors which use chewed up, over used clichés - ridiculous, poorly times jump scares, unrealistic gore and mundane character profiles, to name a few - this Netflix series was both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
From the moment the series started, I was on the edge of my seat. It does such a good job of building tension and fear that it's impossible to take everything in, indeed, on second viewing I noticed things I had completely missed during my first viewing. This series doesn't rely on simple jump scares and musical scores to make the view scared - it's so much more polished and intricate than that. It isn't just a series of blood and gore, of murderers chasing pretty girls with a kitchen knife or teenagers playing with ouija boards. Yes, there are ghosts. Yes, it's based in a haunted house but there is so much more to it!
The depths this series goes to draws you in from minute one. The well fleshed out characters, the great acting, the clever dialogue all mingles together to create an atmosphere the viewer gets lost in and a family the viewer grows to love. The family which this series is centred around is relatable, charasmatic and mysterious all at the same time. The horror is sometimes simple, sometimes obvious but always believable.
It's not very often that a series can have you crying from fear and heartbreak at the same time. The Haunting of Hill House not only manages this but does it splendidly. It's beautiful, harrowing and haunting all at the same time.
This series should be welcomed by anybody who loves the horror genre. It echoes some of the classics and is capable of redefining modern horrors at the same time. It's so refreshing to see the genre stripped back and cleverly delivered. So much of the genre is so repetitive now that my expectations for this series were low. Needless to say, it smashes those expectations.
In an era of horrors which use chewed up, over used clichés - ridiculous, poorly times jump scares, unrealistic gore and mundane character profiles, to name a few - this Netflix series was both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
From the moment the series started, I was on the edge of my seat. It does such a good job of building tension and fear that it's impossible to take everything in, indeed, on second viewing I noticed things I had completely missed during my first viewing. This series doesn't rely on simple jump scares and musical scores to make the view scared - it's so much more polished and intricate than that. It isn't just a series of blood and gore, of murderers chasing pretty girls with a kitchen knife or teenagers playing with ouija boards. Yes, there are ghosts. Yes, it's based in a haunted house but there is so much more to it!
The depths this series goes to draws you in from minute one. The well fleshed out characters, the great acting, the clever dialogue all mingles together to create an atmosphere the viewer gets lost in and a family the viewer grows to love. The family which this series is centred around is relatable, charasmatic and mysterious all at the same time. The horror is sometimes simple, sometimes obvious but always believable.
It's not very often that a series can have you crying from fear and heartbreak at the same time. The Haunting of Hill House not only manages this but does it splendidly. It's beautiful, harrowing and haunting all at the same time.
This series should be welcomed by anybody who loves the horror genre. It echoes some of the classics and is capable of redefining modern horrors at the same time. It's so refreshing to see the genre stripped back and cleverly delivered. So much of the genre is so repetitive now that my expectations for this series were low. Needless to say, it smashes those expectations.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating in Books
Apr 23, 2020
I've read a variety of Christina Lauren novels by now, and this was one of my favorites. For a short minute, I thought Hazel was going to be too zany and over the top for me, and then I got to know her. I then fell in love with her, and I was immediately rooting for our caring, funny, and yes, sometimes, crazy heroine. The best part was that Josh was great in his own reliable, sweet way, too. There's nothing better than a romance where you care for both partners. They were an excellent couple, and I wanted nothing more than to see Josh and Hazel get together. The two had wonderful chemistry and the whole book just had me grinning goofily.
Josh and Hazel are both damaged and wary, but not in that annoying way that has you rolling your eyes and wishing they'd just get over it all. Josh's girlfriend has hurt him and Hazel is constantly passed over by guys who think she's too over the top. Neither deserve this pain, and you quickly want them to get together and be healed. Of course it isn't that easy. When they come up with the double date angle (but not dating each other), laughter ensues, as well as some heartbreak.
There aren't too many side characters in this one: the focus is on Hazel and Josh, but I really enjoyed Hazel's mom, as well as Josh's sister, Emily. And there's plenty of fun to be had with some of the folks we encounter on the blind dates. Josh and Hazel seem so real; our writing duo capture them quite well. Hazel's zest for life coupled with her vulnerability, for instance, shine brightly. And Josh, well, I just wanted to hug him sometimes.
In the end this a really fun, sweet book. It's humorous yet realistic and tender. I adored Hazel and Josh-they were one of my favorite couples in a while. 4+ stars.
Josh and Hazel are both damaged and wary, but not in that annoying way that has you rolling your eyes and wishing they'd just get over it all. Josh's girlfriend has hurt him and Hazel is constantly passed over by guys who think she's too over the top. Neither deserve this pain, and you quickly want them to get together and be healed. Of course it isn't that easy. When they come up with the double date angle (but not dating each other), laughter ensues, as well as some heartbreak.
There aren't too many side characters in this one: the focus is on Hazel and Josh, but I really enjoyed Hazel's mom, as well as Josh's sister, Emily. And there's plenty of fun to be had with some of the folks we encounter on the blind dates. Josh and Hazel seem so real; our writing duo capture them quite well. Hazel's zest for life coupled with her vulnerability, for instance, shine brightly. And Josh, well, I just wanted to hug him sometimes.
In the end this a really fun, sweet book. It's humorous yet realistic and tender. I adored Hazel and Josh-they were one of my favorite couples in a while. 4+ stars.
Partisan Diary: A Woman's Life in the Italian Resistance
Book
Ada Gobetti's Partisan Diary is both diary and memoir. From the German entry into Turin on 10...
Chanelle Hayes: Baring My Heart
Veronica Clark and Chanelle Hayes
Book
Appearing on the eighth series of Big Brother in 2007, Victoria Beckham lookalike Chanelle Hayes...
It's Not Raining, Daddy, it's Happy
Book
Ben Brooks-Dutton's wife - the great love of his life - was knocked down and killed by a car as he...
Hidden Hemingway: Inside the Ernest Hemingway Archives of Oak Park
Robert K. Elder, Mark Cirino and Aaron Vetch
Book
Thinking of Ernest Hemingway often brings to mind his travels around the world, documenting war and...
An Innocent Fashion: A Novel
8.0
Rate It
Book
"Writing in a fervently literary style that flirts openly with the traditions of Salinger, Plath,...
