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Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated When He Was Wicked (Bridgertons, #6) in Books
Jan 9, 2022
I was surprised with how different this book was from all the others, but in a good way. It meant that I didn’t get bored as the others are fairly similar looking back on them.
We start 2 years into Francesca’s marriage, which is completely different to the other books as we follow them as they are looking for their future spouse. Then rather unfortunately, her beloved husband - John dies, leaving her widowed only 2 years into their marriage.
His cousin, and both Francesca and John’s best friend, Michael is also shocked to the core at his death and at his newfound Earldom. Michael has also been in love with Francesca since he met her, but out of loyalty to his cousin has never told anyone of this. In previous books, I would have guessed that Michael would have pursued Francesca straight away, but I was glad that I was wrong and it made it a much better read that he didn’t.
This book deals with a few different medical issues, which at the end Julia Quinn does explain more about and confirmed my suspicions as to why John died. It was definitely such a different pace to this book and it was nice to change up the style slightly. I enjoyed the excerpts of letters at the start of each chapter (although still not quite as good as Lady Whistledown’s comments!) and it definitely gave more of an insight into what they were thinking, especially as it included letters that weren’t sent at all.
Before this book, we didn’t know too much about Francesca, other than she’d married an Earl and spent a lot of time in Scotland, but this book made her more than just a mention and you realised that she is a bit different from her siblings and probably quite enjoys being away from everyone. I also liked how it brought together the events in both Colin’s story and Eloise’s story as they happen so close together, I think it ties the stories up quite neatly as you sometimes forget during this book that Francesca was a Bridgerton since she doesn’t spend a lot of time with them in this book.
This has definitely firmly cemented its place in my top 3 of this series and I’m hoping that the next book is just as good to read.
We start 2 years into Francesca’s marriage, which is completely different to the other books as we follow them as they are looking for their future spouse. Then rather unfortunately, her beloved husband - John dies, leaving her widowed only 2 years into their marriage.
His cousin, and both Francesca and John’s best friend, Michael is also shocked to the core at his death and at his newfound Earldom. Michael has also been in love with Francesca since he met her, but out of loyalty to his cousin has never told anyone of this. In previous books, I would have guessed that Michael would have pursued Francesca straight away, but I was glad that I was wrong and it made it a much better read that he didn’t.
This book deals with a few different medical issues, which at the end Julia Quinn does explain more about and confirmed my suspicions as to why John died. It was definitely such a different pace to this book and it was nice to change up the style slightly. I enjoyed the excerpts of letters at the start of each chapter (although still not quite as good as Lady Whistledown’s comments!) and it definitely gave more of an insight into what they were thinking, especially as it included letters that weren’t sent at all.
Before this book, we didn’t know too much about Francesca, other than she’d married an Earl and spent a lot of time in Scotland, but this book made her more than just a mention and you realised that she is a bit different from her siblings and probably quite enjoys being away from everyone. I also liked how it brought together the events in both Colin’s story and Eloise’s story as they happen so close together, I think it ties the stories up quite neatly as you sometimes forget during this book that Francesca was a Bridgerton since she doesn’t spend a lot of time with them in this book.
This has definitely firmly cemented its place in my top 3 of this series and I’m hoping that the next book is just as good to read.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Heart's Melody (Black & White Edition) in Books
May 10, 2018
**I received this book free from Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review.**
Noa and Amar meet each other in, "Mutual Advice", a support group for those who have relationship issues. Amar and Noa end up doing sessions together and these sessions lead to a romantic relationship. An relationship that is forbidden from the start as Noa is Jewish and Amar is Muslim.
Chava Epstein writes a romantic story filled with passion. The reason why I didn't give this story more than two stars was because it just didn't make me feel the passion. I'm not sure if some of the story got lost in translation, or if the format I was reading it in, distracted from the deeper meaning, but it was a task for me to finish this book. Throughout telling the love story of Noa and Amar, there are also love letters and paintings and other stories that Noa is writing to tell about her love for Amar. All of these side stories made me lose interest in the rest of what was going on.
On the other hand, I LOVED the artwork that accompanied each chapter in the book.
Noa and Amar meet each other in, "Mutual Advice", a support group for those who have relationship issues. Amar and Noa end up doing sessions together and these sessions lead to a romantic relationship. An relationship that is forbidden from the start as Noa is Jewish and Amar is Muslim.
Chava Epstein writes a romantic story filled with passion. The reason why I didn't give this story more than two stars was because it just didn't make me feel the passion. I'm not sure if some of the story got lost in translation, or if the format I was reading it in, distracted from the deeper meaning, but it was a task for me to finish this book. Throughout telling the love story of Noa and Amar, there are also love letters and paintings and other stories that Noa is writing to tell about her love for Amar. All of these side stories made me lose interest in the rest of what was going on.
On the other hand, I LOVED the artwork that accompanied each chapter in the book.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Heart's Melody (Black & White Edition) in Books
Apr 3, 2019
I received this book from Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review.
Noa and Amar meet each other in, "Mutual Advice", a support group for those who have relationship issues. Amar and Noa end up doing sessions together and these sessions lead to a romantic relationship. An relationship that is forbidden from the start as Noa is Jewish and Amar is Muslim.
Chava Epstein writes a romantic story filled with passion. The reason why I didn't give this story more than two stars was because it just didn't make me feel the passion. I'm not sure if some of the story got lost in translation, or if the format I was reading it in, distracted from the deeper meaning, but it was a task for me to finish this book. Throughout telling the love story of Noa and Amar, there are also love letters and paintings and other stories that Noa is writing to tell about her love for Amar. All of these side stories made me lose interest in the rest of what was going on.
On the other hand, I LOVED the artwork that accompanied each chapter in the book.
Noa and Amar meet each other in, "Mutual Advice", a support group for those who have relationship issues. Amar and Noa end up doing sessions together and these sessions lead to a romantic relationship. An relationship that is forbidden from the start as Noa is Jewish and Amar is Muslim.
Chava Epstein writes a romantic story filled with passion. The reason why I didn't give this story more than two stars was because it just didn't make me feel the passion. I'm not sure if some of the story got lost in translation, or if the format I was reading it in, distracted from the deeper meaning, but it was a task for me to finish this book. Throughout telling the love story of Noa and Amar, there are also love letters and paintings and other stories that Noa is writing to tell about her love for Amar. All of these side stories made me lose interest in the rest of what was going on.
On the other hand, I LOVED the artwork that accompanied each chapter in the book.
TheDefunctDiva (304 KP) rated American Gods in TV
Jul 23, 2018 (Updated Jul 23, 2018)
Note the Highlighted Letters in the Sign
I am about halfway through season one and I thought I would drop my thoughts down in this app like a deus ex machina. Cue angels singing. The visual representations of the mythical are quite powerfully brought to life by the show.
Ian McShane is delightful as Mr. Wednesday. Gillian Anderson is versatile and surprising as Media. The principal character is fleshed out more in the small screen adaptation, which I think was necessary but it also deviates from the book.
Anyhow, Shadow Moon is no longer such a sponge or an empty vessel. Pick your metaphor. In the book, he was seemingly void of much personal detail. He was little more than the sum of his fantastic experiences and I did like that about the book. They also brought his character's wife more to life in the show, which I think was a mistake because she is so mysterious and downright creepy in the novel.
Definitely worth watching even if, like me, you prefer the book. Think of them as two separate entities and you'll get through just fine.
Ian McShane is delightful as Mr. Wednesday. Gillian Anderson is versatile and surprising as Media. The principal character is fleshed out more in the small screen adaptation, which I think was necessary but it also deviates from the book.
Anyhow, Shadow Moon is no longer such a sponge or an empty vessel. Pick your metaphor. In the book, he was seemingly void of much personal detail. He was little more than the sum of his fantastic experiences and I did like that about the book. They also brought his character's wife more to life in the show, which I think was a mistake because she is so mysterious and downright creepy in the novel.
Definitely worth watching even if, like me, you prefer the book. Think of them as two separate entities and you'll get through just fine.
Leah (: (569 KP) rated Pennies (Dollar book 1) in Books
Jul 27, 2018
This book is very dark but very gripping.
It starts with Tasmin being held captive and prepared to be sold. Due to this some of the story is told through letters that she writes, these are used to fill in the backstory of how she came to be at this point. As well as helping to keep the storyline fast paced.
Once Elder Prest is introduced we get a split perspective, I enjoy split perspective as I like to know what both characters are thinking. However both characters still like to keep secrets so even at the end of a book much of Elder is a mystery.
This is the first book in the series so it definitely finishes with a lot of unanswered questions. I really enjoyed this book, so I have purchased the second one as I was that curious about what would happen next that I couldn’t leave it unfinished.
The full series is available, so if that normally puts you off don’t let it. Although the book has some very dark themes there are not very graphic scenes, most of it is mentioned afterwards and not described.
It starts with Tasmin being held captive and prepared to be sold. Due to this some of the story is told through letters that she writes, these are used to fill in the backstory of how she came to be at this point. As well as helping to keep the storyline fast paced.
Once Elder Prest is introduced we get a split perspective, I enjoy split perspective as I like to know what both characters are thinking. However both characters still like to keep secrets so even at the end of a book much of Elder is a mystery.
This is the first book in the series so it definitely finishes with a lot of unanswered questions. I really enjoyed this book, so I have purchased the second one as I was that curious about what would happen next that I couldn’t leave it unfinished.
The full series is available, so if that normally puts you off don’t let it. Although the book has some very dark themes there are not very graphic scenes, most of it is mentioned afterwards and not described.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! in Books
Aug 14, 2019
Is Pigeon Ready for a New Experience?
Pigeon has just learned that he has to start attending school. Surely, he doesn’t have to do that. After all, he already knows everything. Will there be math? There are too many letters! And Pigeon is not a morning bird. Will anything be able to change his mind?
Author Mo Willems continues to find ways to tell stories using only pictures and dialogue that keep us engaged. This is another fast yet entertaining read. Most kids are excited about getting to go to school, but this book should help those who might be more reluctant and will entertain all kids. While Pigeon presents some reasons to not go to school that kids might not have thought of, by the end he is very excited about the prospect. (Personally, I still understand Pigeon’s concern about not being a morning bird.) I appreciated the nod to one of Pigeon’s earlier books. The stylized illustrations are a delight as always and really do help tell the story. Whether you have a kid starting school soon or not, you and your kid will enjoy this book.
Author Mo Willems continues to find ways to tell stories using only pictures and dialogue that keep us engaged. This is another fast yet entertaining read. Most kids are excited about getting to go to school, but this book should help those who might be more reluctant and will entertain all kids. While Pigeon presents some reasons to not go to school that kids might not have thought of, by the end he is very excited about the prospect. (Personally, I still understand Pigeon’s concern about not being a morning bird.) I appreciated the nod to one of Pigeon’s earlier books. The stylized illustrations are a delight as always and really do help tell the story. Whether you have a kid starting school soon or not, you and your kid will enjoy this book.
Deborah (162 KP) rated The Beau Monde: Fashionable Society in Georgian London in Books
Dec 21, 2018
Greig's book takes a look at the Beau Monde - the fashionable elite - ranging from the 'Glorious Revolution' up to the early part of the 19th century. The Beau Monde and The Season were instigated by the more important role of parliament following the deposition of James II by his daughter and her husband - William III & Mary II. The peerage would spend a good deal of their time in London attending parliament, and so so social 'Season' was born. It was interesting to see the extent to which politics permeated the fashionable society and the importance of 'gossip' and 'chit chat' which letters from wives to husbands can be full of. The book covers jewellery and dress, exile from the Beau Monde and fraudulent claims to membership, court attendance and much more. Particularly with the clothing and jewellery, I think this would really have been enhanced with coloured plates, but sadly all the illustrations are black and white.
In her introduction, Greig states that this book has grown out of her doctoral thesis on the subject. It is a quite a scholarly read, but not completely inaccessible to the general reader.
In her introduction, Greig states that this book has grown out of her doctoral thesis on the subject. It is a quite a scholarly read, but not completely inaccessible to the general reader.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Dear Aaron in Books
Jan 11, 2021
I feel pretty bad for giving this 3 stars. I normally love this author's books but the first 54% or whatever amount it was with the letters/emails/IM's/text messages I was not a fan of at all. This is the third book I've read with them in, and the first I've actually finished. It just all seems so impersonal. I like to read about the body language and facial features after things get said so I can see how the characters react.
From 54-99% I enjoyed it, that first phone call was so good after so long, and then when they first met at the airport? Sigh... that was so sweet, if I did have a few tears in my eyes like Ruby at the time. Then the slow progression from friends to more...it was cute!
But then came the ending. I wanted more. It was like we didn't really get to see them end happily. And then we were back to the IMing... Ugh.
I think I've pretty much read all the author's books now apart from the Malykhin one, which is next on my list.
From 54-99% I enjoyed it, that first phone call was so good after so long, and then when they first met at the airport? Sigh... that was so sweet, if I did have a few tears in my eyes like Ruby at the time. Then the slow progression from friends to more...it was cute!
But then came the ending. I wanted more. It was like we didn't really get to see them end happily. And then we were back to the IMing... Ugh.
I think I've pretty much read all the author's books now apart from the Malykhin one, which is next on my list.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Fifth Letter in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Joni, Eden, Deb, and Trina have been friends since high school, when a teacher grouped them together by their last names. However, as they age, it seems the women are growing apart. Desperate to keep her friends together, Joni books a vacation house for them by the ocean. It's been a yearly tradition for the group, and she's insistent they all keep it up. However, it becomes clear that the women are a little reluctant to gather together: three of them are mothers now, and many are busy with their careers and other worries. So they come up with an idea: they'll write anonymous letters on an old computer at the beach cottage, and read one a night during their vacation. But the game turns dark quickly, as the women struggle to guess who wrote what letter. Even worse, Joni discovers a "fifth letter" in the fireplace; partially burned, it appears to be filled with hate toward one of the women in the group (from another). The foursome is supposed to be the best of friends, but it appears it isn't so. Can they recover from this vacation? And who in the group wrote that awful letter?
I feel terrible, as I really enjoy the other Moriarty sisters ([a:Liane Moriarty|322069|Liane Moriarty|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1459827224p2/322069.jpg] and [a:Jaclyn Moriarty|47290|Jaclyn Moriarty|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1199066598p2/47290.jpg]), but I just didn't care for this book at all. Throughout the entire novel, I never found myself able to care for these four women or their problems whatsoever. The premise of the book seemed utterly ridiculous: why on earth would a group of grown women write a bunch of letters like children and if they were such good friends, how could they know so little about each other? It was painful to read. Furthermore, the book itself was difficult to read. The book was set up in various ways: we had the current day thread at the beach cottage; we had threads in the past with the girls at school. Then, there's a thread where Joni is telling a priest (via confession) about what had happened at the cottage. Then we get pieces of the letters. Then we get snippets from the fifth letter. It was so utterly confusing that for parts of it, I couldn't tell who was talking, or what the dialogue related to, and it drove me insane.
Pieces of the women's problems were resolved far too easily, while others were blown far too out of proportion. Others were incredibly serious and just - ugh. When the big "reveal" happened, it made me cringe. I feel awful, but it almost felt like a bad imitation of Liane's book, [b:Truly Madly Guilty|26247008|Truly Madly Guilty|Liane Moriarty|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467061262s/26247008.jpg|49997474]. A bunch of angst leading to a big "reveal," which sort of leaves you feeling let down.
Overall, I have high admiration for the Moriarty sisters, and I truly feel bad that I didn't enjoy this book more. I just couldn't find any sympathy with the characters, and the way the novel was laid out irked me. I kept comparing it with another book where the women escape for a girls getaway: [b:Girls' Weekend|28280644|Girls' Weekend|Cara Sue Achterberg|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1453684219s/28280644.jpg|48328656], which was such a more nuanced and enjoyable portrayal of some similar subjects. I would recommend picking up Achterberg's book instead.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Edelweiss (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review; it is available everywhere as of 01/24/2017.
I feel terrible, as I really enjoy the other Moriarty sisters ([a:Liane Moriarty|322069|Liane Moriarty|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1459827224p2/322069.jpg] and [a:Jaclyn Moriarty|47290|Jaclyn Moriarty|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1199066598p2/47290.jpg]), but I just didn't care for this book at all. Throughout the entire novel, I never found myself able to care for these four women or their problems whatsoever. The premise of the book seemed utterly ridiculous: why on earth would a group of grown women write a bunch of letters like children and if they were such good friends, how could they know so little about each other? It was painful to read. Furthermore, the book itself was difficult to read. The book was set up in various ways: we had the current day thread at the beach cottage; we had threads in the past with the girls at school. Then, there's a thread where Joni is telling a priest (via confession) about what had happened at the cottage. Then we get pieces of the letters. Then we get snippets from the fifth letter. It was so utterly confusing that for parts of it, I couldn't tell who was talking, or what the dialogue related to, and it drove me insane.
Pieces of the women's problems were resolved far too easily, while others were blown far too out of proportion. Others were incredibly serious and just - ugh. When the big "reveal" happened, it made me cringe. I feel awful, but it almost felt like a bad imitation of Liane's book, [b:Truly Madly Guilty|26247008|Truly Madly Guilty|Liane Moriarty|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467061262s/26247008.jpg|49997474]. A bunch of angst leading to a big "reveal," which sort of leaves you feeling let down.
Overall, I have high admiration for the Moriarty sisters, and I truly feel bad that I didn't enjoy this book more. I just couldn't find any sympathy with the characters, and the way the novel was laid out irked me. I kept comparing it with another book where the women escape for a girls getaway: [b:Girls' Weekend|28280644|Girls' Weekend|Cara Sue Achterberg|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1453684219s/28280644.jpg|48328656], which was such a more nuanced and enjoyable portrayal of some similar subjects. I would recommend picking up Achterberg's book instead.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Edelweiss (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review; it is available everywhere as of 01/24/2017.
Darren (1599 KP) rated ABCs of Death 2 (2014) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Favourite Letters – A – Amateur I liked this because it pokes fun at the slick nature people believe hitmen going through vents can be showing the truth about what you will find.
D – Deloused this is a delightfully twists animated tale that is everything from disturbing to disgusting.
L – Legacy, I liked this one because it is bold, bloody and entertaining.
N – Nexus, this is a well built up moment where we follow all the people involved before the final moment.
O – Ochlocracy, this short gives us a fresh look at the zombie genre.
S – Split, this is a story that could be run of the mill but clearly has the best twist of any of the short stories here.
T- Torture Porn, this is one that went in a direction you didn’t see coming which adds shock value to it.
U – Utopia, this sums up modern society nicely for shocking effect.
Y – Youth, this is plain weird but also feels heart breaking throughout the story.
Z – Zygote, well this is a short story that is seriously twisted and delightful ending to these horror tales.
Hardest to Watch – H – Head Games, I think this is because it is bigger than expected because you could read into it the most.
K – Knell, I have this one here because I didn’t understand the end it at all.
Worst Letters – G – Grandad, this one just didn’t click and felt like filler.
P – P-P-P-P – Scary, this just felt like it was part comedy to full weird and not the type I like.
Biggest Disappointments – B – Badger, most because this felt like there was still five minutes to go which could have been the blood bath we got teased for.
I – Invincible, this is here much like B as it is a film you would like to have seen more from.
Ones That I Would Like to See a Full Feature – F – Falling, this story feels like it could be a brilliant thriller that over a 90 minute could build characters up nicely for the climax.
Q – Questionnaire, this is an interesting one and could be turned into a very interesting horror film.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – V – Vacation, one because it is shot badly and two because the guys assholes.
Final Thoughts – In all fairness this has a lot of good chapters which are fun, bloody, gore and everything you like, if you like short horror stories go and enjoy.
Overall: Full fun horror chapter.
https://moviesreview101.com/2018/10/01/a-z-halloween-horror-a-abcs-of-death-2-2014/
D – Deloused this is a delightfully twists animated tale that is everything from disturbing to disgusting.
L – Legacy, I liked this one because it is bold, bloody and entertaining.
N – Nexus, this is a well built up moment where we follow all the people involved before the final moment.
O – Ochlocracy, this short gives us a fresh look at the zombie genre.
S – Split, this is a story that could be run of the mill but clearly has the best twist of any of the short stories here.
T- Torture Porn, this is one that went in a direction you didn’t see coming which adds shock value to it.
U – Utopia, this sums up modern society nicely for shocking effect.
Y – Youth, this is plain weird but also feels heart breaking throughout the story.
Z – Zygote, well this is a short story that is seriously twisted and delightful ending to these horror tales.
Hardest to Watch – H – Head Games, I think this is because it is bigger than expected because you could read into it the most.
K – Knell, I have this one here because I didn’t understand the end it at all.
Worst Letters – G – Grandad, this one just didn’t click and felt like filler.
P – P-P-P-P – Scary, this just felt like it was part comedy to full weird and not the type I like.
Biggest Disappointments – B – Badger, most because this felt like there was still five minutes to go which could have been the blood bath we got teased for.
I – Invincible, this is here much like B as it is a film you would like to have seen more from.
Ones That I Would Like to See a Full Feature – F – Falling, this story feels like it could be a brilliant thriller that over a 90 minute could build characters up nicely for the climax.
Q – Questionnaire, this is an interesting one and could be turned into a very interesting horror film.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – V – Vacation, one because it is shot badly and two because the guys assholes.
Final Thoughts – In all fairness this has a lot of good chapters which are fun, bloody, gore and everything you like, if you like short horror stories go and enjoy.
Overall: Full fun horror chapter.
https://moviesreview101.com/2018/10/01/a-z-halloween-horror-a-abcs-of-death-2-2014/