Search
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Night Swim (2024) in Movies
Jan 5, 2024
The first major release of 2024 has arrived in the form of “Night Swim” and the Blumhouse production looks to follow on the success of “M3gan” and
their other recent hit “Five Nights at Freddy’s”.
The movie stars Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon as Ray and Eve Walter; a married couple trying to raise their two children and deal with Ray’s M.S.
diagnosis. Ray is a former Major League Baseball player and holds out hope that he can overcome his situation and make a return to his profession even if those around him do not.
A life on the road has caused Ray to miss many events such as the birth of their daughter as well as be distant from their son. A new job at a prestigious school offers Eve a chance to have the needed insurance for Ray and work to do while she completes her degree.
The family opt to purchase a home with a pool versus renting as the ability to finally have some stability and use the pool for therapy is a welcome combination. This is enhanced by the discovery that the pool is
actually filled by a natural water source which Ray believes is healing him and rapidly putting him on the road to recovery.
Things are not as they seem as the pool holds some dark and deadly secrets that go back for decades and the family soon finds themselves dealing
with forces beyond their control as they desperately try to survive.
The film has an interesting premise though at times I did think about various other films and some of the shock moments failed to get me as they did others in the audience but I am not one who startles easily.
The cast was strong but at times I found myself not caring as much for the outcomes of certain characters as I was more concerned with the overall
explanation behind the supernatural elements of the film.
Despite this, it was an enjoyable watch that provided something a bit different than the usual monster or psycho on the loose horror film and Co-Writer/ Director Bryce McGuire has adapted his short film well into a
film which provides just enough of what the core audience wants to make it an effective horror entry.
3 stars out of 5
their other recent hit “Five Nights at Freddy’s”.
The movie stars Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon as Ray and Eve Walter; a married couple trying to raise their two children and deal with Ray’s M.S.
diagnosis. Ray is a former Major League Baseball player and holds out hope that he can overcome his situation and make a return to his profession even if those around him do not.
A life on the road has caused Ray to miss many events such as the birth of their daughter as well as be distant from their son. A new job at a prestigious school offers Eve a chance to have the needed insurance for Ray and work to do while she completes her degree.
The family opt to purchase a home with a pool versus renting as the ability to finally have some stability and use the pool for therapy is a welcome combination. This is enhanced by the discovery that the pool is
actually filled by a natural water source which Ray believes is healing him and rapidly putting him on the road to recovery.
Things are not as they seem as the pool holds some dark and deadly secrets that go back for decades and the family soon finds themselves dealing
with forces beyond their control as they desperately try to survive.
The film has an interesting premise though at times I did think about various other films and some of the shock moments failed to get me as they did others in the audience but I am not one who startles easily.
The cast was strong but at times I found myself not caring as much for the outcomes of certain characters as I was more concerned with the overall
explanation behind the supernatural elements of the film.
Despite this, it was an enjoyable watch that provided something a bit different than the usual monster or psycho on the loose horror film and Co-Writer/ Director Bryce McGuire has adapted his short film well into a
film which provides just enough of what the core audience wants to make it an effective horror entry.
3 stars out of 5
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Her Healing (Healing Duet #2) in Books
May 19, 2025
some on page violence to Harlow that you need to be aware of!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the second book in the Healing Duet and you really MUST read book 1, Healing Her, before this one. It follows on and you need that book's story to follow what happens next.
Keiron will be Calvin's Beta, once he takes over the pack. Leaving for Aberdeen didn't quite turn out to be the week he expected. Finding his mate in the hands of a sex trafficking ring, was not on his to-do list! Harlow has been caught by an enemy unknown. Being rescued at the point she was, meant she could go home. But why was her wolf so hell bent on staying near the beta wolf who rescued the girls?
Now, I wasn't too impressed with book 1 in this duet, but book 2 was far FAR better.
There is some on page violence to Harlow, and you need to be aware of it. I do think it's necessary for the plot though, as much as I hated reading it. And the bad guy does get his comeuppance!
I loved that Keiron, while not happy, nor was his wolf, let Harlow decide whether she wanted to come to him, or not, after her recovery at home. her wolf wasn't happy to leave Keiron, but she knew they had to try to heal, at home. Once Harlow goes to Keiron, they both instantly start to feel better.
I didn't like what Paisleigh gets Harlow to do, but then again, as she says, she is a big girl and can make her own choices about her actions.
Again, first person, present tense and multi point of view. I didn't notice it quite so much here, maybe because I enjoyed this book more.
I did think I could see some other pairings between the supporting cast, and I wonder if there will be any more of this pack, I would enjoy catching up with them!
Oh one thing: it says that THIS book is some 70 pages shorter than book 1. I didn't find that, I thought this was a lot longer!
Still, a much better read than book 1, so. . .
4 solid stars
* same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the second book in the Healing Duet and you really MUST read book 1, Healing Her, before this one. It follows on and you need that book's story to follow what happens next.
Keiron will be Calvin's Beta, once he takes over the pack. Leaving for Aberdeen didn't quite turn out to be the week he expected. Finding his mate in the hands of a sex trafficking ring, was not on his to-do list! Harlow has been caught by an enemy unknown. Being rescued at the point she was, meant she could go home. But why was her wolf so hell bent on staying near the beta wolf who rescued the girls?
Now, I wasn't too impressed with book 1 in this duet, but book 2 was far FAR better.
There is some on page violence to Harlow, and you need to be aware of it. I do think it's necessary for the plot though, as much as I hated reading it. And the bad guy does get his comeuppance!
I loved that Keiron, while not happy, nor was his wolf, let Harlow decide whether she wanted to come to him, or not, after her recovery at home. her wolf wasn't happy to leave Keiron, but she knew they had to try to heal, at home. Once Harlow goes to Keiron, they both instantly start to feel better.
I didn't like what Paisleigh gets Harlow to do, but then again, as she says, she is a big girl and can make her own choices about her actions.
Again, first person, present tense and multi point of view. I didn't notice it quite so much here, maybe because I enjoyed this book more.
I did think I could see some other pairings between the supporting cast, and I wonder if there will be any more of this pack, I would enjoy catching up with them!
Oh one thing: it says that THIS book is some 70 pages shorter than book 1. I didn't find that, I thought this was a lot longer!
Still, a much better read than book 1, so. . .
4 solid stars
* same worded review will appear elsewhere
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Rachel's Dream in Books
Jun 14, 2018
Rachel’s Dream by Lisa Jones Baker is the third book in Hope Chest of Dreams series. Rachel Kauffmann is eighteen years old, and her hope chest contains her journal with her secret dreams for her life. Rachel loves the family horse Cinnamon and is worried about her. Her father calls out the new vet Dr. Jarred Zimmerman. Jarred is instantly attracted to Rachel’s sweet, caring nature and glass half full attitude. Rachel appreciates Jarred’s love for animals and his caring personality. Cinnamon is very ill and Rachel prays for his recovery. She is grateful for Jarred doing everything possible to save the horse. Rachel and Jarred get to know each other when Jarred visits to check on Cinnamon. Rachel learns that Jarred has not gotten over a tragic incident when he way four years old. It forever changed Jarred. Rachel encourages him to contact his parents to resolve the matter. Jarred is amazed at Grace’s faith and optimism. The pair are quickly falling for each other, but the path to happiness is not a smooth one. If they are to have a future together, God will show them the way.
Rachel’s Dream is easy to read and ties in nicely with the other two books in the series. The main character; Rachel, is eighteen. Rachel leans on God and prays about everything expecting all prayers to be answered. Jarred, an English vet, was given up by his parent’s as a young boy and was raised by a Mennonite couple. Rachel’s sick horse brings them together in the beginning and helps them to develop a deeper relationship.
The book is a sweet, love story of an Englisher and Amish falling in love. I love how he joins the church and the fact that it is not only for her but that he has been living with these thoughts for some time. I did have some issues getting started with the book. It took a little bit of time for me to get started. Another issue I noted was that every prayer that Rachel mentioned in the book, was answered just how she prayed. It might have been more realistic if everything didn’t fall into place so unrealistically.
I did enjoy this book and recommend it to others. It was a great story-line with just a few holes in some places. I loved the idea and that love did prevail in the end. I also loved that the horse lived.
I received this ARC copy from Kensington Books and Zebra publishing companies via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel’s Dream is easy to read and ties in nicely with the other two books in the series. The main character; Rachel, is eighteen. Rachel leans on God and prays about everything expecting all prayers to be answered. Jarred, an English vet, was given up by his parent’s as a young boy and was raised by a Mennonite couple. Rachel’s sick horse brings them together in the beginning and helps them to develop a deeper relationship.
The book is a sweet, love story of an Englisher and Amish falling in love. I love how he joins the church and the fact that it is not only for her but that he has been living with these thoughts for some time. I did have some issues getting started with the book. It took a little bit of time for me to get started. Another issue I noted was that every prayer that Rachel mentioned in the book, was answered just how she prayed. It might have been more realistic if everything didn’t fall into place so unrealistically.
I did enjoy this book and recommend it to others. It was a great story-line with just a few holes in some places. I loved the idea and that love did prevail in the end. I also loved that the horse lived.
I received this ARC copy from Kensington Books and Zebra publishing companies via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated But Then I Came Back in Books
Dec 14, 2018
<i>This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review </i>
Estelle Laure’s second Young Adult novel is due for publication with promises of a unique storyline. <i>But Then I Came Back</i> is about life after a near death experience, and the ways it alters your view of the world. Eden was lucky to wake up from a month long coma after being involved in a terrible accident. However, life cannot immediately go back to the way things were. With a mountain of therapy sessions ahead of her to relearn how to swallow and walk, Eden feels her ballet career is over before it even had a chance to start. And, graduating from high school does not seem likely either.
In the hospital, there is another girl in a coma who has not been as lucky as Eden. Not knowing whether she will ever wake up, Eden becomes obsessed with Jasmine, especially as she is certain she saw her in a dream-like state whilst she was unconscious. Eden also becomes fascinated with Jasmine’s only visitor, Joe, and for his sake is desperate to help wake Jasmine up.
Bordering on paranormal, Eden and Joe experiment with ways of reaching Jasmine, wherever she may be. As their relationship blossoms, Jasmine deteriorates, and soon Joe must make a decision: let Jasmine go, or keep trying, knowing she will not be the same person if she wakes.
Eden’s personality will resonate with book lovers as she is forever quoting from literature. On the other hand, her behaviour is initially antagonistic, which makes it hard for the reader to give her any sympathy. As a result, it takes some time to get into the story.
When Eden wakes up, she is obviously confused and unwell, which affects the way she behaves. I did not like her as a person, and therefore was not that interested in the book. It was also difficult to pin point the key theme of the novel. Was the paranormal theme the main concept, or Eden’s recovery and relationship with Joe? Neither of these was explored deeply. There was scope for so much more, especially the prospect of an in between – a limbo between life and death.
<i>But Then I Came Back</i> is a little disappointing; the blurb promises something special, but all we are given is a teen romance, and not a very interesting one. Estelle Laure is a good writer; nevertheless her storyline was underdeveloped.
Estelle Laure’s second Young Adult novel is due for publication with promises of a unique storyline. <i>But Then I Came Back</i> is about life after a near death experience, and the ways it alters your view of the world. Eden was lucky to wake up from a month long coma after being involved in a terrible accident. However, life cannot immediately go back to the way things were. With a mountain of therapy sessions ahead of her to relearn how to swallow and walk, Eden feels her ballet career is over before it even had a chance to start. And, graduating from high school does not seem likely either.
In the hospital, there is another girl in a coma who has not been as lucky as Eden. Not knowing whether she will ever wake up, Eden becomes obsessed with Jasmine, especially as she is certain she saw her in a dream-like state whilst she was unconscious. Eden also becomes fascinated with Jasmine’s only visitor, Joe, and for his sake is desperate to help wake Jasmine up.
Bordering on paranormal, Eden and Joe experiment with ways of reaching Jasmine, wherever she may be. As their relationship blossoms, Jasmine deteriorates, and soon Joe must make a decision: let Jasmine go, or keep trying, knowing she will not be the same person if she wakes.
Eden’s personality will resonate with book lovers as she is forever quoting from literature. On the other hand, her behaviour is initially antagonistic, which makes it hard for the reader to give her any sympathy. As a result, it takes some time to get into the story.
When Eden wakes up, she is obviously confused and unwell, which affects the way she behaves. I did not like her as a person, and therefore was not that interested in the book. It was also difficult to pin point the key theme of the novel. Was the paranormal theme the main concept, or Eden’s recovery and relationship with Joe? Neither of these was explored deeply. There was scope for so much more, especially the prospect of an in between – a limbo between life and death.
<i>But Then I Came Back</i> is a little disappointing; the blurb promises something special, but all we are given is a teen romance, and not a very interesting one. Estelle Laure is a good writer; nevertheless her storyline was underdeveloped.
TotalReader for iPad - The BEST eBook reader for epub, fb2, pdf, djvu, mobi, rtf, txt, chm, cbz, cbr
Book and Productivity
App
The BEST application for reading books: *.fb2, *.epub, *.mobi, *.chm, *.fbz, *.rtf, *.txt (all...
Dexteria - Fine Motor Skill Development
Medical and Education
App
Dexteria turns your iOS device into a therapeutic tool that improves fine motor skills and...
Hospital Medical Coding - RVU,HCPCS,and CPT codes
Medical and Productivity
App
Code inpatient visits with confidence using Hospital Coding. Nearly 20% of office visits to primary...
Faces from the Front: Harold Gillies, the Queen's Hospital, Sidcup and the Origins of Modern Plastic Surgery
Book
Faces from the Front examines the British response to the huge number of soldiers who incurred...
Debt Restructuring
Rodrigo Olivares-Caminal, Alan Kornberg, Sarah Paterson and John Douglas
Book
The new second edition of Debt Restructuring provides detailed legal analysis of international...
Bunker Fuel for Marine Engine: A Technical Introduction
Book
Bunker Fuel for Marine Engines - A Technical Introduction sheds light on the complicated...