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Kim Pook (101 KP) rated To All the Boys: Always and Forever, Lara Jean (2021) in Movies
Oct 29, 2022
Contains spoilers, click to show
Lara Jean is back again for the final installment. Lara Jean is writing a letter to Peter whilst on holiday in Korea, and they speak on the phone. They both still have plans to go to Stanford together, problem is, Peter got in and Lara Jean is still waiting to find out. she eventually finds out that she didn't get in and feels like her life is falling apart, but it gets worse when she sends Peter a text meant for her sister, meaning he is led to believe she got in to Stanford. She does, however, get into a different college which is just over an hour away, but after a school trip to new york she starts to reconsider her options.
Just like the other movies in the franchise, I enjoyed the movie, probably more so than the second one. It wasn't hugely predicatable but I did feel Peter came across as a little selfish in this movie, but he did redeem himself eventually. There were a few scenes which I thought were pointless, such as Peter and his dad, even if this scene was ommitted it wouldn't have affected the movie at all. if you enjoyed the previous movies, you will definitely enjoy this one.
Just like the other movies in the franchise, I enjoyed the movie, probably more so than the second one. It wasn't hugely predicatable but I did feel Peter came across as a little selfish in this movie, but he did redeem himself eventually. There were a few scenes which I thought were pointless, such as Peter and his dad, even if this scene was ommitted it wouldn't have affected the movie at all. if you enjoyed the previous movies, you will definitely enjoy this one.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Cozy Up to Christmas in Books
Dec 15, 2022
Being a Mall Santa Turns Complicated
Ed Belmont has landed a job as a mall Santa at a run-down mall in Pennsylvania. He’s managed to hold on to the job for a month, and is looking at his final week on the job. Unfortunately, dealing with kids, not Ed’s strong point, isn’t his biggest worry. Someone has been robbing convenience stores dressed as Santa, and the police think Ed might be the culprit. Then Santa robs the mall after hours. Can Ed figure out who is really behind these thefts?
Those familiar with the series will immediately recognize that Ed is the latest identity of our protagonist, who is in witness protection. I knew seeing him playing Santa would be fun, and I was right. Unfortunately, a sub-plot intended to also be funny made me more uncomfortable. I do like Ed and enjoy watching him deal with his newest struggles. The rest of the characters are a bit thin. The plot does wander a bit at times, but it comes together for an interesting climax. I do enjoy watching Ed solve things. And this is a fast read. Fans will enjoy seeing what Ed gets up to in this holiday entry in the series.
Those familiar with the series will immediately recognize that Ed is the latest identity of our protagonist, who is in witness protection. I knew seeing him playing Santa would be fun, and I was right. Unfortunately, a sub-plot intended to also be funny made me more uncomfortable. I do like Ed and enjoy watching him deal with his newest struggles. The rest of the characters are a bit thin. The plot does wander a bit at times, but it comes together for an interesting climax. I do enjoy watching Ed solve things. And this is a fast read. Fans will enjoy seeing what Ed gets up to in this holiday entry in the series.
Fear The Silence
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“Do you believe Will took his own life?” The question echoed off the white tiles in the...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated The Dangers of Gingerbread Cookies in Books
Jan 4, 2024
Star Crash
Jaine is visiting her parents in Florida for the holiday. In between watching her cat being spoiled rotten and her dad try to get his horrid gold Christmas tree set up, Jaine attends the community's Christmas play. At the end, the leading man is supposed to float off the stage, but instead he falls to his death. Considering he was a horrid womanizer, the suspects are plentiful. But who actually wanted him dead?
Outside of e-mail exchanges in every book, this is the first time we've met Jaine's parents, and I got quite a hoot out of meeting them. The series is comic in nature, and that comedy continues here. The plot kept me guessing until the end. The story was mostly populated with people we haven't met before, but they all seemed real enough to make me care about the outcome.
Do note that this is a novella, originally about 100 pages. Keep that in mind when you sit down to read it.
Also note that this was originally published in the anthology Gingerbread Cookie Murder, so check that you haven’t read it already.
But if you haven’t picked up this story yet, you are in for a treat when you do.
Outside of e-mail exchanges in every book, this is the first time we've met Jaine's parents, and I got quite a hoot out of meeting them. The series is comic in nature, and that comedy continues here. The plot kept me guessing until the end. The story was mostly populated with people we haven't met before, but they all seemed real enough to make me care about the outcome.
Do note that this is a novella, originally about 100 pages. Keep that in mind when you sit down to read it.
Also note that this was originally published in the anthology Gingerbread Cookie Murder, so check that you haven’t read it already.
But if you haven’t picked up this story yet, you are in for a treat when you do.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Shock and Paw in Books
Dec 13, 2024 (Updated Dec 13, 2024)
Murder During an Electric Christmas Season
This December, the Daybreak Island Chamber of Commerce is planning several events, hoping to draw visitors during the off season. Maddie James is trying to focus on running her cat café for a change, but she finds herself drawn into the drama surrounding the events, especially the decorating contest. But when a murder happens, Maddie really jumps into things, especially with her best friend one of the suspects. Can she figure out what is going on?
I’m glad we got a second Christmas entry in this series. As always, it was fun to visit the characters again, although I do feel like some of the minor characters are hard to keep track of. The pacing in this book was off. Yes, everything came into play once the murdered happened, as I figured it would, but it wandered around quite a bit on its way there. Still, I was really caught up in the second half, and the suspects kept me guessing on the way to the logical climax. I also enjoyed the Christmas spirit we got in addition to the murder and mayhem. Fans of the series will find this puts them in the holiday mood.
I’m glad we got a second Christmas entry in this series. As always, it was fun to visit the characters again, although I do feel like some of the minor characters are hard to keep track of. The pacing in this book was off. Yes, everything came into play once the murdered happened, as I figured it would, but it wandered around quite a bit on its way there. Still, I was really caught up in the second half, and the suspects kept me guessing on the way to the logical climax. I also enjoyed the Christmas spirit we got in addition to the murder and mayhem. Fans of the series will find this puts them in the holiday mood.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Sheer Window in Books
Nov 6, 2024
Poly Would Be Thankful to Learn What Is Happening Across the Street
This Thanksgiving, Poly Monroe is hosting a few friends for the day in the apartment over her fabric store. When she learns that someone has moved into the apartment over the bar across the street, she decides to invite them to join the festivities. However, not only does she not get a response when she goes over there, but she manages to twist her ankle. Now injured in her apartment, she finds herself watching what is happening across the street. She thinks something strange is going on. Is she right? Can she get anyone to believe her?
This is a fun novella to get us in the Thanksgiving mood. Obviously, it is a loving homage to Rear Window, and the story really leans into that with several references and nods to the film. The story is strong and pulled me in. It’s also the perfect length for this novella. We still get to see quite a few of the series regulars, which I enjoyed as well. Since it’s a novella, it will be easier to slip this into a busy holiday season. And when you pick it up, you’ll find it is sheer delight.
This is a fun novella to get us in the Thanksgiving mood. Obviously, it is a loving homage to Rear Window, and the story really leans into that with several references and nods to the film. The story is strong and pulled me in. It’s also the perfect length for this novella. We still get to see quite a few of the series regulars, which I enjoyed as well. Since it’s a novella, it will be easier to slip this into a busy holiday season. And when you pick it up, you’ll find it is sheer delight.
Merissa (12861 KP) rated Summer Heat in Books
Jun 21, 2017
Summer Heat by Jay Northcote
Summer Heat is the perfect summer read, complete with sun, sea, and sex! After getting dumped by his older man, Adam seeks shelter from his BFF Finn. Both of them feel a hint of attraction, but have never acted upon it, fearing to ruin their friendship. When they go on a week's holiday that Adam had booked for him and his ex, things take a different turn to what they expected.
This is an easy-read book that will immediately take you to the shores of Spain. Adam and Finn are understandably nervous about making any changes to their friendship, but neither of them want to continue on as they are. They just need 'something' to give them the boost, the courage, to make them speak - whether that is a person or event.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, the story is told from both Adam and Finn's perspective, giving the reader a well rounded view of both them and their feelings. It is low angst, but still with a hint of tension and uncertainty. I have no hesitation in recommending this.
* 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!
This is an easy-read book that will immediately take you to the shores of Spain. Adam and Finn are understandably nervous about making any changes to their friendship, but neither of them want to continue on as they are. They just need 'something' to give them the boost, the courage, to make them speak - whether that is a person or event.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, the story is told from both Adam and Finn's perspective, giving the reader a well rounded view of both them and their feelings. It is low angst, but still with a hint of tension and uncertainty. I have no hesitation in recommending this.
* 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!
Sam (74 KP) rated Bookshop Girl in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Paige Turner works at a bookshop in her hometown alongside going to school, but then she gets the news that it’s closing down. When she finds this out, she decides she has to do something to save it.
I read this one within a couple of days. It’s a nice quick read to take on holiday, and is a good laugh. Although I did cringe slightly at the protagonist’s name, it was a good book overall with a decent plot.
It was very typically YA, so if you’re a massive YA fan you’ll love it. I like YA, but not cheesy YA romance, which I feel that this book verged on a little too much for my liking. It was a bit too lighthearted.
There’s also a plot twist further on to do with the boy Paige has a crush on which felt all a bit forced and a bit like it was just desperately grabbing for any plot possible. I’m not sure that the twist was the right thing to put in and I feel like it let down the novel a lot.
I’m not sure I’d read this again, but like I said, if you love cheesy YA, you will definitely love this. And it’s a really good lighthearted read to quickly read in an afternoon.
I read this one within a couple of days. It’s a nice quick read to take on holiday, and is a good laugh. Although I did cringe slightly at the protagonist’s name, it was a good book overall with a decent plot.
It was very typically YA, so if you’re a massive YA fan you’ll love it. I like YA, but not cheesy YA romance, which I feel that this book verged on a little too much for my liking. It was a bit too lighthearted.
There’s also a plot twist further on to do with the boy Paige has a crush on which felt all a bit forced and a bit like it was just desperately grabbing for any plot possible. I’m not sure that the twist was the right thing to put in and I feel like it let down the novel a lot.
I’m not sure I’d read this again, but like I said, if you love cheesy YA, you will definitely love this. And it’s a really good lighthearted read to quickly read in an afternoon.
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Dirty Dancing (1987) in Movies
Jun 14, 2019
Nobody puts baby in the corner
Makes me want to dance and go on holiday at Kellermans even now in 2019.
The development of both characters mix well despite rumours Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze did not get on off screen.
Baby is vulnerable and naive to start and with Jonny's cocky, bad boy influence she seems to grow up as the films goes, becoming a woman. At the same time Baby becomes the right influence on Jonny Castle, bringing out his good, sensitive side. This is done gradually and it doesn't go from just putting up with each other to boom let's get married without any of the in betweens which some films forget about.
The bit that got me was when he says he had a dream that her dad accepted him. This wouldn't have happened at the beginning and I felt it was the perfect way to show how much Jonny had fallen in love with baby without the need of the whole 'I love You' moment which is a big yawn after the 50th film in a chick flick'athon.
Every female should want a man like Jonny Castle and have this DVD in their collection. Also as someone who was born old, the music is fabulous, they don't make music like that anymore!
The development of both characters mix well despite rumours Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze did not get on off screen.
Baby is vulnerable and naive to start and with Jonny's cocky, bad boy influence she seems to grow up as the films goes, becoming a woman. At the same time Baby becomes the right influence on Jonny Castle, bringing out his good, sensitive side. This is done gradually and it doesn't go from just putting up with each other to boom let's get married without any of the in betweens which some films forget about.
The bit that got me was when he says he had a dream that her dad accepted him. This wouldn't have happened at the beginning and I felt it was the perfect way to show how much Jonny had fallen in love with baby without the need of the whole 'I love You' moment which is a big yawn after the 50th film in a chick flick'athon.
Every female should want a man like Jonny Castle and have this DVD in their collection. Also as someone who was born old, the music is fabulous, they don't make music like that anymore!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Seeds of Revenge (A Greenhouse Mystery, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When Megan Sawyer sees a woman stranded during a winter storm, she offers her a ride to town. The woman is Becca, who is coming to Winsome to spend the upcoming Christmas holiday with her aunt. However, when she goes to drop off Becca, Megan witnesses a confrontation between Becca and her very estranged father, Paul. When Paul dies a few days later, Becca quickly becomes the chief suspect. But Megan thinks there is more to his death, especially since it mirrors an unusual death in one of Megan’s aunt Sarah’s books. Is the killer using the book to send a message?
The Christmas setting is in contrast to the plot of this book. In fact, it makes it seem darker as a result. This is a plot that will stay with you for a while after you are done. Little things that appear to mean nothing come into clearer focus when we reach the climax of the tightly plotted story. I enjoyed seeing the returning characters again, but the new characters really steal the show. They are very strong, even Paul, which is unusual for a murder victim.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-seeds-of-revenge-by-wendy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The Christmas setting is in contrast to the plot of this book. In fact, it makes it seem darker as a result. This is a plot that will stay with you for a while after you are done. Little things that appear to mean nothing come into clearer focus when we reach the climax of the tightly plotted story. I enjoyed seeing the returning characters again, but the new characters really steal the show. They are very strong, even Paul, which is unusual for a murder victim.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-seeds-of-revenge-by-wendy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.