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Death of a Russian Doll
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It’s all fun and games with toyshop owner Liz McCall until deadly secrets are unwrapped upon the...
Find You There
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Lyric Meadows is used to being overlooked. Lovingly called Peanut for as long as she can...
Adult Contemporary LGBTQ+ Romance
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated One Enchanted Evening ( The Buckingham Hotel book 1) in Books
Jan 16, 2022
10 of 230
Book
One Enchanted Evening ( The Buckingham Hotel book 1)
By Anton DuBeke
London, 1936.
Inside the spectacular Grand Ballroom of the exclusive Buckingham Hotel the rich and powerful, politicians, film stars, even royalty, rub shoulders with Raymond de Guise and his troupe of talented dancers from all around the world, who must enchant them, captivate them, and sweep away their cares. Accustomed to waltzing with the highest of society, Raymond knows a secret from his past could threaten all he holds dear.
Nancy Nettleton, new chambermaid at the Buckingham, finds hotel life a struggle after leaving her small hometown. She dreams of joining the dancers on the ballroom floor as she watches, unseen, from behind plush curtains and hidden doorways. She soon discovers everyone at the Buckingham - guests and staff alike - has something to hide . . .
The storm clouds of war are gathering, and beneath the glitz and glamour of the ballroom lurks an irresistible world of scandal and secrets.
Let's dance . . .
Well I was not expecting that! I loved this book the only reason I put it down was to sleep! I never in a million years would have picked this book up as I’m not a huge fan of the author but it came to me through a surprise subscription and I’m so glad I decided to read it! Set in an era I adore with all the glitz and glamour as well as little dark little secrets of the characters that make them human. I really recommend this to anyone who likes 1930s drama settings.
Book
One Enchanted Evening ( The Buckingham Hotel book 1)
By Anton DuBeke
London, 1936.
Inside the spectacular Grand Ballroom of the exclusive Buckingham Hotel the rich and powerful, politicians, film stars, even royalty, rub shoulders with Raymond de Guise and his troupe of talented dancers from all around the world, who must enchant them, captivate them, and sweep away their cares. Accustomed to waltzing with the highest of society, Raymond knows a secret from his past could threaten all he holds dear.
Nancy Nettleton, new chambermaid at the Buckingham, finds hotel life a struggle after leaving her small hometown. She dreams of joining the dancers on the ballroom floor as she watches, unseen, from behind plush curtains and hidden doorways. She soon discovers everyone at the Buckingham - guests and staff alike - has something to hide . . .
The storm clouds of war are gathering, and beneath the glitz and glamour of the ballroom lurks an irresistible world of scandal and secrets.
Let's dance . . .
Well I was not expecting that! I loved this book the only reason I put it down was to sleep! I never in a million years would have picked this book up as I’m not a huge fan of the author but it came to me through a surprise subscription and I’m so glad I decided to read it! Set in an era I adore with all the glitz and glamour as well as little dark little secrets of the characters that make them human. I really recommend this to anyone who likes 1930s drama settings.
A Winter Memory
Book
A house full of secrets lies at the heart A Winter Memory from Sunday Times top ten bestselling...
Lee (2222 KP) rated The Front Runner (2018) in Movies
Jan 8, 2019
Hugh Jackman (1 more)
J.K. Simmons
Enjoyable, great performances from all
I don't really follow, or know very much about American politics. Trying to cope with whatever Brexit nonsense is happening here in the UK on a daily basis is more than enough for me, so aside from face palming at whatever rubbish Donald Trump is currently spewing on Twitter, I'm fairly oblivious to it all. Back in 1988, I would have more likely been playing Super Mario World, than taking interest in former Colorado senator Gary Hart, who became the front runner for the Democratic presidential nomination. So why then would I be interested in watching a movie about him and the scandal he became involved in so close to achieving his dream of presidency? Well, when the movie stars versatile man of the moment Hugh Jackman as Gary Hart, along with another two of my favourite actors (Vera Farmiga and J.K. Simmons), then I'm more than happy to give it a shot!
The movie opens with Hart currently riding high, with only three weeks to go until the nomination. He's a very charismatic man, intelligent, and clearly striking a chord with the voters. His path to the White House seems clear and certain. But, as the opening on-screen titles remind us, a lot can happen in three weeks...
Those three weeks, for the most part, run pretty smoothly, giving us a chance to get to know Hart and the vast number of supporting characters as the campaign progresses through its final stages. J.K. Simmons is campaign manager Bill Dixon, brilliant and often hilarious in every scene he's in. Vera Farmiga plays Harts wife Lee, slightly underused in the role of supportive wife placed in a difficult position. Elsewhere, there are plenty of strong supporting characters, both throughout the campaign team and within the news teams that are tasked with following Hart around the country. One of those reporters eventually gets wind of a potential story, although he initially doesn't believe the young nervous girl phoning his office one night, telling him about her friend who is due to go and meet with Hart at the weekend. A last minute change in Harts schedule for the weekend leads the reporter to suspect there may be some truth to the phone call and he follows up on the lead, staking out Harts townhouse in a bid to get some dirt on him.
When the dirt does start to come out, Hart attempts to brush it aside. We've already seen what a private man he is, baffled as to why anyone would want to see him posing for photos with his family in People magazine. He believes that his policies and the politician that he is are all that matters, and that the public aren't interested in his private life at all, so all of this will just blow over. His staff rally round to try and contain the story and work out what to do with the woman involved in the scandal, while Harts wife and daughter deal with the fallout back home. All the while, the reporters and TV are having a field day. Every part of the story is interesting, and the characters involved are all superb. What always helps a movie like this though is when it is based on true events and what helps it even more is the fantastic cast, who all do a brilliant job at making this a very enjoyable movie.
The movie opens with Hart currently riding high, with only three weeks to go until the nomination. He's a very charismatic man, intelligent, and clearly striking a chord with the voters. His path to the White House seems clear and certain. But, as the opening on-screen titles remind us, a lot can happen in three weeks...
Those three weeks, for the most part, run pretty smoothly, giving us a chance to get to know Hart and the vast number of supporting characters as the campaign progresses through its final stages. J.K. Simmons is campaign manager Bill Dixon, brilliant and often hilarious in every scene he's in. Vera Farmiga plays Harts wife Lee, slightly underused in the role of supportive wife placed in a difficult position. Elsewhere, there are plenty of strong supporting characters, both throughout the campaign team and within the news teams that are tasked with following Hart around the country. One of those reporters eventually gets wind of a potential story, although he initially doesn't believe the young nervous girl phoning his office one night, telling him about her friend who is due to go and meet with Hart at the weekend. A last minute change in Harts schedule for the weekend leads the reporter to suspect there may be some truth to the phone call and he follows up on the lead, staking out Harts townhouse in a bid to get some dirt on him.
When the dirt does start to come out, Hart attempts to brush it aside. We've already seen what a private man he is, baffled as to why anyone would want to see him posing for photos with his family in People magazine. He believes that his policies and the politician that he is are all that matters, and that the public aren't interested in his private life at all, so all of this will just blow over. His staff rally round to try and contain the story and work out what to do with the woman involved in the scandal, while Harts wife and daughter deal with the fallout back home. All the while, the reporters and TV are having a field day. Every part of the story is interesting, and the characters involved are all superb. What always helps a movie like this though is when it is based on true events and what helps it even more is the fantastic cast, who all do a brilliant job at making this a very enjoyable movie.
Bee (3 KP) rated Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) in Movies
Feb 9, 2019
A good film, not a good biopic
Contains spoilers, click to show
After all my friends have been obsessing over this film, I have finally watched it.
And I have to say, I was disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it is a good film with great visuals, the reshoot of Live Aid was brilliant, Rami Malek was at his best and the singing of Marc Martel was stunning.
But the film, which is supposed to be a biopic blatantly disregards reality or changes it dramatically for a better cinematic effect. While this not a rare thing, the affect of Brian May and Roger Taylor having so much control over the film simply resulted in a very opinionated film that, at least for me, does not do justice to Freddie Mercury or Queen.
The whole point of it being a biopic is lost when facts like how the band met or how Freddie started singing are completely changed, and even small ones, like his proposal, or crucial ones, like the well-known scandal of Live Aid are changed so much.
I did not judge the film based on this, but I think it's also important to note how the studio awarded director billing to Bryan Singer who abandoned the shoot two-thirds along and left Dexter Fletcher to try to pick up the pieces, finish the shoot, editing and any extra shoots. It's only an insult that after all this, they also put Singer forward for awards.
So I do admit that it is an entertaining and good film, but does not do justice to Mercury and can hardly be considered to be a good biopic.
And I have to say, I was disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it is a good film with great visuals, the reshoot of Live Aid was brilliant, Rami Malek was at his best and the singing of Marc Martel was stunning.
But the film, which is supposed to be a biopic blatantly disregards reality or changes it dramatically for a better cinematic effect. While this not a rare thing, the affect of Brian May and Roger Taylor having so much control over the film simply resulted in a very opinionated film that, at least for me, does not do justice to Freddie Mercury or Queen.
The whole point of it being a biopic is lost when facts like how the band met or how Freddie started singing are completely changed, and even small ones, like his proposal, or crucial ones, like the well-known scandal of Live Aid are changed so much.
I did not judge the film based on this, but I think it's also important to note how the studio awarded director billing to Bryan Singer who abandoned the shoot two-thirds along and left Dexter Fletcher to try to pick up the pieces, finish the shoot, editing and any extra shoots. It's only an insult that after all this, they also put Singer forward for awards.
So I do admit that it is an entertaining and good film, but does not do justice to Mercury and can hardly be considered to be a good biopic.
Carolyn Miller has done it again! She has created a wonderfully written, hope-inspiring novel that is sure to sweet all her fans, new and old alike, off their feet and plop them down in a whole new world filled with uniquely witty characters. I was once again in awe of the way Ms. Miller captured my whole heart and left me wanting more.
In this addition to the series, we get Miss DeLancey's story. I loved her in the first books, and I loved her in this book. She was dealing with so much, from scandal to rejection (I've been there on both accounts!), and I felt her emotions as my own. She just wanted to be loved for herself and it was quite hard with her circumstances. But, then Ms. Miller brings Ben into the story, and oh my goodness did I ever fall in love! I loved his character and cheered for him and Miss DeLancey so much through the story.
A story of hope, forgiveness and relying on God in times when you want to give up, Ms. Miller has concluded this series with a bang. Five stars, hats off and two thumbs up, this is one book you want on your wish list this holiday season! I can't wait to see what Ms. Miller brings her fans next. If they are books like this one, then I know I'm in for a witty, charming regency novel that will sweep me to the heart of England. Well done, Ms. Miller!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
In this addition to the series, we get Miss DeLancey's story. I loved her in the first books, and I loved her in this book. She was dealing with so much, from scandal to rejection (I've been there on both accounts!), and I felt her emotions as my own. She just wanted to be loved for herself and it was quite hard with her circumstances. But, then Ms. Miller brings Ben into the story, and oh my goodness did I ever fall in love! I loved his character and cheered for him and Miss DeLancey so much through the story.
A story of hope, forgiveness and relying on God in times when you want to give up, Ms. Miller has concluded this series with a bang. Five stars, hats off and two thumbs up, this is one book you want on your wish list this holiday season! I can't wait to see what Ms. Miller brings her fans next. If they are books like this one, then I know I'm in for a witty, charming regency novel that will sweep me to the heart of England. Well done, Ms. Miller!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Isabel Smith (34 KP) rated The Wife Between Us in Books
Jun 26, 2018
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE MOVIE!!!!
Dear Reader,
They think I’m crazy, that I’m unstable and unreliable. I promise I’m not. I have been paranoid, yes. I have put on an act before, for sure. I have been involved in more than one scandal, it’s true. But I am not crazy, regardless of what my ex-husband would have you believe. He is an expert manipulator, a master of deceit, a specialist in the art of charisma. Read my story and you’ll see. There have been plenty of us, the women in Richard’s life. It all starts out the same each time; he’ll sweep you off your feet and shower you with love and lavish gifts. Eventually, though, you will do something wrong…something he doesn’t like. Then the mind games begin. The surveillance emerges. The attacks come out of nowhere. Love gives way to entrapment as he pulls the noose tighter and tighter. Just as it all starts the same, it always ends the same too. But I got away. Now, I need to make sure he can never hurt anyone again. So, read my story and stay away. Stay away from men like Richard.
Take extra care,
Vanessa Thompson
P.S. Don’t let this new psychological thriller slip you by. Read it now, before the buzz of its upcoming movie adaptation hits hard and makes the waitlist a mile long. It’s got so many layers that you’ll get to peel back as you rush through the storyline. Some will surprise you by how subtle they are and others will slap you in the face and make you question what you just read.
They think I’m crazy, that I’m unstable and unreliable. I promise I’m not. I have been paranoid, yes. I have put on an act before, for sure. I have been involved in more than one scandal, it’s true. But I am not crazy, regardless of what my ex-husband would have you believe. He is an expert manipulator, a master of deceit, a specialist in the art of charisma. Read my story and you’ll see. There have been plenty of us, the women in Richard’s life. It all starts out the same each time; he’ll sweep you off your feet and shower you with love and lavish gifts. Eventually, though, you will do something wrong…something he doesn’t like. Then the mind games begin. The surveillance emerges. The attacks come out of nowhere. Love gives way to entrapment as he pulls the noose tighter and tighter. Just as it all starts the same, it always ends the same too. But I got away. Now, I need to make sure he can never hurt anyone again. So, read my story and stay away. Stay away from men like Richard.
Take extra care,
Vanessa Thompson
P.S. Don’t let this new psychological thriller slip you by. Read it now, before the buzz of its upcoming movie adaptation hits hard and makes the waitlist a mile long. It’s got so many layers that you’ll get to peel back as you rush through the storyline. Some will surprise you by how subtle they are and others will slap you in the face and make you question what you just read.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated An Unpresentable Glory in Books
Nov 4, 2019
I trusted you, and some day, you may know just how much you hold in your hands. Linda Jensen leads a relatively quiet life in Westchester County, New York, as the owner of a highly acclaimed garden. Inherited from her parents, the garden is her pride and joy. It is not so joyful finding a strange man sprawled near her delphiniums! The mysterious man is sick, unable to do anything more than drink waterand beg for secrecy. Ignoring all alarm bells, Linda sees to his needs, but her caring act takes on unexpected significance, and unpresentable glory. Seeds of trust, and perhaps love, are planted in Lindas garden haven. But as secrets are revealed and scandal hits the headlines, the act of caring for this man threatens to tarnish both of their reputations. Like weeds in Lindas garden, circumstances threaten to choke out their fledgling relationship, and small moments prove to be the biggest influencerson a national scale.
My Thoughts: What would you do if you found a sick stranger on your doorstep? That's what Linda Jensen came home to one afternoon that changed her life. Her caring changed another persons life. It showed "Jay" what true caring and trust really was.
This was an interesting read that keeps the readers' attention. All the characters were powerful in this novel and helped in supporting the storyline.
This novel is about trust, integrity, loyalty and loving God. It's about trusting God in every situation. The author has a way of writing to keep readers' interest throughout the book.
This is a good story for everyone.
????
My Thoughts: What would you do if you found a sick stranger on your doorstep? That's what Linda Jensen came home to one afternoon that changed her life. Her caring changed another persons life. It showed "Jay" what true caring and trust really was.
This was an interesting read that keeps the readers' attention. All the characters were powerful in this novel and helped in supporting the storyline.
This novel is about trust, integrity, loyalty and loving God. It's about trusting God in every situation. The author has a way of writing to keep readers' interest throughout the book.
This is a good story for everyone.
????
JT (287 KP) rated Frost/Nixon (2008) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
"Hello, Good Evening and Welcome”, David Frost’s suave and debonair talk show host, up against Richard Nixon a President draped in controversy while all the while standing firm in his beliefs.
It’s a political boxing match, and quite literally a no holds barred, gloves off interview that pushed the images and personalities of both men to breaking point.
Michael Sheen is fast becoming the go to guy for character transformations, having already stepped into the shoes of such iconic characters like Brian Clough, Tony Blair and Kenneth Williams. Here though it’s his David Frost that he nails without so much as a shake of his perfectly styled hair.
Not to be out done, Frank Langella portrays Nixon to almost perfection. Nixon was a man seemingly on his knees after the Watergate scandal all but ended his reign as President of the United States. He quickly resigned and was pardoned by new President Gerald Ford.
A lucky escape one might say, but Nixon felt he’d still done nothing wrong and was prepared to go on national TV to prove it, although he never expected anyone quite like David Frost.
Director Ron Howard acts like an off screen promoter as he builds the characters up from the beginning, looking at each sides battle plan as they tried to second guess questions and topics that might arise during four separate interviews to be blended into one.
The supporting cast are brilliant also, with Kevin Bacon, Matthew Macfadyen, Sam Rockwell and Oliver Platt all giving assured performances.
It’s a very well scripted and expertly directed film that will be easy for all to follow.
It’s a political boxing match, and quite literally a no holds barred, gloves off interview that pushed the images and personalities of both men to breaking point.
Michael Sheen is fast becoming the go to guy for character transformations, having already stepped into the shoes of such iconic characters like Brian Clough, Tony Blair and Kenneth Williams. Here though it’s his David Frost that he nails without so much as a shake of his perfectly styled hair.
Not to be out done, Frank Langella portrays Nixon to almost perfection. Nixon was a man seemingly on his knees after the Watergate scandal all but ended his reign as President of the United States. He quickly resigned and was pardoned by new President Gerald Ford.
A lucky escape one might say, but Nixon felt he’d still done nothing wrong and was prepared to go on national TV to prove it, although he never expected anyone quite like David Frost.
Director Ron Howard acts like an off screen promoter as he builds the characters up from the beginning, looking at each sides battle plan as they tried to second guess questions and topics that might arise during four separate interviews to be blended into one.
The supporting cast are brilliant also, with Kevin Bacon, Matthew Macfadyen, Sam Rockwell and Oliver Platt all giving assured performances.
It’s a very well scripted and expertly directed film that will be easy for all to follow.