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The Handmaid's Tale  - Season 1
The Handmaid's Tale - Season 1
2017 | Drama
Very true to the book, any expansion feels like a natural evolution (3 more)
An amazing cast bringing the characters to life
So good at tugging at all sorts of emotions
Relevant, now and always
Everyone needs to watch it
It comes from a small but powerful book. So disturbingly close to how reality could be it's not really surprising how relevant it is to what's happening in the world. Although tackling hard topics, often with harsh outcomes, the show treats every dark twist and turn with empathy - the writers don't want to shy away from the important issues but at the same time they don't want us to flinch and stop watching because it's important that we see.

There are some differences to the book, of course. The main one being June, she's stronger in the show, more determined. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because they had to make adaptations in order for it to work on the screen and I think they way they've done it is genius. She doesn't come across as an entirely different character, if you compare her to the June from the book it's more like they mostly travelled the same path but made a few different decision along the way. Along with this stronger June comes a bit more hope, is it possible that she'll be able to escape? Is it possible that she'll meet Moira, Luke and Hannah again? Can there really be an end to the regime in Gilead?

Each of the characters are strong and memorable, brought to life by a brilliant cast of people. One minute you can be sympathising for them and the next absolutely loathing them. Not only is that a sign of how good the acting is but also how amazing the writing on the show was. A tense show that builds up throughout the series, while it never feels over-packed it is full of messages for all of us to take to heart and keep in mind.

With a second season confirmed it's now going beyond the scope of the book and that's exciting, we get to see where June's story goes and with the open-ended way the book finished who knows where it'll go.
  
BI
Before I Saw You
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wow! This is my first ever Amy K. Sorrells novel and it most definitely will not be my last one. This book, it's setting, it's characters, it's messages......all of it absolutely gripped me and took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. I was up, down, sideways, in and out while reading this novel, and it left me with a feeling I haven't had with a book in a long, long time.

As a former street drug abuser, I related with this book on so many levels, with it's work of opioid abuse weaved into the story line. It's a very real thing now a days, and so many people are dying from the use of it. Thankfully, with God's love and kind forgiveness, I was saved and have been drug free for more than 15 years now, and this novel brought with the flood of emotions. Watching Jaycee struggle with certain decisions, watching her and her faith grow stronger through the novel, really made me see myself in her.

Throughout these pages, Ms. Sorrells has woven a message of the utmost importance from our God.......true love. I love my children more than life itself, but my truest love of all comes from, and for, our God. I could feel that message unweaving with each page turn, felt it envelope me and keep me hooked to the story.

This is more than a 5 star book. This is one that I highly recommend to everyone. This book is emotional, gripping, and may not be an easy read for some, but it's one that will forever be on my shelf and one that I will turn to when I need a reminder that sometimes struggles are what are needed to over come the mountains that God puts in my life. Faith,hope, love and more make up this novel and I can't wait to dive into another amazingly chiseled creation from this talented author! Well done, Ms. Sorrell!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12684" src="http://cafinatedreads.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Review-Cafinated-Reads-UPDATED-1.jpg"; alt="" width="350" height="214" />
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #993300;">Holy smokes! Ms. Ellis is amazing! I'm used to reading her Amish books, so when the chance to read her Sunset In Old Savannah novel, I jumped on the chance. I wanted to see her talent at work in a suspenseful genre. It was not disappointing, that's for sure. I lost myself among the pages of this gripping novel and I wasn't expecting the ending that I got! I love a book like this.</span>

<span style="color: #993300;">Ms. Ellis created a novel that all readers will love. It's a touch of romance, Godly messages woven through out, a whole lotta twists, and a dash of humor. Beth and Michael's characters will quickly work their way into your heart and they will stay there. They will take you on the whirl wind that is investigations, and lead you on a roller coaster ride that is evident with murders. Following Michael and Beth along the streets of Savannah (I've been once, and fell in love with the quaint town!) was so much fun! I was definitely on the edge of my seat for each page and stayed up long into the night reading.</span>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #993300;"> Ms. Ellis is a wonderful author. I haven't had the pleasure of reading books 1-3 in this Secrets Of The South Mysteries series, but this 4th installment didn't leave me confused. I was easily drawn in and had so much fun trying to figure out the clues.  The plot twists are perfectly written and the ending is amazing! I am looking forward to going back and seeing where these awesome mysteries began and meet the characters of this series from the start. I highly recommend this read with 5 stars and hats off.</span><a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/review-sunset-in-old-savannah-by-mary-ellis/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
  
When You Are Near
When You Are Near
Tracie Peterson | 2019 | Romance
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Characters (2 more)
Plot
Writing Style
Those that know me, know I love to read Historical novels, so it will come as no surprise at all that I love this novel. It’s my first Peterson novel in a long time, and I was excited to see what she had in store for her readers with this one. Let me tell, I was taken on a whirl wind ride with this one and I loved every minute of it! Those that know me, also know that I love to be around horses and ride them (though it’s been a while since I’ve ridden one!), so I definitely enjoyed this book for that aspect alone.

I adored Lizzy’s character. She’s beautifully chiseled and I loved that she was a trick rider in this story! I haven’t read a book like this one, about women trick rider’s, so it made Lizzy’s story that much more fun for me. I felt a connection with Lizzy, having lost my mother a few years back, and I dealt with my own pain and struggles much like Lizzy did. Watching her blossom from that pain and struggle, seeing her connection with her horse, seeing how she realized that love is what she truly needs to get through it all, was a fantastic experience!

If you love novels that are beautifully written, filled with rich Historical detail, and filled with characters that come to life, then you need not look any further than Peterson’s new novel. She has tremendous talent and fills her books with hope, understanding and love, along with some powerful messages for her readers. This book is fast paced, and before I knew it, it was over, so I’m highly anxious to get book 2 in this series, as I am not yet done with these trick riders and their stunning horses! Grab this 4 star novel now and see what I’m talking about! You won’t be sorry.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
Green Book (2018)
Green Book (2018)
2018 | Drama
Deserving of the Oscar
I knew very little about Green Book heading in to it, other than the basic plot and that it had won the Oscar. I hadn't even seen a trailer, but when deciding what to watch on an afternoon off work, it seemed like a good choice. And I can honestly say that this is the best 2 hours I've spent in the cinema recently that didn't involve a Marvel film. It really is that good.

Right from the opening scene, this film was captivating and engaging. It's funny and heartwarming and really quite sad at times, without ever becoming dull or drawn out. It's such a beautiful story of a journey between two polar opposite characters. Viggo Mortensen's brash and uncultured Tony is a loveable rogue, and his clashes against the cultured, prim and proper pianist played by Mahershala Ali are a delight and often humorous to watch. It's the interaction and development of these two characters that make this film brilliant. Both actors are superb, and both would have been deserving of an Oscar in their own rights for their performances. The scene with them discussing KFC had me in stitches and is possibly the funniest thing I've seen in quite a long time.

The film itself is beautifully made and shot, and I cannot believe that this film has come from Peter Farrelly, who's previous films with his brother Bobby were as far from Oscar winners as you could get. The entire film from the costumes and soundtrack to the script were well done and altogether faultless. The film also does very well to get across the important attitudes and messages about racism and it does so in a very subtle yet powerful way.

I spent the entirety of this film with a smile on my face and a warm fuzzy feeling inside, which I still have now writing this review just thinking about unexpectedly brilliant this film was. I usually think most Oscar winners and nominees are entirely overrated, but not Green Book - this deserves every accolade it can get and more.
  
The Memory House
The Memory House
Rachel Hauck | 2019 | Contemporary, Romance
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
characters (1 more)
plot line
Timeless and Gripping!
When I pick up a Rachel Hauck novel, I don’t have to wonder if I’ll like it, or if it will be one that I will put down and walk away from. Because, when I read a novel by this phenomenally fantastic author, I will love it and I will most certainly not walk away from the novel. In fact, I always read a Hauck novel in less than 48 hours.

The Memory House is a moving and captivating story. It’s chiseled magnificently and really makes the reader feel as if they are the heart of the story. It’s told in trademark Hauck style of dual timelines, but is still absolutely gripping. Each page turn tells more of Beck and Everleigh’s stories, and each turn of the page, opens the readers eyes just a little more.

Having been through hard times in life, I sometimes find myself questioning God, and wondering if anything good will come of my situations. Then, with a little faith and hope, He shows me that nothing is for naught, and everything will be just fine, even if it feels like the end. Beck and Everleigh, both dealt heartache and pain in their lives, blossomed for me and I saw a little bit of myself in each of them.

This story is filled with love, hope, faith, and heartache. This story is filled with beautiful souls, and a plot line that will leave you wanting more from this fantabulous author. From start to finish, you’ll fall more and more in love with these tender characters. You’ll feel the messages surround you, and you’ll hear God whispering throughout.

Don’t waste another minute without grabbing this book. If you’ve never read a Hauck novel before you’ll be a fan for life. If you’re a current fan, you’ll find yourself lost in another amazing novel by Hauck. Definitely worthy of 4 stars, two thumbs and hats off. I can’t wait to share this novel with my friends and family.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
Queen Naija by Queen Naija
Queen Naija by Queen Naija
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Queen Naija is a famous Youtuber and an R&B/Soul singer-songwriter out of Detroit, Michigan. Not too long ago, she released her beautiful self-titled debut EP.

“MEDICINE”

The video finds Queen Naija, dressed in yellow attire, reading text messages on her phone. She confronts her man when he enters the room and addresses his cheating ways. Later, she gives him a taste of his own medicine.

The song was crafted during a detrimental time in Naija’s life when she was having problems with her ex. People wanted to know if she was staying with him or leaving. She recorded “Medicine” and perhaps her entire EP as a response.

“KARMA”

The video was captured inside Capitol Records’ Studio A. It finds Queen Naija in a pinstripe outfit singing her heart out about moving on from being hurt.

Her relationship turned sour after her ex-man started making money and got a sudden case of amnesia. He replaced Naija with a bunch of promiscuous women. So she applauded him for doing that by saying, “Congratulations to you, what you wanted is what you got now.”

“MAMA’S HAND”


Queen Naija dedicates a lovely song to her son. She promises to give him everything and encourages him to have optimistic thoughts about the future. But most importantly, she wants him to put God first and never let go of her hand while they travel through life and its unexpecting journey.

“BUTTERFLIES”

Queen Naija bears her soul, revealing she’s deeply in love. With perhaps someone new? She gets butterflies in her stomach whenever she sees him. Also, she’s thinking about getting into a relationship because she can’t let go of him. Ever since he crossed her path, her life hasn’t been the same.

“BAD BOY”

Queen Naija reveals she’s a good girl and this is her first time being in love with a bad boy. Although she loves their connection, she knows she has to be cautious and take her time. Also, she feels, maybe, her goodness will cause him to change for the better.

CONCLUSION

Queen Naija’s self-titled debut EP is a solid body of work. Produced entirely by 30HertzBeats, it contains charismatic instrumentation, soulful vocals, and charming melodies.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/queen-naija-debut-ep/
  
Mass Effect: Andromeda
Mass Effect: Andromeda
2017 | Role-Playing
Incredible Scenery (2 more)
Excellent Gameplay
Good Story Concept
Horrible Dialogue Interactions (4 more)
Rushed Production Led to Disastrous Bugs
The Faces
Online Mode
Romance Options Feel Hollow
The Tragedy of Mass Effect
The game I love to hate.

ME:A is worth at least a single playthrough, at least to understand where the complainsts were coming from. This game enrages us so much for a variety of reasons:

1. It Isn't Really Mass Effect

For a the bells and whistles of the Mass Effect title, Andromeda feels more like an Alternative Universe Fanfiction. There are hints of the original hidden in the world– messages from Liara T'Soni, a mention of Shephard, and the logs with the Reapers– but the story is so jarringly different at times that they could have replaced any of the alien species with new ones and been none the wiser. Ryder's relationship with SAM is at complete odds with the entirery of the Mass Effect story. This was probably BioWare's narrative goal, but it was so poorly executed that it just read as lazinezs.

2. The Dialogue

I'm not entirely sure who was in charge of the game's dialogue, but I am certain they helped ghostwrite 50 Shades of Grey.

"He's dead. Ha. Probably because I shot him in the face."

"You, and your god damned father. Sorry. My face is tired."

It's just... Horrible. Like a really crummy porno imitation of a good film. The voice actors have awkward pauses and scenes where they just look at you for a few moments.


3. The Ruined Potential

The worst thing about this game is the fact that underneath all the mistakes, the palimpsest of poorly written dialogue, and the rushed money-grubbing of a rabid EA, Mass Effect Andromeda was actually... Fun? The story was genuinely interesting. The characters had good stories. The worlds were beautiful and creative.

The Angara were interesting and creative. The revelation towards the end? I wouldn't say I was completely surprised, but it did leave me wanting to know about the galaxy beyond the Heleus Cluster.

It's just a shame they ruined their own creation before it was even completed.

Andromeda was flawed and greedy, but at the same time, it was a testament to game design and world development.