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Suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy a short story, Delta is the latest novella by the versatile Jordan Elizabeth. Based on an historical event but with purely fictional characters, the author weaves real life and paranormal/fantasy together to create a gripping tale.
Set in the years leading up to the time a small village was flooded to create Lake Delta in 1917, the short story focuses on the Madison family who believe the plans will never come to fruition. As the years pass, neighbours begin receiving eviction letters but the family remain steadfast in their belief that their land won't be affected.
Meanwhile, the protagonist Lottie is given the task to deliver daily baskets of food to her Aunt Flora, a lady housebound in a cottage in the woods, however, Lottie is forbidden to ever enter the house.
As Lottie grows up with the threat of the flood becoming more of a reality, she begins to question why her parents are so convinced that all will be okay. In the months leading to her 17th birthday, she overhears her parents speaking of magic, but surely magic isn't real? She is soon to discover the painful truth and learn that she is not who she thinks she is.
Delta was quick to read and the ten year storyline sped by. The fast pace makes readers eager to reach the conclusion, a conclusion that is in no way predictable.
Whilst short, Delta is definitely worth reading. It is perfect for those moments when you need something to do but can't commit to reading a longer novel.
Set in the years leading up to the time a small village was flooded to create Lake Delta in 1917, the short story focuses on the Madison family who believe the plans will never come to fruition. As the years pass, neighbours begin receiving eviction letters but the family remain steadfast in their belief that their land won't be affected.
Meanwhile, the protagonist Lottie is given the task to deliver daily baskets of food to her Aunt Flora, a lady housebound in a cottage in the woods, however, Lottie is forbidden to ever enter the house.
As Lottie grows up with the threat of the flood becoming more of a reality, she begins to question why her parents are so convinced that all will be okay. In the months leading to her 17th birthday, she overhears her parents speaking of magic, but surely magic isn't real? She is soon to discover the painful truth and learn that she is not who she thinks she is.
Delta was quick to read and the ten year storyline sped by. The fast pace makes readers eager to reach the conclusion, a conclusion that is in no way predictable.
Whilst short, Delta is definitely worth reading. It is perfect for those moments when you need something to do but can't commit to reading a longer novel.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Show Me the Way (Fight for Me, #1) in Books
Jan 9, 2020
This has been borrowed from the Kindle Unlimited Library.
This one starts with Rynna leaving her small town after yet another run in with her bullies, breaking her Grammy's heart as she flees. Fast forward quite a few years and Rynna is coming back to run the diner her Grammy used to own after her passing away. She's wary of people recognising her and dreads running into her bullies but makes new friends within her first days and meets her neighbours, single dad, Rex, and his young daughter Frankie Leigh. Rex has closed himself off from pretty much everyone and, intrigued by the contradictory man, Rynna can't help wanting to get to know him.
This was sweet. Both damaged in one way or another, wanting to overcome it when they meet that special someone and in this case it's each other. My only issue is I want angst in my stories lately. I want them to scream and fight and make up with each other. That didn't quite happen but somewhere around the 65% mark, someone made an appearance that sent everything up in the air and I was dragged into the story fully for the first time. It got a little intriguing with me wondering how it would all play out.
One thing I did really like about this book was Frankie Leigh. I have a huge weakness for adorable babies/children in my romances and Frankie Leigh may just have won the award for cuteness. She's so full of cute energy with her enthusiasm and crazy fashion sense. Adorable!
I wouldn't mind going back to Gingham Lakes to read Rex's friends stories.
This one starts with Rynna leaving her small town after yet another run in with her bullies, breaking her Grammy's heart as she flees. Fast forward quite a few years and Rynna is coming back to run the diner her Grammy used to own after her passing away. She's wary of people recognising her and dreads running into her bullies but makes new friends within her first days and meets her neighbours, single dad, Rex, and his young daughter Frankie Leigh. Rex has closed himself off from pretty much everyone and, intrigued by the contradictory man, Rynna can't help wanting to get to know him.
This was sweet. Both damaged in one way or another, wanting to overcome it when they meet that special someone and in this case it's each other. My only issue is I want angst in my stories lately. I want them to scream and fight and make up with each other. That didn't quite happen but somewhere around the 65% mark, someone made an appearance that sent everything up in the air and I was dragged into the story fully for the first time. It got a little intriguing with me wondering how it would all play out.
One thing I did really like about this book was Frankie Leigh. I have a huge weakness for adorable babies/children in my romances and Frankie Leigh may just have won the award for cuteness. She's so full of cute energy with her enthusiasm and crazy fashion sense. Adorable!
I wouldn't mind going back to Gingham Lakes to read Rex's friends stories.
JT (287 KP) rated The Intruder (2019) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
When are couples moving into a new home going to realise that there is a lot more to worry about than just making sure all of your stuff arrives in one piece. If it’s not things going bump in the night or uninvited demons, it’s seemingly sweet as pie neighbours with an ulterior motive.
Annie (Meagan Good) and Scott ( Michael Ealy) think that they have found their dream home, away from the concrete jungle of the city with an idyllic setting in which to start a family. Step in Charlie (Dennis Quaid), a kind hearted widower who is selling in order to start a new life with his daughter in Florida – or so it would seem, as we know, looks can be deceiving.
Dennis Quaid nails the disturbed seller turned psycho
The film has been battered with reviews saying that it forgoes plot in favour of setting up a good jump scare, but do you know what? I don’t mind that.
I’ve always been a sucker for this type of genre and this one is no different. There are the obvious plot holes, some laughable, like how come it takes Annie so long to realise that Charlie has psychotic tendencies, despite Scott practically spelling it out for her? Or the fact that everyone seems to be drawn to a particular linen closet. It moves along enough to keep you entertained with Quaid giving a good account of himself and clearly having fun.
Director (Deon Taylor) seems inspired by classic home invasion thrillers but offers nothing new that we won’t have already seen before – you can just throw this one onto the pile with all the rest.
Annie (Meagan Good) and Scott ( Michael Ealy) think that they have found their dream home, away from the concrete jungle of the city with an idyllic setting in which to start a family. Step in Charlie (Dennis Quaid), a kind hearted widower who is selling in order to start a new life with his daughter in Florida – or so it would seem, as we know, looks can be deceiving.
Dennis Quaid nails the disturbed seller turned psycho
The film has been battered with reviews saying that it forgoes plot in favour of setting up a good jump scare, but do you know what? I don’t mind that.
I’ve always been a sucker for this type of genre and this one is no different. There are the obvious plot holes, some laughable, like how come it takes Annie so long to realise that Charlie has psychotic tendencies, despite Scott practically spelling it out for her? Or the fact that everyone seems to be drawn to a particular linen closet. It moves along enough to keep you entertained with Quaid giving a good account of himself and clearly having fun.
Director (Deon Taylor) seems inspired by classic home invasion thrillers but offers nothing new that we won’t have already seen before – you can just throw this one onto the pile with all the rest.
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ClareR (5603 KP) rated The City of Tears (The Burning Chambers #2) in Books
Feb 6, 2021
The story of Minou and Piet continues, starting with their idyllic lives in Puivert: Minou is the chatelaine, and Piet has returned from fighting for the Huguenot cause. They have two children: Marta, a precocious little girl, and their baby son Jean-Jacques. As a family they decide to travel to Paris for the wedding of the Catholic Marguerite de Valois (the King’s sister) and the Protestant Henri of Navarre (the first Bourbon King of France - and I never know whether to think of the biscuit or the drink whenever I hear the word ‘Bourbon’ 🤷🏼♀️). Their union is hoped to end the religious wars in France.
But of course nothing goes to plan. Cardinal Valentin is there in his role as the Duke of Guise’s confessor, and he’s out for revenge. The St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre tears Minou and Piet’s family apart so that it is forever changed.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that Minou and Piet end up in Amsterdam. In Amsterdam their is a peaceful change in power from Catholic to Protestant. It’s interesting to see how their lives change, and how they are able to live in relative peace and cooperation with their Catholic friends and neighbours. It’s no less exciting than The Burning Chambers though. The family’s adventures take them back to France and in to more danger.
I loved all of the historical detail, and the thoughts and beliefs around religion at this time - and I cannot wait to read the next TWO books in this series! I’m hooked!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for this serialisation - it was outstanding!
But of course nothing goes to plan. Cardinal Valentin is there in his role as the Duke of Guise’s confessor, and he’s out for revenge. The St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre tears Minou and Piet’s family apart so that it is forever changed.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that Minou and Piet end up in Amsterdam. In Amsterdam their is a peaceful change in power from Catholic to Protestant. It’s interesting to see how their lives change, and how they are able to live in relative peace and cooperation with their Catholic friends and neighbours. It’s no less exciting than The Burning Chambers though. The family’s adventures take them back to France and in to more danger.
I loved all of the historical detail, and the thoughts and beliefs around religion at this time - and I cannot wait to read the next TWO books in this series! I’m hooked!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for this serialisation - it was outstanding!
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Stolen by Her Bear (Black Ridge Bears #1) in Books
Jul 26, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
STOLEN BY HER BEAR is the first book in the Black Ridge Bears series and we return to the universe of Eternal Mates, and the friendly Cougar Creek neighbours. You could read this by itself, but I personally would recommend you at least read Cougar Creek, just to get some idea of the backstories involved.
Saint is the Alpha of the Bear Pride, and he is none too impressed when they are woken from their hibernation by laughter, frolics, and shenanigans. Unfortunately for him, when he tries to ask nicely, the cougars are holding a grudge and refuse to keep the noise down. Saint's bear takes over and he kidnaps the mate of one of the cougars... except, she isn't!
I loved how Holly was just like her namesake. She was very prickly to begin with, but I couldn't exactly blame her! Saint doesn't want to be grumpy, but he has only just woken up, and his bear is very cranky. He is a sweetie though.
Returning to this universe is like slipping on a favourite pair of shoes. You can walk for miles in them and still feel like going for more. Saint and Holly make a perfect first pair for this series, and I can't wait to see where we go next. (I'm looking at you, Lowe... I think!)
A great, fun read that is definitely recommended by me.
** 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!
Jul 26, 2021
Saint is the Alpha of the Bear Pride, and he is none too impressed when they are woken from their hibernation by laughter, frolics, and shenanigans. Unfortunately for him, when he tries to ask nicely, the cougars are holding a grudge and refuse to keep the noise down. Saint's bear takes over and he kidnaps the mate of one of the cougars... except, she isn't!
I loved how Holly was just like her namesake. She was very prickly to begin with, but I couldn't exactly blame her! Saint doesn't want to be grumpy, but he has only just woken up, and his bear is very cranky. He is a sweetie though.
Returning to this universe is like slipping on a favourite pair of shoes. You can walk for miles in them and still feel like going for more. Saint and Holly make a perfect first pair for this series, and I can't wait to see where we go next. (I'm looking at you, Lowe... I think!)
A great, fun read that is definitely recommended by me.
** 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!
Jul 26, 2021