Search
Search results
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman in Books
Jul 1, 2021
The thing that really attracted me to this little gem of a book was it’s title and wondering whether there was actually a character named Norman Foreman in it or not. Then when I read the blurb I knew that I just had to read it.
We follow a mother and son, Sadie and Norman Foreman, through a challenging time in their life - Norman’s best friend Jax dying from an asthma attack. Norman and Jax did everything together, and loved watching comedy sketches and comedians and had big dreams of becoming a comedy duo and performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival when they were 15.
However, that plan drastically changes when Jax dies aged 12 and leaves Norman not really knowing what to do and not particularly coping very well. Norman then comes up with the idea to get himself to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival that year as a tribute to Jax and also along the way decides he wants to finally find out who his dad is.
Sadie is also struggling with Jax’s death and struggling to help Norman grieve as she never truly grieved her own dad’s death. She has to come to relive her past where she spent a month after her dad’s death completely off the rails and now has four potential fathers for Norman. Along the way she confides in a work colleague, a little old man called Leonard, who decides that he wants in on this adventure and helps Sadie organise her thoughts and helps them both get to the Edinburgh Fringe and to find the four potential fathers.
Some of it may be a little far fetched at points, but that doesn’t stop it from being a really heartwarming story of a child trying to come to terms with the grief of losing his best friend and how you don’t have to be sad all the time in order to grieve.
I loved the whole book from start to finish, and I’m so glad that I got to read it courtesy of Pigeonhole and Julietta Henderson!
We follow a mother and son, Sadie and Norman Foreman, through a challenging time in their life - Norman’s best friend Jax dying from an asthma attack. Norman and Jax did everything together, and loved watching comedy sketches and comedians and had big dreams of becoming a comedy duo and performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival when they were 15.
However, that plan drastically changes when Jax dies aged 12 and leaves Norman not really knowing what to do and not particularly coping very well. Norman then comes up with the idea to get himself to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival that year as a tribute to Jax and also along the way decides he wants to finally find out who his dad is.
Sadie is also struggling with Jax’s death and struggling to help Norman grieve as she never truly grieved her own dad’s death. She has to come to relive her past where she spent a month after her dad’s death completely off the rails and now has four potential fathers for Norman. Along the way she confides in a work colleague, a little old man called Leonard, who decides that he wants in on this adventure and helps Sadie organise her thoughts and helps them both get to the Edinburgh Fringe and to find the four potential fathers.
Some of it may be a little far fetched at points, but that doesn’t stop it from being a really heartwarming story of a child trying to come to terms with the grief of losing his best friend and how you don’t have to be sad all the time in order to grieve.
I loved the whole book from start to finish, and I’m so glad that I got to read it courtesy of Pigeonhole and Julietta Henderson!
Merissa (13690 KP) rated Kaps (Angelbound Offspring #5) in Books
Aug 2, 2020
Kaps is the fifth book in the Angelbound Offspring series and one that I wasn't too bothered about reading. The only reason I wanted to is because it is part of the series and I didn't want to miss anything from the other characters. HOW WRONG I WAS!!!!
In this story, I found out I had been suckered into seeing the masks Kaps hides behinds, just like the rest of her family and friends. It took Mack and his no-nonsense approach seeing Kaps in all her glory to help me see her that way too. And can I just say... she's brilliant! With this one instalment, I now want to go back and re-read the other four books in the series, just to see her with fresh eyes.
And Mack - oh, be still my heart. He was simply wonderful. He fought for Kaps, even against her friends, and stood by her throughout it all. I really can't wait for his book to come along. I need Kaps and Mack to get their HEA.
I can't leave this review for my favourite Grandma out of all of them 😉 - Great M. Such a brilliant character and I'm so glad she had Kaps' back in this.
This is part of a series from a series (Angelbound Origins followed by Angelbound Offspring) so I really do recommend you read them all to get the full picture into each of the characters and the storyline that runs through. Not only that but you get a fantastic world to dive into time and again.
For a book I wasn't bothered about reading to completely turn me around the way it did, I can only give it 5-stars! Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
In this story, I found out I had been suckered into seeing the masks Kaps hides behinds, just like the rest of her family and friends. It took Mack and his no-nonsense approach seeing Kaps in all her glory to help me see her that way too. And can I just say... she's brilliant! With this one instalment, I now want to go back and re-read the other four books in the series, just to see her with fresh eyes.
And Mack - oh, be still my heart. He was simply wonderful. He fought for Kaps, even against her friends, and stood by her throughout it all. I really can't wait for his book to come along. I need Kaps and Mack to get their HEA.
I can't leave this review for my favourite Grandma out of all of them 😉 - Great M. Such a brilliant character and I'm so glad she had Kaps' back in this.
This is part of a series from a series (Angelbound Origins followed by Angelbound Offspring) so I really do recommend you read them all to get the full picture into each of the characters and the storyline that runs through. Not only that but you get a fantastic world to dive into time and again.
For a book I wasn't bothered about reading to completely turn me around the way it did, I can only give it 5-stars! Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Debbiereadsbook (1636 KP) rated The Star (Charleston Condors #1) in Books
Aug 6, 2023
loved that there is no real drama!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian,I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 1 in the Charleston Condors series, and I will admit that I only read it, because I was offered book 2 via the blog, but said I would read this one too.
I'm glad I did!
I really rather enjoyed this. The thing I loved, and I mean LOVED, the most was: there really isn't much drama in this book!
Oh there is some, don't get me wrong, but it's mostly around Riley's big brother, Aidan, being an overbearing twatwaffle! I get it, to some extent, but Aidan took the "bringing my brother up" thing to the extreme and became . . . difficult. Landry, as Aidan's best friend, was kinda stuck between them, but I loved that Landry stood up for Riley against Aidan, even before Landry was fully aware of his feelings for Riley. But there is no DRAMA, you know? There is not nutty ex, no massive break up/make up, none of that, Just one man falling in love with his best friends little brother, when he thought he was straight, and that little brother acting on his long time crush! And it made for a wonderful read.
My only niggle, and it really is just a very personal, none-US citizen thing. There is a lot of detailed football play. The majority of the terms used, and what they mean, went straight over my head and I mostly glanced over those scenes. I have no clue about what American football entails, or what a play is, or any of those terms, so on that point, I didn't like it.
BUT!
Now I know what to expect, I can brace myself for the second book, The Game. I am aware of the football scenes coming, and I can make peace with them :-)
4 wonderful Stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 1 in the Charleston Condors series, and I will admit that I only read it, because I was offered book 2 via the blog, but said I would read this one too.
I'm glad I did!
I really rather enjoyed this. The thing I loved, and I mean LOVED, the most was: there really isn't much drama in this book!
Oh there is some, don't get me wrong, but it's mostly around Riley's big brother, Aidan, being an overbearing twatwaffle! I get it, to some extent, but Aidan took the "bringing my brother up" thing to the extreme and became . . . difficult. Landry, as Aidan's best friend, was kinda stuck between them, but I loved that Landry stood up for Riley against Aidan, even before Landry was fully aware of his feelings for Riley. But there is no DRAMA, you know? There is not nutty ex, no massive break up/make up, none of that, Just one man falling in love with his best friends little brother, when he thought he was straight, and that little brother acting on his long time crush! And it made for a wonderful read.
My only niggle, and it really is just a very personal, none-US citizen thing. There is a lot of detailed football play. The majority of the terms used, and what they mean, went straight over my head and I mostly glanced over those scenes. I have no clue about what American football entails, or what a play is, or any of those terms, so on that point, I didn't like it.
BUT!
Now I know what to expect, I can brace myself for the second book, The Game. I am aware of the football scenes coming, and I can make peace with them :-)
4 wonderful Stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1636 KP) rated Make Them Cry (Pretty Deadly Things #2) in Books
Dec 9, 2025
really enjoying these books!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Pretty Deadly Things series, but it's not necessary to read Make Them Bleed, book 1, first. Recommended by me, but not necessary.
River works with Gage, but he gets under her skin, not in a good way. When the online harassment gets personal and much closer to her than before, she turns to the dark web for help. Enter Mask, who promises he can make them cry. But who is he really, and just who can River trust, when people are dying?
I am really REALLY enjoying these books, this author in general!
One point I will make: there is a lot, and I mean A LOT of technical stuff in this one. There is a little directory at the beginning, but I will be honest and kinda glazed over those bits. Far too complicated computer lingo for me to follow but I really don't think I missed anything by not fully understanding.
I liked that it took a bit of time for River to figure out it was Gage behind the mask. I liked that it took time for them to get together, hence the slow burn tag.
It took time for the person behind it all to be revealed, and I did like that I did not see that coming. I thought there might be *some* redemption for a certain character, but she made her bed, now needs to deal with the fall out.
I liked that the scene is set for book 3. Comments made here lay out who is next, so I can't wait to read that!
Loved catching up with Juno and Arrow, and the guys at Maddox Security along with the BRAVO team.
This author is fast becoming a firm favourite. Not easy reads, sometimes the subject matter is difficult, but they easy TO read, you know? I know what I mean :-)
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Pretty Deadly Things series, but it's not necessary to read Make Them Bleed, book 1, first. Recommended by me, but not necessary.
River works with Gage, but he gets under her skin, not in a good way. When the online harassment gets personal and much closer to her than before, she turns to the dark web for help. Enter Mask, who promises he can make them cry. But who is he really, and just who can River trust, when people are dying?
I am really REALLY enjoying these books, this author in general!
One point I will make: there is a lot, and I mean A LOT of technical stuff in this one. There is a little directory at the beginning, but I will be honest and kinda glazed over those bits. Far too complicated computer lingo for me to follow but I really don't think I missed anything by not fully understanding.
I liked that it took a bit of time for River to figure out it was Gage behind the mask. I liked that it took time for them to get together, hence the slow burn tag.
It took time for the person behind it all to be revealed, and I did like that I did not see that coming. I thought there might be *some* redemption for a certain character, but she made her bed, now needs to deal with the fall out.
I liked that the scene is set for book 3. Comments made here lay out who is next, so I can't wait to read that!
Loved catching up with Juno and Arrow, and the guys at Maddox Security along with the BRAVO team.
This author is fast becoming a firm favourite. Not easy reads, sometimes the subject matter is difficult, but they easy TO read, you know? I know what I mean :-)
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Oliver the Ornament Boxed Gift Set in Books
Feb 24, 2021
<i>Oliver the Ornament </i>touched me in ways I cannot even explain. From the feel of the paper to the colorful illustration, to the thoughtful words. This book pulls you in and stays with you long after you have read it. Todd M. Zimmermann did a phenomenal job with the ideas he conveys in this book and I know it will be one I pass down for many generations to come.
When I first picked up <i>Oliver the Ornament </i> to read, I expected just another book about Christmas. What I got was so much more. Oliver pulled me into his story with his friends and family so much so that by the time I was done I could not stop thinking about my own cherished Christmas ornament memories. The story was easy to read, although more of a 7+ age range in terms of page length, but so engaging and colorful. I loved the page layouts and enjoyed the twists the author/illustrator used to interactively engage with the audience. The themes of always having something positive to say to others, the consequences of bullying, and remembering to hold on to memories no matter how small they may seem combined made this an endearing story. I also am thankful for the author's thoughtfulness in providing a place to write my own ornament stories in the back of the book. But I cannot forget one of the most important interactive aspects of the story, Oliver the ornament himself! He is well made, heavy-duty, and when I look at my tree now, I am reminded that <i>“Every Ornament Tells A Story”</i>.
This is one of my favorite Christmas stories ever as it encourages remembrance, communication between parents and their kids, and the themes of forgiveness, dealing with bullying, and the art of storytelling. I <b>HIGHLY</b> recommend this book for any age to read and enjoy. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
When I first picked up <i>Oliver the Ornament </i> to read, I expected just another book about Christmas. What I got was so much more. Oliver pulled me into his story with his friends and family so much so that by the time I was done I could not stop thinking about my own cherished Christmas ornament memories. The story was easy to read, although more of a 7+ age range in terms of page length, but so engaging and colorful. I loved the page layouts and enjoyed the twists the author/illustrator used to interactively engage with the audience. The themes of always having something positive to say to others, the consequences of bullying, and remembering to hold on to memories no matter how small they may seem combined made this an endearing story. I also am thankful for the author's thoughtfulness in providing a place to write my own ornament stories in the back of the book. But I cannot forget one of the most important interactive aspects of the story, Oliver the ornament himself! He is well made, heavy-duty, and when I look at my tree now, I am reminded that <i>“Every Ornament Tells A Story”</i>.
This is one of my favorite Christmas stories ever as it encourages remembrance, communication between parents and their kids, and the themes of forgiveness, dealing with bullying, and the art of storytelling. I <b>HIGHLY</b> recommend this book for any age to read and enjoy. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Washington Post Print Edition
News and Magazines & Newspapers
7.0
Rate It
App
THE WASHINGTON POST PRINT EDITION Enjoy a digital replica of each day’s print edition, down to...
Lindsay (1786 KP) rated Shades of Murder (Mac Faraday Mystery #3) in Books
Apr 16, 2022
Are you a murder mystery fan? Do you enjoy mystery altogether? You may fall in love with Lauren Carr. Her books will get you hooked. You and start any of her series by reading any one of her books. But you can read her books from the beginning. You can read any of her books as stand-alone as well.
I got hooked on her book by reading a mystery book of hers. Now I have read quite a few of them. The book I just finished is “Shades of Murder” in the form of an audiobook, book three of her Mac Faraday series. I have read almost all of her books in all of her series. They do get interlocked. Some readers may introduce you to new characters and a new series of books.
We started with the prologue of the story and murder in the preamble. We stand introduced to David and his parents, who are on vacation when we open this book. David stands called out to a crime scene. We want to know who killed Ilysa Ramsey.
We get introduced to Mac and his german shepherd in chapter one. When he receives a mysterious package sent to him, Archy wants to know. It seems like it was a painting that had stood stolen. We are wondering whether she painted her death.
Then we are introduced to Joshua Thornton and Cameron Gates. They seem to be working on a murder mystery of their own that when cold. Who is this Jane Doe?; Who kills her? Who happens to be Neil Hackaway’s wife?
What will happen when Cameron Gates and Joshua Thornton find out that there is another Ilysa Ramsey murder in Deep Creek Lake? Who out to kill who. Why does the FBI get involved? There seem to be more murders cases and lots of questions.
These cases seem to collide, and what will ever happen. Will the group work together and figure out the killer? Is there more than one killer? There may be a plan for each of the suspects years later. You will have to read or listen to find out how it all fits together.
I got hooked on her book by reading a mystery book of hers. Now I have read quite a few of them. The book I just finished is “Shades of Murder” in the form of an audiobook, book three of her Mac Faraday series. I have read almost all of her books in all of her series. They do get interlocked. Some readers may introduce you to new characters and a new series of books.
We started with the prologue of the story and murder in the preamble. We stand introduced to David and his parents, who are on vacation when we open this book. David stands called out to a crime scene. We want to know who killed Ilysa Ramsey.
We get introduced to Mac and his german shepherd in chapter one. When he receives a mysterious package sent to him, Archy wants to know. It seems like it was a painting that had stood stolen. We are wondering whether she painted her death.
Then we are introduced to Joshua Thornton and Cameron Gates. They seem to be working on a murder mystery of their own that when cold. Who is this Jane Doe?; Who kills her? Who happens to be Neil Hackaway’s wife?
What will happen when Cameron Gates and Joshua Thornton find out that there is another Ilysa Ramsey murder in Deep Creek Lake? Who out to kill who. Why does the FBI get involved? There seem to be more murders cases and lots of questions.
These cases seem to collide, and what will ever happen. Will the group work together and figure out the killer? Is there more than one killer? There may be a plan for each of the suspects years later. You will have to read or listen to find out how it all fits together.
Saffy Alexandra (89 KP) rated The Hobbit in Books
Jun 10, 2019
Characters (2 more)
Plot
Introduction and backstory to a character
What good is a book without a dragon or two in it?
The Hobbit is my all time favourite book not just as a child but as an adult as well, capturing my imagination and love from the first time I picked it up to it now being my go to book when I am feeling sad or when I need to feel like ‘home’.
This book is definitely not as lengthly as the it’s cousin, Lord of the Rings, but it holds a certain charm to it. We come to love the foolish but courageous Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, and follow his adventure to the lonely mountain with the rag-tag group of Dwarves and the mischievous and ever in trouble Gandalf the Grey.
Coming from a small town that was similar to Hobbiton (I was told that Tolkien actually based Hobbiton on the town I am from) I could relate so well to Bilbo when he had misgivings about leaving his home, but that urge for adventure and lust for the unknown was too much to resist.
This story, although quite sad at the end, is full of humour, wit and no end of riddles and charm that even the grumpiest reader should not be able to resist. Perhaps it is not the most powerful or awe-inspiring book, but I think that’s what makes it so great. It’s not trying to be the best book that you’ve ever read, it’s simply telling a story the best way it can, you can’t help but be drawn in to the characters and the descriptions that Tolkien gives you.
It might not be The Lord of the Rings, but to me it will always be my favourite and best book to keep with me wherever I go and I would be lost without it!
This book is definitely not as lengthly as the it’s cousin, Lord of the Rings, but it holds a certain charm to it. We come to love the foolish but courageous Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, and follow his adventure to the lonely mountain with the rag-tag group of Dwarves and the mischievous and ever in trouble Gandalf the Grey.
Coming from a small town that was similar to Hobbiton (I was told that Tolkien actually based Hobbiton on the town I am from) I could relate so well to Bilbo when he had misgivings about leaving his home, but that urge for adventure and lust for the unknown was too much to resist.
This story, although quite sad at the end, is full of humour, wit and no end of riddles and charm that even the grumpiest reader should not be able to resist. Perhaps it is not the most powerful or awe-inspiring book, but I think that’s what makes it so great. It’s not trying to be the best book that you’ve ever read, it’s simply telling a story the best way it can, you can’t help but be drawn in to the characters and the descriptions that Tolkien gives you.
It might not be The Lord of the Rings, but to me it will always be my favourite and best book to keep with me wherever I go and I would be lost without it!
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Patient One (Walnut Creek, #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I've been leery of reading a Shelley Shepard Gray novel for awhile now. She was one of my favorites for a long time, but something in her writing style changed, and I just steered clear of her work for a while. But, when I read the synopsis for this one, something called me to it. I'm glad I gave it a chance.
This book is filled with emotions I am still working through. As someone who has dealt with different kinds of death, from suicide to unexpected, this really hit home with me. The characters are tenderly chiseled and woven into an unforgettable plot line.
The messages that Gray adds to the story for Andy's friends, the forgiveness, the hope, the redemption is all powerfully included in this page turning novel. I saw, rather than read this story. It moved off the pages and played out before me like a movie on the big screen. The tissues definitely came in handy, that's for sure!
Through the words of Shelley Shepard Gray, I understood death a little better. Through her words, I understood the power of friendship just a little bit more. These friends endured confusion and pain, yet with God, and Andy's friendship, they came together and healed.
This is a 4 star book that everyone should read. It's emotionally moving and soul gripping. I highly recommend this first book in her new series, and I am already looking forward to book 2.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
This book is filled with emotions I am still working through. As someone who has dealt with different kinds of death, from suicide to unexpected, this really hit home with me. The characters are tenderly chiseled and woven into an unforgettable plot line.
The messages that Gray adds to the story for Andy's friends, the forgiveness, the hope, the redemption is all powerfully included in this page turning novel. I saw, rather than read this story. It moved off the pages and played out before me like a movie on the big screen. The tissues definitely came in handy, that's for sure!
Through the words of Shelley Shepard Gray, I understood death a little better. Through her words, I understood the power of friendship just a little bit more. These friends endured confusion and pain, yet with God, and Andy's friendship, they came together and healed.
This is a 4 star book that everyone should read. It's emotionally moving and soul gripping. I highly recommend this first book in her new series, and I am already looking forward to book 2.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Pictures of Lily in Books
Sep 6, 2019
I really liked this!
Like Paige's latest book, The Sun in her Eyes, this too focuses on first loves but we actually read it happen so we fall for Ben at the same time. There's an age difference between them but for the ten years later bit it isn't as much of a problem. But what's to happen when Lily is already with someone else?
One thing I really like about these books is that Paige interlinks the books in various ways with characters that were main ones in previous books becoming secondary in later books e.g. Josh from this is one of the secondary characters in The Sun in her Eyes, and Lily from this is the main character in Lucy in the Sky. Everyone's favourite band is Fence, which is Johnny Jefferson's--from Johnny be Good's--band.
Now I'm going to be good with my reading marathon of Paige Toon's books and start reading them in order but first I'll have to read [b:Lucy in the Sky|1032295|Lucy in the Sky|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328707137s/1032295.jpg|1018573] since it was the first book she ever wrote and I've already read books 2 ([b:Johnny Be Good|2274457|Johnny Be Good (Johnny Be Good, #1)|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327919693s/2274457.jpg|2280480]), 3 ([b:Chasing Daisy|6450060|Chasing Daisy|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327919799s/6450060.jpg|6640188], 4 ([b:Pictures of Lily|7134057|Pictures of Lily|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1269790608s/7134057.jpg|7396938])-this one-and 5 ([b:Baby Be Mine|9566822|Baby Be Mine (Johnny Be Good, #2)|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1307174722s/9566822.jpg|14453585]
Like Paige's latest book, The Sun in her Eyes, this too focuses on first loves but we actually read it happen so we fall for Ben at the same time. There's an age difference between them but for the ten years later bit it isn't as much of a problem. But what's to happen when Lily is already with someone else?
One thing I really like about these books is that Paige interlinks the books in various ways with characters that were main ones in previous books becoming secondary in later books e.g. Josh from this is one of the secondary characters in The Sun in her Eyes, and Lily from this is the main character in Lucy in the Sky. Everyone's favourite band is Fence, which is Johnny Jefferson's--from Johnny be Good's--band.
Now I'm going to be good with my reading marathon of Paige Toon's books and start reading them in order but first I'll have to read [b:Lucy in the Sky|1032295|Lucy in the Sky|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328707137s/1032295.jpg|1018573] since it was the first book she ever wrote and I've already read books 2 ([b:Johnny Be Good|2274457|Johnny Be Good (Johnny Be Good, #1)|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327919693s/2274457.jpg|2280480]), 3 ([b:Chasing Daisy|6450060|Chasing Daisy|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327919799s/6450060.jpg|6640188], 4 ([b:Pictures of Lily|7134057|Pictures of Lily|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1269790608s/7134057.jpg|7396938])-this one-and 5 ([b:Baby Be Mine|9566822|Baby Be Mine (Johnny Be Good, #2)|Paige Toon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1307174722s/9566822.jpg|14453585]